DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

507-226-8121 [email protected]

How to Help Identify & Remove Ice Dams

By

https://youtu.be/D8riZxntSQY://

Joy and I recently had an ice dam on our home. This video and post from Travelers (one of the excellent companies I represent) helped me solve the problem before it became a much bigger problem.

Sometimes, even your best efforts to prevent an ice dam may not be enough. Knowing what an ice dam is, how to identify one and how to help remove it is important to protect your roof and home from potential damage during the snowy, winter months.

What Is an Ice Dam?

Ice dams may form when water from melting snow freezes into ice at the edge of your roofline. Without proper roof snow removal, the ice that develops may grow large enough to prevent water from melting snow from properly draining off the roof. When the water is unable to drain from the roof, it may then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.

Do You Have an Ice Dam?

Most ice dams develop on the edge of your roof, but they may also form in other locations, depending on the slope, orientation, and style of your roof. Be sure to monitor the weather and your roof for signs of ice dam formations.

  • Look closely at the icicles around the exterior of your house. If the icicles are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, then an ice dam has likely not formed. Nonetheless, icicles can be a precursor to ice dams. Depending on their location and size, icicles may also pose a danger if they fall off. Whenever possible, and if safe to do so, remove icicles from the exterior of your home, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot safely reach the icicles from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to assist in their removal.
  • Check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.

How to Remove an Ice Dam

Removing an ice dam from your roof immediately after spotting the signs can be critical to help prevent damage to your home. One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 1. Using a roof rake, remove snow 3-4 feet from the edge of your roof, being careful not to damage the roof covering or to allow snow to build up around walking paths or to block emergency exits.

Step 2. Use a calcium chloride ice melt product, which you can generally purchase from your local hardware store. Be sure not to use rock salt or sodium chloride, which can damage your roof.

Step 3. Fill a nylon stocking with the calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 4. Safely place and position the calcium chloride-filled nylon stocking vertically across the ice dam so that it can melt a channel through the ice.

Step 5. Cover and protect any shrubbery and plants with lightweight tarps near the gutters or downspouts for the duration that the calcium chloride stockings remain in place. This is important because the calcium chloride-saturated water dripping from the roof may damage the shrubbery and plants.

REMEMBER: Using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions may be dangerous. If you cannot safely reach the roof, consider hiring a contractor.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

Boat Season Pre-Check – DeKok Insurance Group

By

DeKok Insurance Group Inc, boat insurance, MN insurance

Get your boat ready for summer.

If you love the water, few things are better than boating season.  Summer just wouldn’t be summer without spending those long, hot days on Lake Pepin, the Zumbro River, or cruising the Mississippi. Plus all the fun of cooling off with a lazy dip in the water, dropping a line in hopes of catching a “big one,” sunning on the beach across the river, or having an action-packed day of waterskiing and tubing.

Boating is not without its share of pre-summer preparation.  If you’re not on the ball early, it’s easy to find yourself midway through July still on dry land.

  • Tune it up. It’s always a good idea to have your boat winterized at the end of each season, but whether you did or didn’t get it done last year, make sure to get a full tune-up before you hit the lake this summer.
  • Charge it. Make sure your battery is fully charged.
  • Clear it out. If there’s a chance any bit of gas from last season is still in your tank, fill it up with fresh gas as well as a stabilizer; this will prevent buildup in the gas lines and injection system.
  • Give it a test. Before you get the boat all the way into the water and off the trailer, lower your motor into the water and make sure it will turn over.
  • Plug it up. Ensure your drain plug is in and the bilge pump is functioning properly.
  • Double- and triple-check. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the ramp for not having an updated registration or missing your ski flag or life vests.  Double check that your documents are updated and that your boat is fully stocked with everything you need.
  • Be sure you’re covered. If you’re not certain you have the right insurance coverage, give me a call at 507-226-8121.

I hope you have a fun-filled and safe boating season!

Jon

 

Email: [email protected]

Phone  507-226-8121


Arrow SetDeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

 

[tweetthis]Get your boat ready for summer. #BoatInsurance #Summer #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © veneratio – Fotolia.com

Flood Insurance – DeKok Insurance Group, Inc

By

 

DeKok Insurance Group Inc, flood insurance

 

Sometimes people think about flood insurance too late, and their losses are great. The right coverage is available to all Minnesota homeowners. To find out how to protect your family, your home, and your personal property, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected]. 

All flood Insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program: http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/. Though the government actually provides flood coverage, at DeKok Insurance Group, Inc., I issue this policy in the event of flood damage to your insured property.

Don’t assume that you’re covered, and don’t wait until the river is rising. Call soon. Your questions are important to me. The old saying “better safe than sorry” is true when it comes to insurance. 

Jon

 

Email: [email protected]

Phone  507-226-8121


Arrow SetDeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

 

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © federicocandonifoto – Fotolia.com

 

Flood Preparation, Reaction, & Coping Tips – DeKok Insurance Group

By

DeKok Insurance Group Inc, Flood Insurance

 

Joy and I took a ride to Lake City, MN the other day. On our way, we noticed the water was high and moving fast in a couple of the little towns we drove through. Yesterday, in one of the fields near Pine Island, where the river crossed its banks slightly, the water had receded. Although we live on what might be called “high ground,” we’ve been flooded in a couple of times when the main roads we drive was covered in flood waters.

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as important as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prepare for, react to, and cope after flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that I can discuss with you. Just contact me at 507-226-8121 or [email protected] for more information.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. The first two tips will benefit  you in any type of emergency.

  • Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights,  a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
  • Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
  • Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
  • Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

I think it’s also important to be sure you have your cell phone and charger/s with you. If you lose power, and can get to you vehicle, you can recharge the phone there. 

Reacting to a flood

If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:

  • Get information from the radio or television.
  • Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
  • If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath.

  •  Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
  • Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible. That information is with your policy.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone  507-226-8121


Arrow SetDeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

 

[tweetthis]Flood Preparation, & Reaction. #FloodInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © swa182 – Fotolia.com

When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t – DeKok Insurance Group, Inc

By

DeKok Insurance Group Inc, Water Damage

When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t

As much as we Minnesotans look forward to spring, we dread the sound of drip, drip, drip inside our homes.

First, we look for buckets, big bowls, or even a big pan before looking for the source of the leak. Or, we walk into the laundry room and find ankle deep water flowing into the family room.  Even a small leak can become a major problem, so knowing what you’re covered for and how to prevent water damage are equally important.  The below tips should help uncover any potential water problems down the road and keep your property dry.

  •  Check appliance hoses.  Standard hoses are not as durable as they used to be.  Replace rubber hoses with steel braided hoses. This is a low-cost fix that can save thousands in water damage.
  •  Broken tiles in the shower can allow water to leak into the walls or on the floor. Replace cracked tiles and re-grout when needed.
  •  Run dishwasher and washing machine only when you are home.  If a leak occurs, you can turn the appliance off right away.
  •  When on vacation, turn off the main water supply to your house.
  • Keep storm drains near your house clear of leaves.
  •  Install a gutter guard.  This can prevent a rooftop disaster caused by drain clogs, and also prevents flooding by water that isn’t carried away from the house.
  •  Install a water pressure gauge.  An inexpensive gauge can prevent damage caused by water pressure that’s too high.  Pressure should be between 60 and 80 PSI.

Not all home insurance policies cover sewer and drain back-up. Call me today at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected] to be sure you’re covered. 

Jon


Arrow SetDeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

 

[tweetthis]When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t. #WaterDamage[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © Photographee.eu – Fotolia.com