With the warmer temperatures that we have seen over the last few days, the snow has begun to melt, causing icicles to form on buildings and homes all across the Valley.
This year might be worse than others for icicles. At the Youngstown Warren Regional Airport, it snowed all but one day between Dec. 15 and Jan. 13.
The icicles may be impressive to see, but they can cause problems, including damage to both the inside and outside of people's homes and businesses. The ice adds extra weight to gutters and the meltdown can cause ponding on roofs, which could mean water seeping inside.
Larry Premec with Boak and Sons Roofing said they have taken hundreds of calls this week because of ice damage.
"It comes into the house and damages the drywall, and obviously it will tear down the gutters," Premec said. "It's also dangerous because a lot of that water will drip onto sidewalks, and someone could slip and fall."
There are things that can help melt the ice, but you need to take action before the snow piles up. You can install a wire to heat the areas around your gutters to prevent ice buildup. A properly insulated attic is essential, as well.
