Experts: With Big Snow Melt, It's Time To Rake Your Roof And Inspect Your Gutters

CLARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Spring is just around the corner, but the harsh winter could be wreaking havoc on your roof and entire home.

As temperatures go up and the snow melts it may be time to invest in a roof rake, CBS2's Christine Sloan reported Wednesday.

"Most home owners in our region are not accustomed to having (a roof rake) around the house," Andrew Ferrara of A-Top Construction said of the tool.

You might need it, considering the tough winter that has stacked rooftops with tons of snow and ice.

"Go up three to four feet from the gutter edge up and simply pull the snow off the roof," Ferrara said.

Ferrara, who owns a roofing and siding company in Manalapan, said roof damage can be costly.

"The shingles could be compromised, which then have to be resealed. You also want to get the moisture out from underneath the shingle because that can cause rot," Ferrara said.

Roof problems can start with gutters.

"Big problem we found this year due to ice damming was gutters were freezing as well as the leader pipes freezing down," Ferrara told Sloan.

That's why experts say you should clean out gutters or get someone to do it for you, Sloan reported.

"Structurally it can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Flooded basements are due to that," Ferrara said when asked what could happen if a gutter is not working properly.

Experts also advise home owners to check their attics for hidden issues that lead to roof and structure damage.

"Built-up of condensation in the attic areas, where all the heat was migrating into the attic and stuck in the attic," Ferrara said.

According to Ferrara, one trouble sign you should look for is ice build-up around the shanks of nails.

Ferrara said a device called a Humidistat could help as winter winds down.

"This particular device activates the fan and creates an air flow that takes that humidity out of the attic," he said.

Experts say another good idea is to shrubs and trees away from your liters and gutters. That can minimize damage during severe wind storms.

Check out your attic insulation as well. You should have at least 11 to 18 inches of it to keep the heat down below, Sloan reported.

MELTING SNOW CONCERNS IN CONNECTICUT

With weather in the 50s Wednesday it appeared that winter was finally loosening its grip, but that may cause a whole new set of problems.

As WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported, Connecticut's Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris said he would not be surprised if a stack of complaints grows as the snow and ice recede.

Home contractors are required, Harris said, to register with the state and demands for money up front should raise red flags.

"They should produce an insurance certificate and about $1 million of coverage, which is a standard amount," said Harris.

Gerard O'Sullivan, of the Connecticut Insurance Department, said roof leaks may be covered under policies that generally do not cover basement water inundation.

"If it's a maintenance issue or if it's wear and tear that caused the damage, then that may not be covered under the policy," said O'Sullivan.

The state consumer protection and insurance department websites are good starting points if you are filing a complaint, Murnane reported.