What a time of year! For some,seniors are leaving their high school for new horizons. Plans are being made for proms and “last” get togethers. Remember those days! Exciting times to say the least.
IMPORTANT: Please remind everyone no #texting while driving… Even one small text could cause a BIG wreck. From all of us @Allanwalkerinsurance please be safe out there. Have that conversation again please….

Our Town Crier Monthly News Letter is now on line @allanwalker.com under client services check it out!

Spent the weekend with son Dylan at his swim meet.#capecodswimclub.com, Dylan’s 1st afternoon meet as he ages up into a new group. One night,2 afteroons,of swimming for Dylan,over 10 hours of clicking the stop watch for me! All good as they say Great Job Dylan!…and now its dark when we leave the pool thanks to the time change..

Today is the day!! The Brown and Sons Insurance Agency has merged with the Allan Walker Agency!! We look forward to working with Nancy Brown and all of the Brown and Sons customers! Welcome Welcome Welcome!!!

We all watched the weather last night and everyone was giddy with the possibility of our 1st snow! But of course all we have is rain which is good! I am not ready for winter just yet anyway, although this is a good time to check your winshield wipers!! Get ready now so you wont have to do it in the cold or like today in the rain! One of the best ways to avoid an accident is through a clear windshield!

Hey for you that love Lego bricks check out the Narrows in Fall River. The Narrows Center presents “The Art of the Brick,” featuring sculptures and artwork created out of iconic LEGO® bricks, by artist Nathan Sawaya.

For all of you who follow the ever rising costs of car insurance once again liberty and geico have increased their rates or in the process of. If you ever thought of comparing now is the time. #Allan Walker Insirance has always been competitive. Check us out for your #home and auto insurance and run a comparison. Yea we have tons of discounts as well!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2011

I have announced that I will not be running for the office of mayor of Taunton.
When Mayor Crowley announced he was not going to seek re-election we formed an advisory committee and started to explore the possibility of a run. The support for the “Win With Quinn” movement that I received from my friends and the community has been overwhelming and humbling.
We believed we had some creative campaign ideas as well as some strategies that we thought would bring a positive energy back to the City of Taunton. We were confident that we had the fortitude and decisiveness needed to not only run a successful campaign but to carry the momentum from an election to the job of mayor.
I was excited for the opportunity and challenge of trying to lead the city in a difficult economy, but knowing what would be required to do the campaign and the job of mayor to my expectations, I know the time is just not right for me.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their positive comments and support, especially my family and advisory team.
Terry

Just a reminder the Distractology Truck will be at our office next week. Have a Teen driver driving three years or less, and you want to them to really learn how easy it is to be distracted while driving give me a e-mail spots are filling up. April 5th thru 9th.Just 45 minuets per session. 45 minuets that will make a difference and may save their life.Its FREE!! www.allanwalker.com click distractology tab
Call 508-824-5875 to sign up for your free session!

Click Here – Ice Dam Information Document

Hello All,

Winter is not over yet so when Arbella Insurance posted this information sheet on ice dams I thought I would pass it along. As always give us a call if you have any questions or if you think you may have a homeowners claim.

Thanks,

Terry

Ice Damming

What is “ice dam” and what causes it?

Ice damming occurs when melting snow runs down the surface of a roof and re-freezes. As run-off refreezes, the ice builds up and begins to dam the subsequent run-off, causing it to pool. Unfortunately, shingles are designed to shed water with the help of gravity and they don’t perform well against the standing water. Some of the pooled water finds its way under shingles to hidden seams and fastener holes. Some of it re-freezes under the tabs and lifts the shingles, literally opening a floodgate.

The phenomenon is caused by warm air in the attic space, heating the under surface of the roof deck, melting snow. Run-off makes its way down the slope of the roof and eventually comes in contact with the deck over the eaves — which is not exposed to the heat from the attic. It is here the ice begins to form. A heavy freezing rain can also trigger this cycle even when snow is not present. Additionally, water that reaches the gutters may freeze before the draining at the drop outlet. This is especially likely to happen if the gutters and downspouts are full of debris.

What are the warning signs?

Aside from leaks, stains, and damaged ceilings or walls, there are several tell-tale signs that ice dams have occurred or may be imminent:

• Large icicles hanging from the gutters during cold-snaps following snow storms are an indication
  that internal heat is melting the snow from beneath the roof deck. This is especially so if the
  icicles form on the north, where the sun is a stranger.
• A thick blanket of snow down slope of bare shingles points toward trouble. This is especially indicative of trouble if on the north side or during a period of overcast skies.
• Water dripping from the soffit panel is a hint that a dam has already formed. Stains, peeling paint, or soft spots on the soffits are something to look for year ‘round.

The industrious might try measuring the temperature in the attic on a cold winter night: if it is above freezing, the potential for ice damming is strong.

Why Does My Roof Not Keep The Water Out?

Shingle roof systems are designed to channel water from the high points of the roof to the lower sections where it should exit the roof either into a gutter system or simply onto the ground. Shingle roof systems are not designed to hold water or prevent water from entering that runs or is blown uphill.

Reproduced with permission from New England Build & Restore.

Ice dam related leaks are caused simply because the water could not escape from the shingled roof area. This is not a design flaw with the roofing system or an indication of a poorly installed roof. Ice dams are winter storm conditions, which prevent the shingle roof system from shedding water as designed.

What Do I Do When An Ice Dam Happens?

The only corrective action that can be taken is to remove the barrier of ice at the gutter line or to remove the ice build-up on the roof area before it melts from underneath. It must be noted that working on a roof under these conditions is extremely dangerous. The risk of injury should always be weighed against the cost of water damage repair.

Also, in removing ice from the gutter and roof, you may cause damage to these areas that will require professional repair. Again, the cost of water damage repair may be less than the cost of a roof or gutter repair.

Experts recommend taking action to avoid water damage, but caution against damaging your property even more than that caused by the ice itself. They recommend the following tips:

• Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup from the roof. DO NOT USE A ROOF RAKE NEAR ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING!
• Remove ice buildup around gutters by melting the ice. Calcium chloride is a commonly used material. For added effectiveness, put the melting agent inside a pair of panty hose. This will release the melting agent gradually, extending the melting process, allowing the water to drip harmlessly to the ground.
• After applying a melting agent, if you must chip the ice, do so very carefully. NEVER strike your roof with an axe, hammer, or anything that will damage the shingles.
• Use extreme caution on ladders and roof surfaces. Many serious injuries occur to people who fall while trying to clear ice and snow from roof surfaces. Hire an insured contractor if you are uncertain.

Who Is Responsible For Ice Dams And The Resulting Leaks?

Ice dams are the result of winter storm conditions. Because they are storm related, and not a roof flaw, damage caused by water is not covered by the homebuilder, shingle manufacturers or roofing company warranty. Remember, roofs are designed to shed water to the ground. The final responsibility remains with the homeowner when re-roofing to weigh the cost of prevention and protection products against the possible cost of damage if an ice dam leak occurs.

Roof Vents – All information was taken from multiple sources to act as a guide only.