If the record snowfall hasn't gotten to your home sweet home, unscrupulous contractors may.

One of the largest snowfalls in Pittsburgh history has caused a blizzard of maintenance problems, including ice dams blocking gutters and porch roofs collapsing under the weight of the heavy snow. Many homeowners are reaching out for help.

Ken Moeslein, CEO of Legacy Remodeling in Dormont, said the No. 1 cause of damage in winter weather is the so-called "ice dam." These dams occur when snow on the roof above an attic area melts and slides down. As the melted snow moves over a colder area of the roof, it refreezes and can move back up the roof, lifting the shingles. When the refrozen ice reaches the heated area above the attic, it can melt, causing water to seep inside the home, creating leaks and water damage.

Sometimes the best course of action with ice dams is to do nothing, Mr. Moeslein advised.

"Make sure you note where the snow is coming into the house and then put towels down to absorb the water. In most cases, once the weather improves, the house will go back to normal," he said.

He said another common problem is that heavy snow can collapse carports, decks or porch roofs.

"There are many [structural] systems out there that are either improperly supported or old and needing repair. Homeowners should be cautious, safely removing the snow before any collapsing can occur, causing injury," Mr. Moeslein said.

Sometimes a homeowner's best course is to get help, said James Saitta, owner of Saitta Contracting in Baldwin Borough.

"Get snow off the roof, but I don't recommend the homeowner do it," he said.

Also, someone who is not experienced in safely removing ice and snow could inadvertently damage the shingles and other roofing materials. Damaging the roof in the process could void a roof's usual 25-year warranty, Mr. Saitta said.

Homeowners who decide to hire a contractor should never hire someone who has approached them off the street.

"Always get a recommendation from a friend or someone you trust who has dealt with the contractor before and who can vouch for the quality of the firm's work," Mr. Saitta said.

Gouging by unscrupulous contractors could be the largest winter-related home maintenance problem, said Thomas Brown, owner of Big Time Construction in Coraopolis.

"The biggest thing people have to worry about is getting overcharged. If it costs $500 or more to get your gutters cleared, you're getting ripped off," he said, noting that it costs about $80 to have gutters cleaned in the summer.

Mr. Brown recommends that before hiring a contractor, homeowners check the firm's credentials, including its registration with the state. Some contractors will say they are registered but will not produce a registration card when asked, he noted.

Big Time Construction has a free online e-book on what you need to know about hiring a contractor and how to do so without being scammed. The e-book is available at www.bigtimeconstruction.com.

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