Icicles: A Winter Warning You Shouldn’t Ignore—Even as Spring Approaches

As winter fades and the days grow longer, many homeowners are eager to welcome the warmth of spring. The snow-covered rooftops and glistening icicles that once defined the season are slowly melting away. While the sight of icicles may have been charming in the heart of winter, they often signal an issue that shouldn't be ignored—even as the season changes.

WHY DO ICICLES FORM? Icicles form when snow on your roof melts and refreezes as it flows to the cooler edges of your roofline. While this may seem natural, the underlying cause is often insufficient insulation or poor ventilation in your attic. Heat from your home escapes through the roof, warming the snow and causing it to melt. When the melted water reaches the eaves, where temperatures are colder, it refreezes into icicles.

WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN DANGERS? Beyond being a potential hazard if they fall, icicles are a telltale sign of ice dams. Ice dams occur when melted snow refreezes and creates a blockage, preventing water from properly draining off your roof. This trapped water can seep under shingles and into your home, causing: WATER DAMAGE TO CEILINGS AND WALLS; MOLD AND MILDEW GROWTH and STRUCTURAL ISSUES. These problems not only compromise your home’s integrity but can also lead to costly repairs.

HOW CAN I PREVENT ICICLES AND ICE DAMS? Even though winter is coming to an end, taking action now can help prevent issues next season. Here’s how:

1. Inspect Your Insulation: Ensure your attic is well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. Adding insulation where needed can significantly reduce heat loss.

2. Seal Air Leaks: Look for gaps around vents, chimneys, and other openings that allow warm air to escape into the attic. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these leaks.

3. Improve Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation helps maintain a consistent temperature, preventing warm air from accumulating and melting the snow on your roof.

4. Clear Your Gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts allow melted snow to drain properly, reducing the risk of ice dams.

5. Plan for Next Winter: Now is the perfect time to evaluate your home’s insulation and roofing before the next snowfall. Addressing these issues during warmer months can prevent future problems.

DO I NEED TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL? If icicles and ice dams have already caused damage, it may be time to consult a professional. A roofing contractor or insulation specialist can assess your home’s needs and provide targeted solutions. Additionally, if water damage has already occurred, a professional can help mitigate and repair the damage before it worsens.

Winter may be ending, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the warning signs left behind. By addressing insulation and ventilation issues now, you can enjoy a cozy, energy-efficient home next winter while avoiding costly damage. So, as the last icicles drip away, take the opportunity to prepare your home for the seasons ahead.

Understanding the Tax Appeal Process in Westmoreland County, PA

In Westmoreland County, PA, a significant number of homeowners find themselves grappling with property tax assessments that seem higher than they ought to be. In some cases, property owners don’t even know what their assessed value is or how it relates to their property tax consequence. This is a crucial issue because with the common level ratio set at 10, an over-assessment means you're likely paying more in property taxes than you should be.

As an example, my own experience sheds light on this problem as I have recently applied for an appeal. My condo has an assessed value of $26,590, which implies a market value of $265,900 according to the common level ratio. Yet, the highest sale price within my plan has only reached $203,000 and this sale was a unit that had been completely gutted and remodeled.

If you're facing a similar predicament, it's important to know that appealing your tax assessment is a viable option. The appeal process, while it might seem daunting, is quite straightforward when broken down into its components. The first step involves examining your assessment to gauge how your assessed value compares with what you believe your property is truly worth. This initial step is crucial for setting the stage for your appeal.  Westmoreland County has not re-assessed since 1972 and is using these base year values for your property. With the current common level ratio at 10, take your assessed value and multiply it by 10. If this number is higher than what you feel your property’s current market value is, then you could be paying more in taxes and be a good candidate to file for an appeal.

Gathering evidence becomes your next task. Seeking the expertise of a professional appraiser can significantly strengthen your appeal. A detailed appraisal report not only provides solid evidence to support your claim but also demonstrates a professional evaluation of your property's market value. The cost of the appraisal can be a small investment compared to the amount of taxes you could be saving going forward.

Being mindful of deadlines is equally important. The appeal process is bound by strict timelines, and missing a filing deadline could delay your appeal by a year. Westmoreland County has a deadline of August 1st and missing this deadline could mean waiting another year to save on your taxes.

Finally, preparation for the hearing is the culminating step. This involves not just being ready with your documentation and evidence but also understanding the nuances of how to present your case effectively. The hearing offers you a platform to argue your case, and being well-prepared with a certified appraisal in hand can significantly influence the outcome in your favor.

Navigating the tax appeal process in Westmoreland County doesn't need to be an overwhelming challenge. With a methodical approach, starting from understanding your assessment through to the hearing, the path to potentially reducing your tax burden becomes clearer. As an appraiser myself, I'm navigating this path alongside many of you, aiming not just to reduce my own tax liability but also to ensure fairness and accuracy in property tax assessments. The objective is to ensure that each homeowner pays their fair share, based on a true and fair valuation of their property. If you feel that your property is over-assessed, considering an appeal is a step worth taking.