Got Icicles?
Lake effect snow doesn't create icicles - snowy rooftops, freezing winter days, and buildings leaking heat do. SU students at the School of Architecture have been documenting icicles in Syracuse to study building envelope performance. Use the snowflakes to see which buildings in your neighborhood have them.
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Bad New$
While beautiful to look at, icicles are also indicators of just how badly a roof is losing expensive interior heat all winter long (and in Syracuse, we know that can be six to seven months). This heat melts rooftop snow from below, which refreezes into ice dams and often dangerously large icicles.
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Good New$
The good news is that icicles alert homeowners to take action, typically by reinsulating or venting a roof. And because such actions can both save energy and prevent falling ice damages, NY state - specifically, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) - wants to help you.
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Let Us Know
Whether you've got icicles, or - even better - you've gotten rid of icicles, we'd like to know. Even as we continue to survey new neighborhoods each winter, we'd like to share your renovation news of energy savings and "icicles no more" to hopefully inspire others to also take action.
Email us at: archicep@syr.edu