As the warm weather chases away the last winter’s snow,
cabin damage is unveiled. It is not unusual to see a piece of shredded metal
roofing protruding from a melting pile of slide-off.
Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came
across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney. Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney that had torn away from a cabin’s roof.
The damage in both instances had Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney. Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney that had torn away from a cabin’s roof.
Living in Island Park year-round provides a unique
opportunity to witness the stress that winter inflicts on building in the
caldera. Shopping for properties in Island Park usually occurs in the summer
months. The area presents itself as a forested paradise, with no hint of the
harsh winter months ahead. Cabins are built or purchased without consideration
of snow-load, ice dams, snow removal or other equally important realities.
The newly-purchased cabin is enjoyed until Labor Day and
then winterized. The owners return in the late spring to find that the cabin
has been damaged and in need of repairs. It is far less expensive and
emotionally draining to make arrangements with local residents to watch after
the unattended cabin during the off-seasons and report any possible problems.
Quick action can avoid or limit damage to the structures.
During the summer months, local contractors can also
evaluate a property and suggest any changes that may help the structure winter
safely. Prevention is always the cheapest way to deal with the caldera’s
winters.
Island Park has its own set of unique challenges and the
sooner one familiarizes oneself with them, the more enjoyable the stay.
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