Do You Have An Ice Dam?

Even After Your Best Efforts

Ice dams can be deadly to the health of your roof. Sometimes, even after your best efforts to ensure that your roof is sound; no undetected damage, leaks, or other vulnerabilities from issues such as inadequate insulation, ice dams happen. And that melting and refreezing snow and ice is one of your roof’s greatest enemies. Do you have an ice dam?

Still Vulnerable

Without proper snow removal, your roof may still be vulnerable to the formation of ice dams. Here in Middle Tennessee, we’re not typically quite as likely to face dangerous ice dams as other, more northern states. Of course, with the recent winter storms we have experienced throughout the region, ice dams are a far greater concern than usual, and something no homeowner should take for granted.

Do You Have an Ice Dam?

Have you seen the telltale icicles lining the edge of your roof? Chances are, you are dealing with an ice dam. How do you know for sure?

• Are the icicles confined to the gutters alone, with no water trapped behind them? This IS NOT an ice dam.
• Are the icicles dangling from a sheet of ice and snow descending from the roof, this IS an ice dam.

Icicle Dangers

Naturally, it is important to remember that the icicles themselves pose a danger to passersby - as well as homeowners working to remove them from their perch. Always be careful to avoid standing directly beneath icicles. Not only are they prone to breaking off at the least convenient times, the area beneath them is generally covered with a sheet of ice as well, making removal of hard to reach spears of ice quite dangerous.

Safe, Professional Removal

When there is a safe, convenient way to access icicles, ice and snow from your roof, you may find success using calcium chloride as a melting agent. The use of a specially designed roof rake or shovel may also be used, although it’s not uncommon to accidentally damage your roof through the use of this kind of tool. For the safest, most effective results, it’s always best to call an experienced roofing professional for all your roof snow and ice removal needs.

---

Contact Mike Ragan Roofing

Avoid damaging your vulnerable winter roof. For all your winter roof maintenance or repair needs, contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal.  When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer, we’re here for you; spring, summer, fall or winter. Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

For special offers and updates from

Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal,  click HERE.

---

MIKE RAGAN ROOFING & SHEET METAL | 700 42nd Ave N, Nashville, TN | (615) 274-9445

7 Fun Facts About Snow

Look, Up in the Sky!

The weather here in Middle Tennessee has been a bit unusual lately, to say the least. The appearance of this kind of snowfall in our predominantly green winters is quite a novelty. We hope you are able to enjoy the snow while it lasts. To help your enjoyment of our winter snow anomaly last a bit longer, check out this list of 7 fun facts about snow. And remember to give us a call at Mike Ragan Roofing if you have any issues.

---

7 Fun Facts About Snow

---

1) What Color is Snow Really?

• Not white! Snowflakes are actually clear and colorless. Their crystalline makeup causes them to reflect visible light. A small amount of light is absorbed by flakes of snow. Those light wavelengths combined equally emit a “color” that appears white to the eye.

2) World’s Largest Snowflake

• The record for the world’s largest snowflake dates back to 1887. A snowflake measuring 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick was reported to be found at Fort Keogh, Montana. Hard to imagine, isn’t it?!

3) No Two Alike?

• We’ve all heard the popularly cited factoid that no two snowflakes are alike, right? Well, in the year 1988, a Wisconsin storm produced at least two that were identical, well documented by a scientific researcher.

4) Most Snow Ever… In A Day

• The US record for the most snow received over a period of 24 hours dates back to 1921, when Silver Lake, Colorado received 76 inches of snow. Georgetown Colorado holds the record for the #2 spot at 63 inches in one day back in December 4, 1913.

4) Most Snow Ever… Over A Season

• The record for the most snow measured and reported over the course of a winter season belongs to the Mt. Baker ski area in Washington State. In the 1998/1999 winter season, total snowfall received met 1,140 inches of snow.

6) Heavy

• A snowflake looks quite beautiful and innocent. But consider this: each tiny flake is a droplet of frozen ice, with as many as 5,500,000 falling per minute. It’s not hard to imagine how that much fallen ice could quickly become rather weighty.

7) How Much Does Snow Weigh?

• Snow is measured by the cubic foot. It’s weight ranges greatly depending upon the quality of snow, from light and fluffy to highly dense and compacted. Fluffy snow is typically about 7 pounds a cubic foot, while drifted, compacted snow tends to be closer to about 20 pounds per cubic feet. In other words, snow can add a pretty weighty burden relatively quickly!

Get Professional Help

Remember, only trained, professional roof technicians should remove snow, ice, or perform any other winter roof maintenance or repairs in order to avoid damaging your roof’s more vulnerable surface. When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer, contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal.  We’ve got the experience and know-how to get the job done. Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

For special offers and updates from

Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal,  click HERE.

---

MIKE RAGAN ROOFING & SHEET METAL | 700 42nd Ave N, Nashville, TN | (615) 274-9445

7 Steps for Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter

Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for Winter?

Here in Tennessee, winters are often a little milder. So far, this year is no different. We love not having to wage war with snow and ice daily. Still, we also know it’s important to be prepared for whatever may come our way this winter. Fortunately, the mild start to this season means good things for Middle Tennessee businesses who have fallen behind with the roof maintenance and preparation. If that’s you, take a look at at our 7 Steps for Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter. Need assistance? Feel free to give us a call at Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal. We can help you get your commercial roof ready for winter just in time.

---

7 Steps for Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter

---

1)  Inspect for Signs of Leaks & Seal as Needed - Stains, cracked bricks & mortar, etc.

• CEILING
• INTERIOR WALLS
• EXTERIOR WALLS
• CHIMNEY

2)  Inspect for Signs of Deterioration

• ROOF DECK - Look for excessive movement and splits in expansion joints.

• FASCIA/COPING - Look for deteriorated caulking of loose metalwork.

3)  Inspect Chimney - Any air or water leaks should be professionally assessed and sealed.

• FLASHINGS
• BRICK & MORTAR JOINTS
• BRICK

4)  Inspect, Clear & Clean

• GUTTERS
• DOWNSPOUTS
• SCUPPERS
• DRAINS

5)  Inspect Roof Surface - Remove all loose debris & unattached walk pads from the roof surface.

• ROOF MEMBRANE - Check for tears or holes & have repaired asap. Colder temperatures cause the membrane to become harder, less flexible and more susceptible to damage.

6)  Inspect HVAC units  

• DOORS - Secured & free of rust.
• FLASHING - Tightly sealed
• SUPPLY LINES - Free and clear.
• DUCTWORK - Clean, clear & free of rust.
• PIPES - Clear & free of leaks.
• CONDENSATION LINES - Should drain effectively & be free of water.
• CONDENSATION PAN  - Empty and dry pans for each unit.

7)  Inspect All Roof Penetrations - Check all for compromised flashings, deteriorated caulking, or caulking gaps.

• EGRESS WINDOWS or SUN LIGHTS
• PITCH POCKETS
• VENT PIPES
• PIPE BOOTS
• METAL COPINGS - Paint any rusted metal & ensure coping joints are intact.

---

Get Professional Help

Remember, only trained, professional roof technicians should remove snow, ice, or perform any other winter roof maintenance or repairs in order to avoid damaging your roof’s more vulnerable surface. When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer, contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal.  We’ve got the experience and know-how to get the job done. Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

For special offers and updates from

Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal,  click HERE.

---

MIKE RAGAN ROOFING & SHEET METAL | 700 42nd Ave N, Nashville, TN | (615) 274-9445

Protect Your Home From Ice Dams

Glacial Problems?

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you know how damaging winter ice dams can be to your roof. Melting water becomes trapped beneath roofing shingles, and eventually, drip, drip, drip! Not good. Caused by melting snow on the warmer, higher areas of your roof, which then refreezes when it reaches the cooler edges of the roof, it creating a dam that continues to trap more melting water. But don’t despair. As a homeowner, there are important steps you can take to help protect your home from ice dams.

PROPER INSULATION

• Floor Insulation - When warm air from inside your home enters the attic, it can make the roof warm enough to cause the formation of ice upon your roof. Adequate insulation helps to prevent this issue, particularly on the attic floor. If your home is older, chances are good that its insulation is insufficient.

• Air Leaks - Air leaks are another frequent contributor to this issue. All air leaks leading to the attic must be discovered and thoroughly sealed in order to prevent ice dams.

ADEQUATE ATTIC VENTILATION

• Does your roof have soffit vents? If so, great! If not, you will need gable vents (or possibly roof vents) installed to allow cold air to enter your attic during winter months. Gas furnace in your attic? Be certain the furnace is professionally insulated, to eliminate the risk of heat from unit operation entering the space.

PREVENTION PRODUCTS

• Heating Cables - Install at the eaves of your roof and turn them on during and after a snowstorm to melt away pesky ice buildup at the edges of your roof.

• Snow Rakes - Use to push up and clear off the snow on your roof, in order to help you stop ice dams from forming.

METAL ROOFING

• Designed with a special finish to shed snow and ice in the winter, installing a metal roof (in conjunction with necessary insulation and ventilation) is a terrific way to fight ice dam formation.

---

Contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal

When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer you can rely on to help you prepare your roof for winter, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

For special offers and updates from

Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal,  click HERE.

9 Reasons to Love Copper Roofing

Crowning Jewelry

When first applied, copper looks like crowning jewelry adorning your home. Over time it ages to a beautiful, rich-looking patina, as seen gracing the tops of many of the world’s most historic buildings. At Mike Ragan Roofing, we love installing architectural copper roofing. It’s one of our specialties. Wondering what makes copper so special as a roofing material? Check out these 9 Reasons to Love Copper Roofing, and see if you don’t agree.

1. Increase Curb Appeal & Property Value - copper roofing is very attractive to buyers for its aesthetic appeal as well as the value it adds to a home.

2. Pays for Itself - while more costly to install initially, the durability & longevity of copper  quickly pay for itself in value over the years.

3. Permanent Roofing - a properly installed copper roof can last centuries!

4. Stunning Beauty - neat, tailored look with colorful, artistic-looking patina.

5. Stands Up to the Elements - stands strong against high winds, heavy snow storms and abundant rains; is inflammable and adds excellent flood protection.

6. Light Weight Easier on Structural Support - lighter roof means fewer supports which adds up to savings on materials; also makes it an ideal choice for regions with heavy snowfall (less risk of roof collapse).

7. Eco-Friendly, Green Building Material - among the top green building materials. One of the most recycled structural metals, copper roofs average 75% recycled content.

8. Premium Material Retains Value - quality copper scrap retains 95% of newly mined value.

9. Maintenance-Free - does not need coating, finishing, re-painting or refinishing. Copper will not rust or corrode.

---

Contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal

When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer you can rely on, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time. At Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville copper roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

For special offers and updates from

Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal,  click HERE.