Monday, February 8, 2016

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.


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


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