NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A local roofing and construction company, Austermiller, Inc. Roofing & Construction says they are still seeing a lot of ice dams around the Metro area.
An ice dam prevents melting snow from draining off the roof which then damages the roof.
Austermiller Roofing Director of Sales, M.J. Garrett, says the snowfall and low temperatures caused a lot of ice damming, but he adds the rain expected over the next few days is a good thing for getting rid of these dams.
Garrett explains ice dams cause damage inside the home.
“What we are really seeing right now is a lot of dry wall damage that’s coming in, some severe, some barely even noticeable, it just depends on how much water has found its way inside your house,” Garrett said.
Garrett says the rain expected over the next few days is a good thing to clear out these dams, especially with the higher temperatures.
“This isn’t going to be freezing rain. It’s going to be rain that will come down and help melt away those ice dams,” Garrett explained.
Garrett says there are ways to prevent ice dams.
“Number one, you need to have great attic insulation. The more heat you can keep at the main part of your house to not come into the attic that helps prevent that ice from melting or forming prematurely,” Garret said.
He adds you also want a good vapor barrier on the roof in the valleys and he says people are starting to install heat cables on the roof when a deep freeze is coming.
Garrett says the most important thing for your own safety is to never get on a roof yourself and work on the gutter, and don’t have a roofer come out until the snow and ice is off the roof.
He says insurance can help you, but they typically only cover damage inside the home.
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