Extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall have triggered a surge in ice dams, causing concerns and damage to homes in Middle Tennessee.
In the wake of recent weather fluctuations, homeowners in Middle Tennessee are grappling with the aftermath of ice dams, prompting a flood of calls to local roofing companies. M.J. Garrett, representing Austermiller Roofing and Construction, revealed that his company has been inundated with requests from worried homeowners noticing water stains on their ceilings. Despite initial suspicions of broken pipes, the root cause, according to Garrett, is the prevalence of ice dams exacerbated by this week’s weather conditions.
The number one thing that we’re seeing right now, and a lot of homeowners don’t understand really what’s going on. They think that they have a busted pipe because they have a water stain on their ceiling when, in fact, it is an ice dam,” Garrett explained.
As warm air rises within homes, attics become sufficiently heated to melt portions of the snow and ice accumulated on roofs. The melted water then flows down to the roof line, where gutters are located. In the absence of proper insulation at this critical juncture, the water refreezes, creating an ice dam. This dam impedes the natural flow of water, leading to potential leaks and water damage within homes.
Garrett cautioned that homeowners, eager to address the issue, should wait until temperatures rise and the snow and ice have mostly melted before assessing the damage. Often, the extent of the damage becomes clearer once the materials have dried. In many cases, replacing drywall is necessary to prevent mold growth and mitigate the impact on the home’s structural integrity.
Attempting to remove ice from the roof independently can have dire consequences, according to Garrett. He strongly discouraged homeowners from using methods like pouring boiling water or using a hammer, as these approaches can result in further damage to the roof.
Garrett strongly advises against attempting to climb onto the roof and manually break the ice, highlighting the risks involved. “Number one, it’s very dangerous, but then number two, you can damage your roof really, really bad.”
While ice dams are relatively rare in Tennessee, Garrett emphasized the importance of preparing for potential future freezes. Professional roofing companies can install preventative measures such as heated coils or specialized insulation to safeguard roofs from ice dam formation.
In the weeks to come, homeowners are advised to monitor their ceilings for any signs of water stains and address the issue promptly. Garrett highlighted instances where roofs have caved in due to the accumulation of excessive water, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
The financial aspect of dealing with ice dam-related damage presents homeowners with choices. They can either bear the cost directly or involve their insurance providers. However, Garrett cautioned that insurance policies may only cover interior damage in such situations, leaving homeowners potentially responsible for addressing exterior repairs.
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As Middle Tennessee navigates the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, homeowners and roofing professionals alike are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of ice dams and ensure the safety and integrity of homes across the region.
