Warmer Weather Brings Relief, Creates New Problems on Roads and Roofs

A warming spell in Massachusetts this week has brought residents relief from the deep freeze. But new hazards, such as potholes, ice dams, and roof leaks, are popping up all over the state.

In Boston, potholes are appearing on roadways. Boston 311 received reports of a large crater outside a Jamaica Plain fire station. While repairs are underway, they require coordination with the gas company because of its location near a repaired utility line, according to a CBS Boston report.

Residents are asked to report potholes and other roadway hazards to Boston's 311 line. Officials said that potholes are typically filled within one day of reporting.

Ice dams have become an increasing headache for homeowners. Ice dams form when heat from a home rises through the roof, melting the snow above it. In this instance, the roof edges aren't as warm as other spots on the roof. The water freezes at the spot, forming the ice dam and preventing melting snow from running off properly.

"When it backs it up, it finds a way into your roof and into any seam or any nail hole under the shingles, and it makes its way inside your home," said DJ Warila, owner of Green Monster Roof Cleaning. Warila told CBS Boston he has been inundated with calls from homeowners about ice dams.

In New England, where heavy snow, freezing, and thawing are common, damage from ice dams is covered by homeowners' insurance.

"The removal of the ice dam is not covered, but the damage caused by it is," said Carlos Vargas, co-founder of Vargas & Vargas Insurance, in a statement shared with CBS Boston. "Your insurance policy has a deductible. So, the damage has to be above that deductible for the insurance company to step in."