In the midst of a December storm one might find oneself gazing up at the roof and asking how much it can really take. There is also the matter of ice accumulating on the edges while you are with your family for the holidays, and the question of whether you are attuned to the warning signs of a trouble that could get out of hand.
For a quarter of a century Home Roofing Solutions has been putting Maine homeowners’ minds at ease by way of some of the harshest winters in the country. We are a veteran-run, family company with a statewide clientele; give us a ring at (207) 489-2904. The snow here is lovely to look at but it is no less taxing on your roof, and you need to comprehend that to have a safe home.
The Weight of Winter
Most do not appreciate how heavy snow is. It is easy to think of fresh powder as light until it has had time to set in and draw in moisture, then the load on your roof is up in no time. Packed, wet snow will be many times the weight of an equivalent depth of dry. In Maine the storms come thick and fast over the holiday season and the weight only compounds before what was there has melted away.
A roof has its limits and they are put to the test with any number of hard snowfalls. Excessive weight will eventually put strain on the structure and older framing already compromised by age, leading to sagging.
Ice Dams
You will see your share of ice dams in Maine, a winter staple. What occurs is heat from the attic gets under the roof and thaws the snow above. The water makes its way to the cold edge and refreezes into a ridge. More snow will melt and back up behind it with no outlet.
Should an ice dam be at work in your home you will see:
- Long rows of icicles on eaves and gutters
- Ice along the roof line
- Gutters frozen solid or coming loose
- Stains on walls or ceilings inside
- Dampness in the attic by the roofline
Left to it, the water will go under your shingles. Insulation gets ruined, ceilings are stained and in some instances you are left with rot and mold.
Gutters and Flashing
Winter is hard on gutters. The force of the ice and snow can bend them or even tear them off. The same goes for flashing about the chimney, skylights and valleys. Gaps that were of no concern in better weather can be opened up by the elements, and these are where you will first notice a leak.
When to Worry
All too often you are left to discover damage in spring in the form of a sagging ceiling or a leak. Yet there are indications well before then. An uneven roofline under the snow, a door that has taken to sticking, or cracks in a wall are all cause for concern.
Making Sure Your Roof is in Order
There is no reason to leave things to chance. Properly ventilated and insulated attics will keep the roof deck cold and check the cycle that gives rise to ice dams. A roof rake can be used to clear some of the burden from lower down, provided you do so without risk.
If in doubt as to how your roof is faring, let a pro have a look. We know our way around a Maine winter and the materials, be they metal, rubber or asphalt shingles, that can handle it.
We are Fortify Maine Certified and have platinum manufacturer certification to show for it. All of our work comes with the Solution Guarantee, the 50-year Platinum Lifetime variety for product and workmanship alike, and we are 100% satisfied with what we put our name to. We will provide a free estimate.
Our hours are 7:00am till 9:00pm if you want to put in a call or make arrangements. And with financing options from a number of lenders credit history is no obstacle to getting the roof you need.
Let us put an end to any weak spots before the next holiday storm does. Contact the veterans at Home Roofing Solutions, (207) 489-2904, and we will see to it your roof is in good shape for the winter.
