The Sort of Roof Troubles a Maine Snow Load Will Bring
A storm will pass and you see your ceiling has begun to sag? Or perhaps the ice at your eaves is making you think there is more to it than meets the eye, and you are concerned the roof can only take so much of this winter’s snow.
Those are questions we hear often. At Home Roofing Solutions we are no stranger to them. For 25 years we have been the go-to for Maine homeowners looking to put some protection on their roof against the long winters here. Being a veteran-run, family business with a statewide presence in Maine, we know the toll that kind of heavy snow load can exact. Should you have any misgivings, pick up the phone and talk to us at (207) 489-2904.
There is no denying the beauty of a Maine winter but they are tough on a roof. Snow is not just going to sit and melt; it will shift, freeze and thaw and press down in a manner that can do quiet damage to even the best of roofs. It is wise to be aware of the usual problems so as to put a stop to them early.
Stress from Heavy Snow
Most do not appreciate how much snow weighs. An inch or two of light powder is one thing, but a foot of wet, packed snow is far heavier. Put a few storms’ worth of layers on top of each other and the load on your roof structure mounts quickly.
You will find the weight makes itself known in a number of ways:
- A roofline that sags or bows, an indication of strain
- Rafters and trusses under the surface that are cracked or put under stress
- Shingles coming loose or lifting when the roof is put to the test
- Seams parting on a flat or low-slope commercial roof
- The flashing about your vents, skylights and chimneys taking a hit
- Storms leaving you with water stains or cracks in the interior ceiling
Then there is the matter of what transpires once the snow begins to melt. That is where the real trouble lies.
The Damage Done by Ice Dams
When heat from within the home melts off the upper roof, the water will make its way to the eaves which are colder and refreeze into an ice ridge. This is an ice dam. In time it holds back more and more of the meltwater.
With nowhere else to run, the water goes under your shingles and from there into the walls, attic and insulation. Before you spot a drip inside, an ice dam can have done considerable harm; it is the source of most winter leaks in Maine. Good ventilation and a roof in order, along with adequate attic insulation, are the best defence against it.
Moisture and What You Cannot See
All too often the damage from snow does not reveal itself until spring. Water that has made its way in can be rotting out your decking or fostering mold in the attic and walls. When you come across a stain on the ceiling the issue has likely been there for weeks.
Some telltale signs of a leak brought on by the snow load:
- Stains on an upper wall or ceiling
- Paint that is peeling close to the roof
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- An attic with a musty odour
- Icicles on the interior edges
A professional should be called in to have a look before it gets worse.
FORTIFIED Roofs for Winter
To put up with the weather in Maine you want a roof of substance to begin with. We are a Fortify Maine Certified Roofing Contractor and part of the state’s Fortify Maine Homes program for FORTIFIED Home roof upgrades, meant to withstand the stresses our storms impose.
Our platinum-level certification with the manufacturer means we can put our Solution Guarantee behind what we do, including the 50-year Platinum Lifetime Solution Guarantee for workmanship and product alike. There is also our 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee on every job.
Make the Call
Do not put it off till the next storm if you see evidence of snow on your roof. We service all of Maine, home and business, with asphalt shingle, metal, cedar shake and rubber (EPDM) roofs as well as skylights and gutters.
We are here to answer questions and do an inspection between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Free estimates are provided and we can arrange financing with a number of lenders, credit history aside.
Contact us at (207) 489-2904. Let the men at Home Roofing Solutions see to it your home is protected for another hard winter.
