A sound roof  is essential during the winter months here in New England. From extreme cold to snowstorms and freezing rain, winter can be tough on roofs. That’s why it’s important to take steps to maintain your asphalt roof during this season. Without proper maintenance, your roof can suffer from water and ice damage, leading to costly repairs. 

Winter in New England is in full swing…brrrrr! It is important to get your home protected from cold temperatures, snow, and ice. The Farmer’s Almanac continues to predict frequent snowfall and bitter arctic air. Meanwhile, energy bills and heating costs have increased by up to 85%. 

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The truth is that energy prices have tripled for many New England and North Shore homeowners. Since roofing can lose up to 25% of your home’s energy, it’s more important than ever to ensure your roof is in tip-top condition. 

Whether you live in Beverly, Salem, Peabody or Manchester-by-the-Sea, every homeowner needs a roof that protects what matters most. These are several of the warning signs that your roof isn’t ready for colder weather:

white ceiling stainedYou Have Stains on Your Ceiling

Wait, what do ceiling stains have to do with roofing in winter? As it turns out . . . a lot!

Ceiling stains are a major red flag that you’ll need to worry about your roof’s performance in winter, which is why you need to consider new roof installation now.

Brown or yellow stains indicate that there is a leak in the roof somewhere. When ice dams start to form during the coldest times of the year, it’s almost guaranteed that these stains will get worse. This is especially true once the ice dams begin to melt.

Why can’t your roof handle winter weather if there are stains on your ceiling?

  • There is likely already an active leak in your roof or attic, which will only get worse as snow accumulates and melts on your roof. 
  • A neglected leak stemming from melting snow and ice dams can eventually eat away at the ceiling, causing it to crumble and cave in.
  • Your shingles may be curling, missing, or bucking, exposing the roof to the elements. These shingles may also not be able to withstand high winds of winter storms. Our GAF roofing comes with an unlimited wind speed warranty, where the shingles are guaranteed to stay in place no matter the wind speed.

Roof rotting in the winterYou’re Experiencing Roof Rot

Roof rot is a sign of serious structural and performance problems with your roof. The downside is that you won’t necessarily be able to see roof rot when it’s happening beneath the shingles. Like the roof above, the rot was revealed when we began peeling away the outer layers during replacement. 

One way that you can tell if your roof is rotting is by taking a step outside. Look in areas such as the roof eaves and fascia, which is the board that connects the outer walls to your house. You may find signs of rot in this area, which will look like decay.

Rotting roofs can’t handle winter weather for several reasons:

  • They are prone to even further moisture damage by way of rain, snow, and sleet.
  • Rotting areas of your roof will not be able to withstand the heavy load of snowfall. Snow can weigh as much as 20 pounds per cubic foot! Learn all about the weight of snow fall and the impact on your roof by clicking here
  • If the roof rot is neglected, it will affect the structural integrity of the attic ceiling. This can cause the ceiling and drywall to sag under the weight of snow.

Your Gutters are Sagging

old house with sagging gutters

Sagging gutters aren’t just unsightly for curb appeal, they’re a sign that your roof isn’t ready for cold weather.

Furthermore, sagging gutters mean they aren’t properly attached to your roof. As snow starts to fall and accumulate, the gutters won’t be able to take the heavy weight. 

Eventually, the gutters are going to pull away and even entirely detach from the roof. Worst of all, it can bring a large portion of your roof with it! Once ice dams begin to form, sagging gutters become a highly dangerous scenario. Keep in mind that ice dams can weigh several thousand pounds! 

If your gutters are sagging, it’s time to make repairs while taking a close look at your roof. A roofing contractor can determine if your roof is in good condition for cold weather.

Your Roof has Poor Ventilation

House with poor ventilation with icicles

Roof ventilation is critically important, even when it comes to roofing in winter. Adequate ventilation is necessary to ward off ice dams and keep your roof performing properly. This is especially true if you want to stay warm this winter.

When your roof isn’t properly ventilated, heat rises inside your home and becomes trapped in the attic space. This causes the roof to become warm, melting the snow which melts down into the gutter systems. From there, ice dams form and can cause significant damage to the roof and gutters.

ice dam at work graphicBest Known Roof Ventilation Methods:

  • Gable vents, which are typically installed where two slopes of your roof form a triangle 
  • Soffit vents, which run along your soffit and protect against wind-driven rain from entering the attic 
  • Ridge vent, which guards against roof rot as well as ice damming

Enjoy a High Efficiency Roof from Coastal Windows & Exteriors

Do you live in one of the beautiful North Shore towns such as Rockport, Salisbury or Amesbury? If your roof is failing, it’s time to upgrade to prevent heat loss and ice dams this season. As home heating oil costs continue to rise, new roof replacement can help keep you cozy. We offer roof installation all through the year. Don’t delay on getting your new GAF roofing, reaping the benefits of a new roof now. Contact us today for a free estimate. 

Serving Boston’s North Shore community as well as other areas of New England for over 10 years (click here to see our service areas), Coastal Windows & Exteriors provides New England homeowners with quality exterior home improvement services, including replacement windows, roofing, siding, and entry door installation. Our products are carefully crafted with weather-resistant materials, engineered to protect your home through every season. We are a woman-owned, family-run company dedicated to educating New England homeowners on the importance of exterior maintenance. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate on your next home improvement project.