Spring Roofing Q&A for Roofing Contractors: New England Edition

New England has harsh winters that can test the resilience of our homes. When the temperature dips below freezing and snow blankets the landscape for extended periods of time, homeowners often find themselves with ice dams, leaky roofs, and other issues. If you are considering residential spring roof upgrades, we have some helpful advice to share.

The good news is that spring and summer are ideal times to schedule a roof replacement in New England. These are some common roofing questions to ask your roofing contractor, to ensure that you’re getting the best product possible.

How do I Know I Need Spring Roofing?

New roofing is one of the biggest investments any homeowner can make, but it’s also one of the smartest. A new quality roof can provide a significant return on investment while increasing the value of your home.

Here are some signs it may be time for a new roof:

Your Roof is Old (Really Old)

Has it been a few decades since you’ve upgraded your roof? If so, it’s time to think about replacement. Premium quality shingles from Coastal Windows & Exteriors can last for life, but it’s important to keep tabs on the age of your roof.

You also need to consider if your shingles are a single layer or if they were layered over older shingles, which can make a difference in terms of how long your roof will last. 

Your Shingles are Bucking and Curling

The physical condition of your shingles is another key indicator for roof replacement. For example, shingles that are curling and bucking should be removed and replaced. This is a sign of sun damage and old age. 

Your Roof is Leaking

One of the biggest signs that you need new roofing is leaks. When water is making its way into your home, it’s important to get to the root of the problem sooner rather than later. You’ll need to replace your roof to avoid water damage and even mold or mildew growth.

Coastal Windows & Exteriors offers top-quality GAF roofing systems with an exceptional water barrier system. The underlayment is designed to keep water from reaching the inside of your home, providing an incredible barrier against water and ice. This is one of the best protective solutions for protecting your home against water damage.

Your Roof had Ice Dams in the Winter

The most common problem with snow and ice on the roof is ice dams; the build-up of ice at the edge of the roof. This is caused by melting snow and ice on the roof, which then freezes on the gutter system. Ice dams can lead to major problems like gutter damage, or even tearing off sections of your roof.

Not only will your new roof system offer top performance, but it will also enhance your home’s curb appeal. There is a range of color options beyond standard black to give your home that WOW factor. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary, classic, or a transitional vibe, there is a roofing option for nearly every style. 

What is the Best Shingle Material for New England Homes?

We are big asphalt advocates here at Coastal Windows & Exteriors. Asphalt is one of the best roof materials for several reasons. 

• Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option for roofing. If you need an upgrade without breaking the bank, asphalt is a no-brainer option.
• Energy Star-certified asphalt roofing helps lower your utility bills, especially shingles that are lighter in color.
• Asphalt roofing, when installed correctly, can take a beating from the elements. The asphalt shingles from Coastal Windows & Exteriors come with GAF’s unlimited wind speed warranty. Their wind-resistant performance begins with the installation of starter strip shingles, the first layer of shingles to go on your roof.
• Asphalt roofing is fast and easy to install, giving you a new durable roof sooner rather than later.

Another advantage of choosing asphalt is the large variety of color options. While vinyl siding is one of the best ways to transform the exterior of your home, a new roof can truly help do the same.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, a dark-colored roof will minimize your home’s size while downplaying the highest peaks of your roof. Light-colored roofing will make your home look bigger with a taller roof.

What Other Roofing Materials are Available Aside from Asphalt?

Asphalt shingle installation is a popular option here in New England. However, two other energy efficient and high-quality spring roof installations are available–metal and solar roofs.

Metal Roof Installation

Metal roofs make a statement with an exciting variety of colors and durable materials. Lasting 70+ years, metal roofs are impressively resistant to blow-off–even during the worst coastal storms here in New England.  Thanks to their recyclable materials and longetivity, metal roofs also prevent 11 million tons of asphalt going to the landfills each year.

Solar Roofs

Many homeowners are familiar with the bulky solar roof panels, which save energy but don’t do any favors for your curb appeal. With solar roof shingle installation, you get the best of both worlds. You can get solar panels that look like roof shingles, blending flush with your existing roof. 

New England homeowners can enjoy an entire roofing system with all the benefits you love, including better ventilation to prevent mold and ice dams. On top of this, we install solar roof shingles that can save up to 100% of your energy bills. This is the leading technology for roofing in our region and certainly one of the best materials for roofing in New England and the leading for energy-efficient spring roofing materials.

Do I Need to Worry About Roof Ventilation?

A high-quality roof with ridge vents can help keep your home ventilated. This wards off a lot of potential issues such as mold and mildew, indoor condensation, and even rotting wood beams in your attic. A well-ventilated roof also prolongs the life of your shingles while lowering utility bills. 

There are different styles of ridge vents available, including aluminum and shingle. You won’t find many performance differences between the two, but aesthetics are certainly a factor. 

Shingle ridge vents provide a more streamlined and finished appearance. Aluminum vents are prone to leaks since the fasteners are exposed. To prevent leaks with aluminum ridge vents, you’ll need to apply sealant around the fasteners on a regular basis, which is a lot of hassle for a less attractive roofing feature.

As you’re exploring options for ridge vents, find a product that includes a baffle system. This essentially creates a dam to block water from entering your home, while allowing sufficient airflow. 

How do I Protect Against Spring Leaks?

No New England homeowner wants a leaky roof. A leak barrier protection is one of the best roof materials to keep your home bone dry. According to Architect Magazine, 40 percent of structural problems stem from water intrusion, with roofing being one of the biggest culprits. This is why it’s so important to install a leak barrier system that blocks out water from rainstorms, snow, and more.

Where is your roof most vulnerable in terms of leaking? You’ll find the majority of leaks occur in areas such as the eaves, chimneys, sidewalls, skylights, valleys, and more.

It’s not realistic to endlessly add caulking to these areas to protect from leaks, and it’s not enough to only add protection around ice dam areas. Caulking only lasts a few years, and a lot of areas on your roof can spring a leak. 

Many companies will only add 3 feet of leak barrier protection, but Coastal Windows & Exteriors doubles that number for lasting protection. Keep in mind that ridge cap shingles can add even more protection against leaks. 

Double-Up With Roof Deck Protection

While the leak barrier system keeps your home dry, roof deck protection adds a second layer. It’s useful for blocking out wind-driven rain, which can frequent coastal areas, especially during hurricane season. It also helps to reduce any trapped moisture that can enter your attic, which can even lead to frozen pipes and ice dams during the winter.

How Can I Ensure that I’m Getting a Good Quality Roof?

A good roof can last for a lifetime. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a trusted, a family-run roofing company in New England that offers a 25-year labor warranty, along with a lifetime warranty on shingles. We also provide an unlimited wind speed warranty with our asphalt roofs, guaranteeing your shingles will never blow away! 

See Your Home with a New Roof for Free in 3D & Book Now for Roof Replacement!

We’re happy to help with any New England roofing questions you may have! Contact us today to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate for an A+ roofing system designed to last for life.