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.
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 home exterior remodeling, 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 is predicting a Wet Winter Whirlwind for the upcoming season–coming complete with ice, sleet, and rain. A wet winter spells trouble for an underperforming roof!
The Importance of a Comprehensive Roof Inspection Before Winter
A thorough roof inspection will make sure that your home is ready for winter’s challenges.
Here’s why scheduling an inspection with Coastal Windows & Exteriors before cold weather hits is so important:
- Identify hidden damage: Spot issues like small leaks or cracks before they become major problems.
- Ensure structural integrity: Confirm your roof can handle the weight of snow and ice.
- Check for missing shingles: Replace damaged or missing shingles to prevent water infiltration.
- Assess flashing and seals: Ensure flashing around vents and chimneys is intact to block water.
- Evaluate insulation and ventilation: Prevent ice dams and maintain energy efficiency.
- Protect against gutter issues: Verify gutters are securely attached and free of debris.
- Save on energy bills: Fixing weak spots reduces heat loss and lowers heating costs.
These are several of the warning signs that your roof isn’t ready for colder weather:
You 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.
- Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights may be damaged or loose, allowing water to seep through vulnerable points.
- Prompt leak repair prevents moisture from spreading into insulation and framing, which could cause long-term structural issues.
You’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.
- Structural weakening may spread to support beams, making the entire roof less stable during harsh weather.
- Persistent rot can compromise roof joints and connections, leading to long-term safety hazards.
Your Gutters are Sagging
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
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.
Best 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
- Proper insulation works with ventilation to regulate attic temperatures and prevent heat loss.
- Insulation reduces the likelihood of warm air escaping into the attic, which helps minimize snowmelt and ice dam formation.
Can your roof handle the snow load?
A roof with a suffering structure may not be able to handle winter snow’s weight. Removing snow from your roof prevents excessive weight from straining your gutters and roof edges.
A typical roof can handle about 20 pounds of snow per square foot, but this varies depending on the roof’s design and condition. Wet, heavy snow can weigh significantly more, with just one foot of it adding up to 20-30 pounds per square foot, putting considerable strain on the roof structure.
Regular snow removal reduces the risk of ice dams forming, which can lead to gutter detachment and water damage. The downside is the winter snow removal on your roof can be dangerous. Replacing your roof will eliminate the need for snow removal while bringing you all the great benefits of a new roof!
Why Partner with Coastal Windows & Exteriors for Roofing and Home Exterior Remodeling?
At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart as a leading choice for roof replacement in New England. With seven consecutive GAF Master Elite® President’s Club Awards, we’re proud to be part of the top 2% of roofing contractors in the country–a distinction that underscores our dedication to superior craftsmanship and reliability.
As a factory-certified GAF Master Elite® contractor, we bring unmatched quality and service to every roofing project, backed by the industry-leading Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, offering 25 years on labor and a lifetime warranty on shingles. Our adherence to GAF’s rigorous standards ensures your roof is installed with the highest level of care, protecting your home through every season.
As New England’s #1 woman-owned roofing company, we take pride in our role as a trusted partner in protecting what matters most—your home.
Enjoy High Efficiency Home Exterior Remodeling from Coastal Windows & Exteriors
If your roof is failing, it’s time to upgrade to prevent heat loss and ice dams this season New roof replacement can help keep you cozy and keep your energy bills in check! Take a look at some of the home exterior remodeling projects and roof installation here in New England by Coastal Windows & Exteriors:
- Roofing in Gloucester, MA: A new GAF roofing system was installed to withstand harsh New England winters, featuring a lifetime shingle warranty and a 25-year labor warranty.
- Roof installation in Beverly, MA: An emergency roof replacement addressed a significant hole, utilizing GAF HDZ asphalt shingles in Patriot Red to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Roofing contractors in Methuen, MA: A 22-year-old roof was replaced with a GAF roofing system, resolving previous ice dam issues and providing a 25-year labor warranty.
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.
