You may have put two and two together as to why a roof in New England is constructed the way it is. Some homes will see snow fall right off, others are left with an ice buildup at the edges that is no laughing matter. What is it that protects your home’s roof from the weight of winter?
JP Carroll Roofing, LLC has been in the business of putting up and mending roofs in New England for some time now; since 1987 we have done more than 30,000 of them. We would be happy to field any questions you have on your own roof, so do not hesitate to call (860) 775-7511. For now though, we want to put forward a few interesting facts on how they are made to withstand the kind of snow one finds in this country.
The Importance of Pitch in These Parts
Take a drive through any New England town in the dead of winter and you will spot the steep, pronounced angles on the older stock. There is a reason for it. The greater the pitch, the more likely the snow is to slide off rather than accumulate and put hundreds of pounds of stress on the building.
Builders here have long been aware of this. A good slope also expedites the draining of rain and what snow does melt, lessening the risk of pooling water or a leak. You can put down the saltbox and gable styles prevalent in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire were put to paper with our protracted winters in mind.
A Case of Engineering: Snow Load
Homeowners are often taken aback to learn that a roof in a snowy climate is put to a number, a figure for weight that is worked out with precision. Packed snow in a cubic foot is heavier than one might think; in wet conditions a roof can be supporting many tons.
To make allowances for it, roofers and builders will look at a host of factors:
- Roof shape and angle
- The framing below and its spacing
- Your choice of material
- Wind patterns and the drifts they create
- The weather one gets in a given town or state
Consequently, a roof in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is made for different circumstances than you would come by in a warmer clime.
Dealing with Ice Dams
Then there is the ice dam, a common winter nuisance in New England. Heat from the attic will thaw the snow higher up on the roof; the water makes its way to the cold edge and refreezes. Before long you have a ridge of ice holding back water.
All too often that water will find its way under the shingles and into the house. Good roofing practice is the answer. With adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic the roof surface stays at an even temperature so there is not as much melting and refreezing to contend with. An extra measure of protection is afforded by a waterproof membrane at the eaves on many a roof in the region.
It Is in the Material
When the cold sets in, the quality of your shingles is what counts. You need asphalt shingles that can take the freeze and thaw of a New England winter and flex with it.
We are members of the GAF President’s Club, something less than 1 per cent of contractors in the nation can say. That means the systems we install are suited to the climate. On certain jobs we extend the 50-year GAF Golden Pledge warranty for the homeowner’s peace of mind over the years ahead.
Snow Can Be an Ally
For a final bit of fun, consider that a uniform blanket of snow is insulating for your roof and helps keep the warmth in. It is only when the snow becomes ice or melts in an uneven fashion and forms heavy drifts that you have an issue. A roof in good order is the best way to put up with what the winter will throw at you.
Being a second-generation family firm we serve commercial and residential clients in all of Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Our hours are 7:30am until 9:00pm if you want to talk about your roof.
Should you be concerned about the next storm or simply want to know if your roof is up to it, get in touch with JP Carroll Roofing, LLC. We can give you a free estimate and with GreenSky pre-qualification is easy for 0% financing. Call (860) 775-7511 and we will have you facing the season without a care.
