If you live in a colder climate, like New England, your roof could face serious damage in the winter from ice dams. An ice dam is formed when accumulated snow melts and runs down the slope of the roof and under the existing blanket of snow and freezes. Ice continues to accumulate, forming a dam, which prevents melting snow from draining off of the roof.

These dams can be very dangerous, because they trap liquid on the roof. This can lead to leaks, damaged ceilings and walls, and damage to the roof structure and insulation. It can even cause personal injury if the ice dam falls off on a person walking underneath it. People are also frequently injured when they attempt to remove the ice dams on their own, rather than calling a professional.

Building designs with proper ventilation and adequate insulation can prevent ice dams from forming. You should also attempt to remove snow from your roof before it can accumulate with a tool called a roof rake.

Before attempting to remove ice dams or snow from your roof on your own, you should consider the benefits of having it professionally done. South Shore Roofing specializes in ice dam removal services in South Shore MA and the surrounding area. For a free estimate from our ice dam removal company to treat your ice dams, contact South Shore Roofing today!

The roof is arguably one of the most valuable parts of your home. It protects you and your belongings from the elements, and its gutter system protects the rest of your home from damage. It also takes the brunt of the damage brought on by weather conditions – and just like everything else in your home it also suffers from daily wear and tear as it ages. The following are some warning signs that you may need a roof replacement in Duxbury Massachusetts.

A Leaky Attic

After a heavy rain or a big storm, check your attic for signs of a leak. It could be a sign that your roof is deteriorating and in need of replacing or repairs.

Blistering or Peeling Paint

When the paint in your home blisters or peels, it’s usually a sign of trapped moisture. If your roof is not properly ventilated, you could be in for some serious repair costs. Making sure your home is properly ventilated is a key part of roof maintenance.

Missing or Damaged Shingles

When large portions of your shingles are missing, or beginning to curl up it could be a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its lifetime and needs to be replaced.

Dark Spots

If large areas of your roof look dark or dirty, it could mean that mold or fungus has begun to grow on the shingles, or that the protective granules that coat the shingles have worn away. If you start seeing this dark spots, you may need a roof replacement.

Rising Energy Costs

If you’re seeing rising energy bills, your roof may be losing its effectiveness. Over time, your roof’s ability to insulate the home and keep out moisture diminishes, so you may need to replace it.

When you need a roof replacement or repairs, trust the experts at South Shore Roofing, a South Shore MA roofing company/roofing contractors. Contact us at SouthShoreRoofers.com and get a free estimate.

When buying a home, it is always important to carefully inspect it before placing an offer. Issues with the roof can turn a potential dream home into a money sucker very quickly. To make sure that you don’t get suckered into repairs, or even a full roof replacement in Duxbury, Massachusetts, make sure you check the roof for these problem signs.

Age

The ideal life-expectancy of a well-maintained roof is thirty years or more. Ask the seller what the age of the roof is, to see if it is close to needing a replacement. The age of a roof isn’t necessarily a warning sign, but if the roof was installed sloppily or is poorly maintained it could be a red flag.

Missing Shingles

Obvious signs of damage should be easily visible from the lawn, or when standing across the street. This could be a sign of big problems later on. When negotiating the contract, it is a good idea to hire a roofer to inspect the roof of the home for problems. They can give you a good idea of how much the roof will cost you after you move in. If the home has already been inspected prior to being put up for sale, you can ask the seller to review it.

Problems with the Gutters

The gutters protect the home from water damage, so if they are improperly maintained it could mean major issues for your home in the future. A roof inspection should include the gutters, so it’s a good idea to get one done before you sign any contracts.

Some states have a special law that requires sellers to fill out disclosure forms. These forms will tell you about any and all problems with the home. Before you perform your inspections, look up whether your state requires these forms and acquire them from the seller.

Keeping your gutters free of debris is very important in the maintenance of home. Gutters collect the water the runs off of your roof and drains it away from your house, effectively protecting your windows, siding, doors, and your foundation from water damage.

It is recommended that your gutters be cleaned out once every two years. You may need to clean them more often if your home is directly beneath a tree. To begin, get a sturdy ladder and place it against the roof. It is safer to use a step ladder rather than an extension ladder. Make sure you are wearing heavy work gloves to protect your hands from debris, and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Non-slip shoes are also important.

Before you begin, rake any leaves off of the roof so that they don’t wash into the gutters after you spent so much time cleaning them out. Using a bucket to collect the debris or a drop cloth below can also be helpful for collecting and disposing of the leaves without damaging your yard.

To clean your gutters, the first thing you need to do is scoop out any loose debris. Next, blast out any remaining debris or dirt with a hose. Next, flush out the spouts with a hose. If it doesn’t drain freely, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to get out any remaining debris.

When you need roofing in Scituate, MA and the surrounding area, trust South Shore Roofing. We provide roof maintenance to customers throughout New England. For more information, visit SouthShoreRoofers.com, today.