roof repair

Making The Most Of Cold And Snowy South Shore Days: Where To Sled and Skate

Winter 2024 Update: Check Out This New South Shore Skating Rink!

Since we wrote the blog post below, South Shore residents have had the good fortune to have a new place to skate outdoors in the Quincy Center ice skating rink located near General’s Bridge. Be sure to check it out with friends & family this winter!

As we write this post, it’s looking to be a cold weekend ahead here on Boston’s South Shore; plus, it’s only early February, which means there’s still likely going to be plenty of days ahead this year fit for outdoors ice skating and/or sledding.

The above inspired our South Shore roofing company to share our list of great places to skate or sled on the South Shore — the place our residential roofing contractors call home! Check out these places to “play” outdoors on South Shore winter days!

Where To Ice Skate On The South Shore (Outdoors)

Where To Sled On The South Shore

Be Safe When It Comes To Outdoors Ice Skating and Sledding

Inspired to head out for skating or sledding? Be sure your children bring and wear their helmets, thick gloves or mittens, and hats. And, make sure an adult will be accompanying and watching them throughout their skating or sledding activities! And, keep in mind that safety experts recommend that children sled feet-first!

If ice skating is in the plans for your South Shore winter play day, make sure an adult checks the ice before children skate on it. Ice that has open water patches is a “no go” for skating — it’s just not safe. Look for outdoors ice skating spots where ice has a dark blue color vs. white or grey, since dark blue ice is safer!

Lastly, be sure to pack some hot drinks, like hot cocoa, or hot cider, in thermoses to warm everyone up and keep them hydrated!

This is an illustrated, cartoon-like drawing showing a family enjoying a winter day sledding and skating outdoors. The image shows two boys who are sledding on a hill that is nearby a pond. One boy has fallen off his sled and is lying in the snow, but not hurt. Pictured on the pond ice skating are a mother with a boy and girl. This image is shared to support our south shore roofing contractors' blog post about great places to ice skate and sled on Boston's South Shore.

Play It Safe When It Comes To Your Home And Roof This Winter

And, speaking of both playing and staying safe, be sure to “play it safe” and hire an expert when snow and ice are causing, or have potential to cause, damage to your home or roof due to ice dams. As we explain in this blog post about ice dams, ice dams can damage your home. So, learn what they are and why you should hire professional roofers like South Shore Roofing to help you treat and remove them.

Our Team Of Roofing Experts Is Always Here To Help

Whether you need help because of winter weather’s impact on your home and roof, or you want to start planning for a new roof installation or roof replacement this spring, reach out to the team of roofing experts at South Shore roofing today!

Making Your Home Holiday-Ready: Easy, Inexpensive Ideas To Make It Both Safe & Inviting

As we write this, we’re in disbelief that the fall and winter holiday season will soon be upon us! Where did the year go? To help you ensure your holiday guests stay safe and feel welcomed this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of easy and inexpensive tactics you can start chipping away at now.

How To Make Your Home Feel Inviting To Holiday Guests

These small touches can make a huge difference in making your holiday guests feel special — whether they’ll be lodging with you for a few days, or just spending a few hours at your home:

  • Buy extra festive-looking boxes of kleenex at a big box or discount store, and place them around the house in bathrooms, guestrooms, and the kitchen for easy snagging by guests.
  • Purchase, at a discount store, a number of toss pillows with holiday designs, or in solid holiday colors like gold, silver, light blue, green, and red and place them on chairs and sofas throughout your home and on beds in guestrooms.
  • For both your bathrooms and guestrooms, create baskets that contain small toiletry items to make your guests feel pampered — you know the kind of baskets you see in restrooms at weddings. Include items like small scented hand lotions and soaps.
  • And speaking of soaps, shop big box or discount stores for hand soap with holiday designs or scents to place in bathrooms. While you’re there, snag a few pairs of comfy-cozy socks for individuals of all ages and genders, to place on the beds in guestrooms.
  • Seek out small white or red poinsettia plants or Christmas cactuses that are in bloom to place throughout your home, and in bathrooms and guestrooms.
  • Clear out and designate a drawer and space in a closet in any bedrooms in which guests will be staying so they know you took the time to prepare for their stay.
  • Use small baskets or bowls — particularly ones with a holiday design or color — to house a few snack items for guests, and place them on nightstands in bedrooms where guests will be staying. Related to that, consider placing small holiday figurines like elves or angels, or other holiday decorations, on nightstands and in bathrooms that will be used by guests.
  • Search online for the best deal for a collapsible luggage rack for guests to place their suitcase on when they arrive, and to make it easy for them to unpack.
  • Follow these tips from a fellow South Shore business (DME provider and expert in making homes accessible) to ensure your holidays are disability inclusive!

How to Keep Your Family And Guests Safe This Holiday Season

We’ve written a bunch of blog posts in the past about holiday safety and winter safety tips for your home. We recommend you review these each & every holiday and winter season to make sure your family and guests will stay safe:

The team of roofing experts at our South Shore roofing company is always available to talk with you about any of the following & more!: attic ventilation, attic air circulation; roof moisture, wall moisture, or ceiling moisture; ice dam prevention, ice dam removal; new home roof installation; and home roof replacement. You may find this past blog post helpful related to why your attic and roof may be wet on a dry winter day.

Never hesitate to reach out to our team of residential roofing contractors if we can be of service related to home safety measures or home challenges.

The team of experienced roofers at South Shore Roofing wishes all our readers and customers a very safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

 

South Shore Local Treasures: Part I

We’re so fortunate to have so many of what we like to call “local treasures” on the South Shore that we thought the onset of warmer weather made for the perfect occasion to share some of our favorite things to do and places to visit in spring and summer.

And, because there’s so South Shore treasures we want to talk about, we’re featuring these fun and interesting South Shore places and activities in two blog posts — one featuring cultural activities and events, like food, art, and music, and the other featuring nature-related activities and events.

So, here we go. Part 1!

Local Treasures on the South Shore: Culture

The weather is warm, school’s out, and the sound of peepers fills the air. Summer is a great time to attend outdoor concerts, festivals, fairs, and farmer’s markets – and many of them are free! We’ve looked into the best cultural events happening on the South Shore this summer and we’re excited to share some of them with you. South Shore residents, get out your calendars and read on to learn when and where you can go and have some fun.

Plymouth: Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra and Project Arts both offer free outdoor summer concerts in Plymouth. Their free outdoor concerts are on the waterfront and family-friendly, perfect for all ages to enjoy. All you need to bring is a lawn chair or blanket. Additionally, First Fridays Plymouth occurs on the first Friday of every month from May-October. Restaurants, art galleries, museums and shops open their doors to host poetry readings, display artwork, and host musical performances and art demonstrations.

Quincy: We’ve attended the following event a couple of times already, and it is just so much fun! It’s also refreshing to see folks off their devices and phones, and singing & dancing with friends, family, and neighbors. Check out Porchfest Quincy!

Braintree: The schedule has yet to be posted, but every year, there are a series of free outdoors concerts at beautiful Sunset Lake in Braintree. Invite friends, family, and neighbors, and bring your own chair and snacks for an evening of great outdoors music!

Hanover: Every Tuesday at Forge Pond Park, you can find food trucks lining up for business which are part of the South Shore Food Truck Association. Although the food isn’t free, it’s reasonably priced and you’ll find some of the most creative food start-ups in action there. You can find everything from tacos, pizza, and sandwiches to ice cream and shaved ice. Bring your family and friends or a date for a nice picnic.

Kingston: Gorgeous Gray’s Beach Park has a host of cultural activities planned for this spring and summer — farmer’s markets, movies, and music. Be sure to mark your calendars for one or all of these fun events.

Weymouth: This year is Weymouth’s 400th anniversary so there are plenty of celebrations in which to take part. Village festivals will celebrate each of the four villages in May, June, July, and August. The second Saturday of each month, streets will be full of vendors in the selected village. In June, the Weymouth Farmers Market will start up and be held weekly at the high school on Sundays. Featuring local fruits and vegetables, this is a great place to pick up the ingredients for your next farm-fresh meal.

Get outside and enjoy the rich cultures of all these South Shore towns this summer. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the resurgence of many public events. Remember to read up on local mask mandates before you attend.

We hope South Shore residents consider us here at South Shore Roofing one of the South Shore’s #localtreasures! We’ve got a long, rich history of meeting the roof repair and roof installation needs of both South Shore business owners and residents.

As with getting out and about, spring and summer are the perfect time to have your roof repaired or replaced, so reach out now to see how our team of roofing experts can be of service!

 

 

South Shore Local Treasures: Part II

As we expressed in the first post in our two-part blog series about South Shore Local treasures, we are truly blessed to have so many of what we like to call “local treasures” on the South Shore.

Our first South Shore Treasures blog post focused on cultural activities and events — think yummy food, great outdoors music, and more!

So, here we go with Part 2, which focuses on South Shore spring and summer nature activities and events!

Local Treasures on the South Shore: Nature

Beaches, marshes, and rolling hills characterize the beloved landscape of our South Shore. While we’re close to the metropolitan area of Boston, there are still plenty of beautiful places to enjoy nature. Whether you like fishing, walking, hiking or biking, there’s a place for everyone in the outdoors.

Plymouth: Explore the site of the largest freshwater ecological restoration project in the Northeast at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. What was once a 481-acre cranberry farm is now a permanently protected natural resource. You can see a brand new pollinator garden, attend a program, or walk through the marsh on 3 miles of maintained trails.

Quincy: The Saltmarsh Trail is a half mile self-guided nature walk designed to highlight major plant and animal species in the marsh. It leads to a cemetery overlooking the bay. Another short trail is the Red Diamond Trail at Faxon Park. It’s a good walk for families, with a playground at the entrance and stone benches for resting or picnicking along the trail. Also in Quincy is the waterfront park at Squantum Point, a former naval field with views of the Boston skyline. It’s now a popular spot for birdwatching.

Braintree: Pond Meadow Park (which has entrances in both Braintree and Weymouth) has 2 miles of paved trail on 320 acres of land. The diverse landscape of ponds, streams, meadow, forest, and marsh is a popular place for jogging, biking, fishing, camping, kayaking, and canoeing. A wide paved loop circles around a pond, providing beautiful views of the water. You can find old stone walls and glacial erratic boulders scattered throughout the woods. In terms of wildlife, there are turtles, migrating birds and plenty of fish species.

Hanover: 40-acre athletic complex, Forge Pond Park offers athletic fields and 6.5 miles of wooded trails for walking and running. A 1-mile paved trail is ideal for biking with small kids and wheelchair use. A gravel boat ramp at the back of the lot provides access to Forge Pond for a quiet paddle. Luddams Ford Park includes 22 acres of trails maintained by the Hanover Conservation Commission and a dam which was once used to power several mills once located here. Now, it forces salmon to climb a fish ladder to swim upstream to spawn. A nearby pond offers catch and release fishing, and small launch for kayaks and canoes. Hungry? Bring lunch! There’s also a picnic area overlooking the river.

Kingston: Maple, cedar and pine trees surround the marsh at The Nook Preserve in Kingston. At the mouth of the tidal Jones River, this nature preserve was once a location for Wampanoeg and Patuxet tribes’ summer encampments. European immigrants then used it for livestock pasture, so the land is criss-crossed by stone walls. You can also launch kayaks and canoes at the nearby Mulliken’s landing.

Weymouth: King Oak Hill Park features views of the Boston skyline and a quarter mile paved loop makes for easily-counted laps. Stroller and wheelchair friendly, the park’s total area clocks in at 24 acres. It’s built on what was once an important junction and hunting lookout for Wampanoag people. Check out other Weymouth park favorites of a devoted South Shore walker. And added to our list on 3/28/2024, Heritage Park – a great place to learn about, and feel like you’re living/experiencing Weymouth’s great history!

South Shore Nature and South Shore Ice Cream:

What’s not to love about pairing exercise in nature with ice cream? Check out this great blog post from another Local Treasure, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, on how to get your nature and ice cream fixes simultaneously!

We hope you can find time to get outside and relax in the parks, preserves, and trails in your town/city and beyond!

We also hope South Shore residents consider us here at South Shore Roofing one of the South Shore’s #localtreasures! We’ve got a long, rich history of meeting the roof repair and roof installation needs of both South Shore business owners and residents.

As with getting out and about, spring and summer are the perfect time to have your roof repaired or replaced, so reach out now to see how our team of roofing experts can be of service!

 

Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your New England Home

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are slowly rising, and the first flowers will soon be poking their heads out of the ground. Yes, while it may feel impossible and long-overdue, as it does every year without fail, spring will soon have arrived in New England and on Boston’s South Shore!

Like January and September, spring is a time for new beginnings. It’s time to clean out the old and make way for the new! In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about spring cleaning your house and your roof! So whether you’re a spring cleaning newbie and just learning the spring-cleaning ropes, or you’re looking for some extra tips related to your annual spring cleaning routine, read on!

Why Create and Follow A Spring Cleaning Checklist?

The best way to get your home clean for spring is by using a checklist. This will ensure that you don’t miss any essential areas and complete the job promptly (we’ve found having a checklist motivates one to complete tasks, so you receive the satisfaction of checking them off your list).

Whether you create and update your spring cleaning checklist via paper or an online document such as a Google sheet or Excel worksheet, some of the most common areas to focus on during home spring cleaning and incorporate in your checklist include:

  • Deep cleaning kitchens and pantries.
  • Giving all fixtures, surfaces, and objects in your home a good and thorough dusting
  • Scrubbing all bathroom surfaces from top to bottom
  • Cleaning all windows and windowsills – inside and out (depending on how far off the ground your windows are you may need to hire a professional window cleaner to do the outside work safely)
  • Cleaning your grout and tile, professionally, if possible, to preserve its longevity
  • Thoroughly dusting and washing baseboards and molding
  • Cleaning dirty spots off the wall and doorways and on or near light switch plates
  • Refreshing your entryway with new runners and welcome mats
  • Using touch-up paint where needed, or re-painting walls entirely
  • Cleaning your carpets and rugs with a carpet cleaner, or hiring a rug cleaning service
  • Inspecting the home for mold, cracks, and leaks. Learn why wet walls require immediate action.
  • This is also a great time for checking the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replacing them, as needed.

Roof Spring Cleaning

Just as you need to clean your home in the spring, you also need to clean off your roof. This is especially important if you live in an area like Massachusetts that sees a lot of rain or snow. After all, the winter weather can do a lot of damage, and it’s important to get ahead of any potential problems. A dirty roof can lead to all sorts of issues, such as leaks and water damage.

There are many different things that you can do to get your South Shore roof ready for spring. However, here are a few of the most important ones:

  • Inspect the Roof for Damage: Take a look at your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. We suggest you do this by looking up at your roof vs. climbing up on your roof – we don’t want anyone to slip or fall, unnecessarily. Sometimes, it means standing far back in your driveway or yard, so that you can look at your roof from a distance. If you notice an area of your roof that looks like it’s been damaged and needs fixing, give our South Shore roofing contractors a call and we can access whether you need our services related to residential roof repair or roof replacement. Check out these warning signs it may be time to replace your roof.
  • Clear Debris from Gutters: If you can do it safely yourself, make sure to clear out all the debris from your gutters. This will help ensure that rain water can flow freely and not cause any damage.

Need more spring cleaning ideas and inspiration? Check out last year’s spring cleaning hacks blog post: https://www.southshoreroofers.com/tag/spring-cleaning/

How Our South Shore Roofing Experts Can Help

Don’t risk getting up on your roof to try to mend yourself any damage that you may see. Both being up on the roof, and trying to fix the roof yourself, could lead to undesirable consequences. One of the professional roofers on the South Shore Roofing team can inspect the roof and determine what needs to be done to fix it. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future damage. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced roofing company, be sure to contact South Shore Roofers! We have been providing quality roofing services for many years, and we’re seasoned roofing contractors who’ve helped many South Shore businesses and families get their home roof or business/commercial roof ready for spring. So, reach out today!

 

 

 

8 Steps To Keep Your Home and Family Merry & Safe This Winter and Holiday Season

Because of the restrictions and limitations that COVID19 placed on the 2020 holiday season, we’re all particularly excited about holiday home decorating safety celebrating the holidays in 2021, right? As South Shore roofing contractors, we’re seeing and hearing from local friends, family, and customers that they plan to go all out with holiday shopping, home get-togethers (even if they keep them small or stick to just family based on their pandemic comfort level), and decorating the inside and outside of their homes.

We think you’ll agree that, with all that “stepped-up” holiday activity, it’s more important than ever that we all do all we can to protect our South Shore homes and families, by putting the following measures in place:

Hanukkah Holiday SafetyThe team of roofing experts at our South Shore roofing company is always available to talk with you about any of the following & more!: attic ventilation, attic air circulation; roof moisture, wall moisture, or ceiling moisture; ice dam prevention, ice dam removal; new home roof installation; and home roof replacement. Never hesistate to reach out to see if we can be of service related to home safety measures or home challenges.

 

 

We wish all our readers a safe and happy holiday season and winter!

 

A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR GETTING YOUR HOME & YARD READY FOR SUMMER

We’ve pulled together ideas below for making both the outside and inside of your home summer-ready because who doesn’t want to be, and isn’t ready for, summer?

Using Your Outdoors Space For Summer Hosting & More!

Are you eager to host a barbeque or graduation party? What about all those reunions and landmark birthdays that had to go uncelebrated? Do you find yourself missing those casual weekend fires and family badminton matches in the backyard? Now that we can safely gather with friends, and family, it’s time to get your yard and house (yes, including your roof!) ready for summer gatherings. 

Here’s how to get started:

First, read these articles from last season about making your patio space super cozy and about why summer is a great time to get your roof replaced. 

Now that you have some decoration and renovation ideas, you can think about how you want to use your space. Do you want to host fantastic meals for your friends in a chic dining space? Do you want to have a weekly backyard volleyball tournament for your neighborhood? Are you interested in an outdoor workspace where you can field Zoom calls and reply to emails while enjoying the sun? 

What you want to do with your space will determine next steps. For instance, if great conversation and fine dining is your priority, you can focus on your patio or porch space. If you want to host outdoor sports events, then you can make sure you have all the right equipment, good storage space for that equipment, and a hydration station. If you want to work from home outside, you’ll need a supportive chair and table in the shade or with an umbrella you can open up for sunny days.

Other Summer Home & Yard Tasks

While they aren’t as fun or exciting as planning for summer activities, like those described above, key home maintenance tasks you should consider include:

  • Make sure your cooling system is functional before rather than during the first heat wave. HVAC maintenance can also keep humidity in your home down which increases the lifespan of your roof.
  • Visually inspect your roof for any damage that might have occurred during the winter such as missing shingles, exposed nails, wavy flashing, or detached gutters, and if you notice anything that needs tending to, give our roofing expert team at South Shore Roofers a call!
  • Put flower boxes in windows and plant some bright flowers. Bonus points for planting things that will flower in different months, so you have continual color throughout the warm months!
  • Clean your gutters to prevent flooding in your basement during any big rain storms. 
  • Trim branches away from your roof. This will prevent gutter clogging and potential damage from any falling branches. Focus on trimming diseased or dead branches hanging close to the roof.

Once you’ve designed your yard space to suit your needs and gotten your home and roof in order, it’s time to invite the friends and family over! Summer on the South Shore is a beautiful time of year. This is definitely the time to kick back, relax, and enjoy being with your people.

If you need help with replacing or repairing your roof this summer, South Shore Roofing will be there for you. You can get your free consultation today. The team would love to discuss your goals and work towards solutions with you. Have a great summer!

 

         

 

 

 

3 Roofing Upgrades That Can Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

By Guest Blogger, Matt Lee, Innovative Building Materials

The overall outer appearance of your home is classified as its curb appeal. This appearance is significant in establishing good first impressions from guests, friends, and potential buyers later down the road. A dull front, with little visual appeal or aesthetic choices, will most likely result in a home with low curb appeal. However, if this reminds you of a home you recently purchased this is no cause to worry! There are several procedures a homeowner can undergo to increase their home’s appearance and attractiveness.

One of the foremost techniques you can use to increase your home’s curb appeal is renovating your home’s roof. These renovations can include work on your roof’s flashing, gutters, or the entire roof of your home. Each of these three renovations are discussed and explored further below. If you are a homeowner looking to boost your home’s curb appeal then the following is for you!

Repair Flashing

Your roof’s flashing is the collection of resistant paneling that surrounds your chimney, vents, valleys, and skylights. The overall purpose of flashing is to direct the flow of water on your roof away from these more vulnerable areas and into your gutter and drainage system. You should look to repair your flashing if it is missing or otherwise rusted, Not only can missing or rusted flashing lead to leaks in your roof, but it can also decrease the overall attractiveness of your home. In general, flashing is offered in a variety of materials including galvanized steel, PVC, and lead. However, the most common flashing materials are aluminum or copper.

Renovating or replacing your roof’s flashing is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Both aluminum and copper flashing are perfect for most homes. These flashing materials also can be painted a variety of colors to match your garage trim, accent colors, and overall colorway of your home. This coordination will be sure to give your home a needed boost, and keep your roof safe from any leaks!

Update Gutters

The overall function of your roof’s gutter system is to provide the entire roof with drainage support. This gutter system should take water collected during a rain shower or winter weather event and transport it off of your roof through a maze of downspouts, gutters, and splash pans. Not only is this drainage system vital in terms of your roof’s overall performance, but a new, well installed gutter system can also give your home a refreshing look. This refreshing look can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal.

Drainage system updates can be installed on your home in a variety of styles. The most common styles of gutters and downspouts offered by roofing professionals are classified as half-round gutters, k-style, box style, or curved style gutters. Pairing the perfect gutter system with your home is a great way to simultaneously improve your roof’s effectiveness and the overall appearance of your home. At first your home’s gutters, like different driveway paving ideas, may be overlooked when searching for ways to increase curb appeal. However, properly installed gutters can give your roof a seamless and sleeker look.

Install a New Roof

So, you had your roof checked by a roofing professional, and there was no damage to your home’s flashing or drainage system. However, the professional you consulted told you that your roof was at the end of its lifespan. While having a new roof installed on your house can be stressful and financially anxious, it is the perfect exterior upgrade to give your home a new stylish look.

When having a new roof installed on your home, you can choose from a variety of roofing shingles, such as impact resistant shingles, metal shingles that are flame-resistant, and other materials meant to mimic wood and other materials. These different materials can be used to simultaneously improve the strength of your home’s roof and the visual aesthetic of your home. A new roof can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal.

Enjoy Your New Roof!

 Your home’s curb appeal is a combination of a large list of exterior factors including landscaping, siding, your front door, and yes, of course your home’s roof. Overall, the roofing upgrades discussed previously can have an immediate impact on your home’s curb appeal. If you are looking to increase the visual aesthetic of your home’s roof first take a look at its flashing and drainage system. Then after that, you can decide if you want to have a new roof installed on your home!

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

What Home and Business Owners Need to Know About Missing Roof Shingles

As New Englanders, we’re no strangers to storms. Wind, rain, sleet and ice can all leave a roof looking a little under the weather. After a storm blows through, you might notice a few asphalt shingles missing from your roof. Or maybe there is no storm, but you own a beautiful older home and some of the shingles are damaged or badly worn. You don’t think it’s a big deal, but then you start wondering. Will my roof leak? It’s definitely possible!

It’s important to get missing shingles replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage and expenses down the line. Being proactive with your roof repair will save you hundreds of dollars and bring you peace of mind.

Why, Generally, a Missing Shingle is Cause for Concern

When shingles are missing it allows the wind to get between the roof deck and roof shingles causing the “non-missing” ones to lift and come unsealed. There is a one in three chance that the missing shingle sat above an open seam between the shingles below. The standard 3-tab shingles are installed side-by-side with each new row of shingles covering the top of the layer below and the side seams.

Shingles are installed in layers to wick water away from the wood underneath. Each layer is composed of 3-shingle sections that are laid next to each other, end to end. When roofers add new layers of shingles during installation, they stagger the seams so water can’t get in. If a shingle above a seam tears off, water can flow into the newly unprotected gap between the lower shingles, leading to rotted plywood and roof leaks.

Sometimes your missing shingle doesn’t reveal a seam, but your roof may still be in danger of leaking. The upper portion of the shingle has less protective mineral granules than the bottom. These granules protect the shingle from the sun. When the upper portion of the shingle is exposed, the UV rays might cause it to decay and the rest of the shingles will follow suit. This will eventually lead to leaking, water damage, and mold. No matter their placement on the roof, all missing shingles can lead to roof leaks. Generally, it’s best to address these issues as soon as possible.

The Details Behind Damage from Missing Shingles

  • Water: For a while, the felt paper below any missing shingles will shield your house from water damage. However, a missing asphalt shingle isn’t something you should leave unattended for too long. Left unfixed, you could be in danger, especially during heavy rain which can be common on Boston’s South Shore. Once under the shingles, water will rot the wood sheathing beneath. This can also harm your attic, ceiling joists, rafters, wall framing, and more. Rotting wood leads to structural instability in the home and seriously expensive damage. Leaking water is also a hazard because it leads to electrical issues and fire hazards when electrical systems are in close proximity to the leaking roof.
  • Mold: Mold and mildew can develop as a result of the moisture coming in through the damaged roof. Mold can ruin paint, walls, clothing, furniture, carpets, and rugs, not to mention cause health-related harm to people who have allergies or respiratory problems.
  • Ice: When the New England winter arrives, freezing water can lead to other issues. When the water which has entered the home freezes, it expands. This leads to cracks in the roof or framing of the house. It’s a slippery slope as the cracks allow more water to seep in – which makes the structure more unstable. You can read more about the impact of ice on roofs here, here, and here.
  • Increased Energy Bills: A roof with a hole in it is permeable. With a missing shingle, you will find it harder to keep your home warm or cold depending on the season and this will increase your energy bills.

How Our South Shore Roofing Company Can Help

As with many other home issues, it’s better to fix the problem of a missing asphalt shingle sooner rather than later. Our roofing contractor experts at South Shore Roofing can fix your home or commercial roof before it starts leaking. We’ll help keep your family, employees, or tenants safe and dry! So, please reach out any time to discuss roof damages and the best solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

Why Summer is The Perfect Time to Get Your Roof Repaired or Replaced

Summer is the perfect time for barbeques, beach trips, and picking up that paperback that you’ve had forever but haven’t gotten around to reading yet. The warm weather lends itself to rest, relaxation, and connecting with friends. It’s also the perfect time for checking those long-procrastinated home improvement projects off your list. Is one of those projects replacing or repairing your South Shore home’s roof?

You can hire a roofer at any point in the year, but there are quite a few reasons why summer is an ideal season to tackle this project in particular.

  1. The weather is consistently dry and warm enough to allow materials and tools to function optimally. Shingles need to set and seal and they can only do this at temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Installing shingles in the summer will prevent shingles from getting cold, cracking and breaking.
  2. You can prepare for the harsh winter weather conditions in advance. When the sleet, snow, and hail come, you won’t have to worry about your roof leaking or your home sustaining any damages that might have been prevented had you replaced or repaired your roof sooner. We discussed the dangers of prolonging roof repair and replacement in our “Warning Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof” blog post.
  3. Summer conditions are safer for outdoor workers, in general, and the abundance of light allows our experienced team of roofing contractors to work longer days so your residential roof repair or replacement project will be completed faster. The dry, warm weather allows for more good work days and since we’re in New England, it doesn’t tend to get so hot that workers will get overheated if they take the right precautions, like staying hydrated.
  4. Since summer is such a great time for house roofing work, local stores will have a greater variety of shingles to choose from, so you can be sure that you get exactly the color and style of new roof that you want for your South Shore home!

Time slots are more limited in summer because it’s such a good time to do the work, so it’s better to schedule your roof replacement or repair project sooner rather than later. Our roofing company can help with residential roofing, commercial roofing, and storm damage. You can visit this page to get a free virtual or in-person estimate on your new project. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. The team at South Shore Roofing would love to discuss your roofing needs today!