Category Archives: winter tips

Signs Your Roof Needs Repair Before Snow Arrives

November 10, 2025roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about your roof. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn small roofing issues into big, expensive problems fast. Even a few missing shingles or subtle signs of wear can lead to leaks, water damage, or structural trouble when storms roll in. Spotting and addressing these issues now can save you a major headache later. Here are signs that your roof needs repair before the snow arrives.

Common Signs Your Roof Needs Repair Before the First Snowstorm

Missing or Damaged Shingles

If you notice shingles that are cracked, curled, or completely missing, it’s a clear sign your roof needs attention. These areas allow water and snow to penetrate the roof deck and increase the risk of leaks and insulation damage. A full snow season can magnify these vulnerabilities.

Granules Gathering Near Your Roofline

When you find shingle granules collecting in gutters or on the ground below your roof, it often means your shingles are reaching the end of their life. These granules protect the shingle surface from the elements, and once they’re lost, the roof becomes much more vulnerable to water infiltration and ice damage.

Gaps Around Flashing Could Invite Winter Leaks

The flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights plays a critical role in keeping water out. Over time, these seals may crack, warp, or corrode, allowing snowmelt or ice dams to seep in. If you see rusted flashing, gaps, or signs of exposure, it’s time for repair before winter hits.

Ice Dams and Poor Attic Ventilation

Ice dams form when heat from inside the home melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the eaves. These ice accumulations block drainage and force melted water under shingles. Signs of poor attic ventilation or insulation often show up as interior stains or frost on rafters. Addressing insulation and airflow now prevents major headaches later.

Moisture in the Attic

Sometimes the warning signs are found inside your attic or on your ceilings. If you see water stains, peeling paint, or mold in the attic or upstairs rooms, your roof may already be letting in moisture. Snow and ice make this worse, so it’s important to fix the source of the leak before damage spreads.

Sagging Rooflines

A sagging roof is one of the clearest warning signs that something isn’t right. It can happen when moisture weakens the roof decking or when heavy snow from previous winters has added too much weight over time. You might notice a dip along the ridge or an uneven slope that wasn’t there before. This is a sign of structural issues that need attention right away.

Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing

We understand the urgency of getting your roof ready before snow arrives. Our team offers thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and clear estimates so you know exactly where things stand. Whether you need shingle replacement, flashing repair, or attic ventilation upgrades, we’re here to protect your home and give you peace of mind this winter. Contact us to let us help you get prepared today.

How Slate Roofing Holds Up Against Harsh Rhode Island Winters

August 18, 2025slate roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

Rhode Island is one of the best places to call home, with its ocean views, fresh seafood, and charming coastline. But the winters here are no joke. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy winds can put any roof to the test. Slate roofing has been trusted for centuries, not just for its look but for its ability to withstand the toughest weather. For Rhode Island homeowners, it offers unmatched durability, strength, and style. Here is how slate roofing holds up against harsh Rhode Island winters.

Rhode Island Winters and the Strength of Slate Roofing

What Is Slate Roofing?

Slate roofing is made from natural stone that’s been quarried, cut, and shaped into roof tiles. Each tile is incredibly dense and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for areas with harsh weather like Rhode Island. Because it’s a natural product, no two tiles are exactly the same, giving every slate roof a unique appearance.

Benefits of Slate Roofing in Rhode Island

Durability in Snow and Ice

One of the biggest challenges in a Rhode Island winter is the constant freeze-and-thaw cycle. Many roofing materials crack under pressure, but slate is incredibly dense and resistant to water absorption. This means it will not expand or contract as much in extreme temperatures, reducing the risk of damage from ice buildup.

Resistance to High Winds

Winter storms in Rhode Island often come with powerful gusts that can rip shingles right off a roof. Slate tiles are much heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, giving them an advantage when it comes to wind resistance. Properly installed, a slate roof can withstand winds that would cause significant damage to other materials.

Low Maintenance in Harsh Conditions

Because slate is a natural stone, it does not warp, rust, or rot. While all roofs require some level of care, slate’s durability means fewer repairs over the years. During winter, this can save homeowners time and money, as they won’t have to worry about constant patchwork after every storm.

A Long-Term Investment

Slate roofing can last 75 to 100 years or more with proper care, making it a true long-term investment. While the initial cost is higher than other materials, its lifespan and performance during harsh Rhode Island winters more than make up for it. This also adds to your home’s value, making slate a smart choice for both protection and resale potential.

Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing

We understand more than anyone the unique challenges of Rhode Island’s winter weather and know what it takes to protect your home. Our team specializes in slate roofing installation and maintenance, keeping your roof strong through every season. We use only top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, giving you peace of mind no matter how harsh the winter gets. Contact our team today to get your roof ready for winter, fill out our contact form, or call 401-255-2003.

Benefits of Professional Ice Dam Removal

November 8, 2022winter tipsRIslate15

If you have lived in a New England state for at least a few years, you have definitely seen Ice Dam buildups by now. Ice Dams and icicles are intertwined but separate. Ice Dams are a part of the frozen sharp ice chunks that form on the edge of roofs every winter. The difference is “ice dam” refers to the buildup behind the frozen icicles. Ice Dams look dangerous and can do more damage than one may imagine. Continue reading to learn how professional ice dam removal has many benefits.

Ice Dams Are Bad For Everyone

It is common knowledge that frozen icicles are sharp and can hurt anyone if they were to fall down. Unfortunately, the danger with Ice dams does not stop there. When Ice Dams are intact, they can wreak havoc on your roof. Since ice dams are large blocks of ice, serious damage can be done once the ice melts. Ice dams can easily leak and do damage to a roof. Once an ice dam leaks, water can make its way into your home in an unwanted way.

Ice Dam Removal Is Dangerous For Homeowners

For the average homeowner, Ice Dam removal is a dangerous task. This should come as no surprise as climbing up a ladder in a cold environment to deal with an icy roof is something most homeowners do not do regularly. If a homeowner has little to no experience with ice dam removal, it is best to leave it to the pros. Safety is paramount when it comes to ice dam removal.

Improper Ice Dam Removal Can Do Damage

Ice Dam Removal when done incorrectly or uncarefully can do damage to a home’s exterior. Even if you are confident at getting snow and ice off your roof, if you feel like you are not doing it the right way, it is best to consult with a professional company. The last thing any homeowner wants to do is significantly damage their roofs during winter season.

Professional Ice Dam Removal In Smithfield, Rhode Island

When you need professional ice dam removals services in Rhode Island, turn to Rhode Island Slate Roofing! Our ice dam removal team is experienced, insured, and fully-capable of getting ice dam removed from your roof. When Ice Dams strike, contact our team!

Everything You Need To Know About Roof Top Snow Removal

October 25, 2021winter tipsRIslate15

The calendar has flipped to November and New Englanders know what that means: Snow is coming. Most New England residents have seen feet and feet of snow for the past handful of Fall and Winter seasons, but there are a handful of new New England residents out there. Your roof takes care of you year-round but there are times you need to pay back the favor. For the newest New England residents and those who want to familiarize themselves about rooftop snow removal, here is everything you need to know.

Why Is Roof Top Snow Removal Necessary?

Rooftop snow removal is necessary for a multitude of reasons. For starters, when snow accumulates on your rooftop, it can weigh down your roof. Left untreated, it can cause a partial or full roof collapse. Rooftop snow can also lead to the forming of Ice dams. Ice Dams are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only are Ice dams dangerous to a home’s inhabitants, but it can also wreak havoc on the home itself. Ice dams can cause leakage into homes.

Can I Remove the Snow Myself?

In some cases, yes. If you have a low roof and feel comfortable on top of your roof, you can remove the snow yourself in most instances. Rooftop snow removal can be cleared if a serviceable shovel. If your roof is not considered low or you do not feel comfortable being on your roof in the snow, it is best to leave the job to professionals.

Is Roof Top Snow Responsible For The Unusual Noises inside my Home?

When you hear weird noises inside your home, it is usually a red flag something is not right. Excessive Rooftop snow just might be responsible for the peculiar noises inside your home. Sounds such as creaking or cracking probably means rooftop snow is applying too much pressure to your roof. Check out your rooftop immediately if you believe this is the case.

Snow Removal Services in Smithfield, Rhode Island: Rhode Island Slate Roofing

At Rhode Island Slate Roofing, one of our specialties is rooftop snow removal. We have a professional snow removal team, so if you cannot handle it, just leave it to us. Contact Us when your rooftop sees a lot of snow this winter!

Benefits of Roof Insulation

July 15, 2021Best Practices, roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

When it comes to your home’s roof, there is quite a bit of maintenance that’s required to keep the system in good repair. From weather damage, to aging, to pests, your roofing system can become damaged in a variety of ways, but your roof maintenance doesn’t end on the exterior of your roof. One of the most important parts of your roofing system is your insulation, but many homeowner’s are unaware of it’s importance, or how to ensure that their roof is properly insulated. Curious in learning more about the benefits of roof insulation? Keep reading below for more information about our services!

Heat Control

Of course, one of the primary reasons that homeowners need insulation in their roof is in order to control the heat gain & loss in the building. Your roof is one of the biggest sources of heat gain & loss in your home, so having proper insulation in place can help make your home more temperate no matter what time of year. In the summer, insulation will keep the heat in your attic, and in the winter it will keep it in your home. Insulation is easily of the the most important aspects of keeping your home comfortable, no matter the season.

Ice Dam Prevention

Another reason that insulation is so important to install in your home is that it helps to prevent ice dams, which can cause plenty of damage to New England home. Ice dams form when the heat escaping from your home reaches your attic, and heats up your shingle roof from the inside of your home. When this happens, it causes the snow on your roof to melt, which leads to it running down your roof, and refreezing in your gutter system

However, proper attic insulation can stop ice dams from ever forming! By insulating your attic, you can prevent heat from escaping into the attic and causing the snow to melt off of your roof. Combined with proper roof ventilation, insulation will prevent ice dams from forming and causing damage to your roofing system. This makes attic insulation as good for your utility bills as it is for your home!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing a new roof on your home this summer, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

December 9, 2020winter tipsRIslate15

With winter just around the corner in Rhode Island, homeowners will soon need to think about what they need to do to keep their home’s protected this winter! When it comes to winter maintenance, most homeowners immediately think about their windows & doors, in an effort to keep their home energy efficient. However, perhaps even more important, is keeping your roof well-protected! Interested in learning a bit more about what you should be doing to protect your home’s roof this winter? Keep reading below for a few tips!

Inspect Your Roof

The first thing you should do is have your roof inspected before the snowfall begins. If there are any issues with your roof, the winter will expose them, and it could cause a significant amount of damage to your roof! Have a professional come to assess the integrity of roof, checking for any broken shingles, leaks, or damaged flashing. This will ensure that when the snow begins to fall, your roof will be ready to handle it!

Make Sure Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated

One thing that many homeowners don’t know is that ventilating your attic properly can significantly reduce, or completely eliminate, any ice dam issues you may have! Since ice dams are formed when the air beneath your shingles is warmer than the snow, by properly ventilating your attic, you can limit the formation of ice dams by stopping the snow on your roof from melting! This is essential for homeowners who tend to deal with ice dams during the winter months!

Clear The Snow

Another tip for homeowners looking to protect their homes is to clear of snow as it settles on your roof. If ice dams tend to be an issue for your home, you can limit their formation by removing the snow, ensuring it can’t melt and create any ice dams. Simply get a roof rake to remove the snow and keep your roof protected!

Clear Debris

Lastly, before the snowfall begins, be sure to clear of debris from your roof to keep the system protected. Whether it freezes to your roof, or ends up in your gutters, debris can cause damage, so if you’re trying to protect your roof this winter, remove any debris before the snowfall begins!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement needs this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your installation needs!

Why Your Roof Needs Proper Ventilation

April 23, 2020Best Practices, roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

Your home’s roof is one of the single most important pieces of the exterior of your home. It functions as an umbrella, helping to keep your home protected from the elements and improving the curb appeal & resale value of your home. With so much to gain from having a well-maintained roof, it is important to ensure that your home’s roof is kept in good repair! One of the most important factors to consider when trying to maintain your home’s roof is proper ventilation. Let’s explore why ventilation is important below!

Roof Ventilation

First of all, let’s discuss what proper ventilation actually entails. Having proper ventilation in your attic is important, because if it is not ventilated, it can end up causing significant moisture problems. Particulary during the summer months when your roof absorbs a lot of heat from the sun, your attic can run into a lot of moisture issues if it isn’t properly ventilated.

You’ll want to be sure that you have vents installed on the sides of your home’s roof, as well as soffit ventilation. You want there to be enough airflow to have a constant stream of fresh air into the attic. This is also very important for home’s in New England, particularly during the winter months. Let’s explore why below:

Ventilation & Ice Dams

As any long-time New England resident knows, ice dams can be one of the most damaging roofing issues that homeowners need to deal with. Ice dams form when the heat from your home rises into your attic, and heats the roof. The snow on your roof then gradually melts, and runs down to the eaves of your roof and into your gutter system. Eventually, as that process continues to occur, the ice builds up along your gutter system, and begins to back up onto your roof. The ice dam begins to do damage when it is so large that the melting snow is held over your attic and continuously heated, which stops it from refreezing and allows it to permeate its way into your roof deck.

That being said, with proper attic ventilation, you can avoid this issue. The main reason ice dams occur is that your attic is significantly warmer than your roof, and the warm air rising out of the attic causes the snow to melt and later refreeze when it reaches the eaves. With proper attic ventilation, you can ensure that your home’s attic is no warmer than the outside air, which will stop the snow from melting in the first place. If you’re trying to save your home from expensive repairs, proper ventilation can go a long way!

Contact Us Today

Interested in replacing your home’s roof this spring? Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at 401-255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement & ventilation needs!

How To Prevent Ice Dams From Forming

November 28, 2019roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

As any homeowner who has lived in New England for a few winters knows, ice dams are one of the most irritating issues to deal with on your home. If you’re interested in learning how you can prevent ice dams from forming, take a look at our blog for more information!

Ventilate Your Attic Properly

One of the easiest ways to prevent your roof from getting ice dams is to properly ventilate your attic and ensure that it is a similar temperature to the outdoors. Ice dams are formed when the heat from your attic and home melts the snow on your roof, so if you improve the ventilation in your attic, you can cool the space down and stop the snow from melting, preventing ice dams before they have a chance to be created.

Insulate Your Home

Another way to reduce the heat in your attic is to ensure that your home is properly insulated. While you can improve the ventilation in your attic to reduce the heat coming from your roof, sometimes it is a better choice to focus on improving your home’s insulation. One reason your home’s roof may be warm enough to melt snow is that your home isn’t properly insulated which is allowing heat to escape out through the top of your ceiling and into your attic, where it melts the snow on your roof. If you’re trying to reduce the ice dams on your home, try improving the insulation in your home!

Ensure Your Attic Doesn’t Have Any Heat Sources

If you’ve improved your attic ventilation and improved the insulation in your home and you’re still finding that your home is accumulating large ice dams, it is possible that there is a source of heat coming from your attic.

One of the most common sources of heat in your attic is if you have any older recessed lighting installed in the ceiling below your attic. These lights can radiate a large amount of heat up into your attic. Other potential sources of heat include HVAC ducts, dryer vents, or kitchen & bathroom exhaust vents. If you find that after improving your attic ventilation and insulation that your home is still experiencing ice dams, check your attic for unexpected heat sources.

Contact Us Today

If you need to replace or repair your roof this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your home improvement needs!

Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

August 31, 2019roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

With fall right around the corner, and winter fast approaching behind it, it is important to keep up with your home maintenance in order to keep your home protected through the chilly months. One of the most important things you can do to help protect your home is to keep your gutter system clean. However, many homeowners still don’t understand how important it truly is to keep your gutter system clean. If you’re still not sure why you need to clean your gutter system, keeping reading below to learn more!

Roof Damage

One of the primary reasons that you need to keep your gutter system clean is to protect your roof. If you have so much debris in your gutters that water begins to back up onto your roof, it can seep under your shingles and cause rot damage on your roof deck.

Pests

Another reason you’ll want to keep your gutter system clear is to keep out any critters or insects from making a home in the debris. The last thing you want to deal with when cleaning your gutter system is a family of squirrels or a bird’s nest. Make sure animals don’t take up residence in your home’s gutter system by keeping it clean of debris!

Fascia Board Damage

A lesser-known part of your roof system, your fascia boards, can become damaged when water overflows from your gutter system and runs over the back of the system. Keep your fascia boards protected by keeping your gutter system free of debris.

Keep Your Garden Protected

If your gutter system is overflowing, that water has to drain somewhere, and more often than not, that is directly onto your flower beds. Make sure you aren’t overwatering your plants by making sure that your gutter system is draining the way it’s supposed to.

Protect Your Foundation

Just as overflowing water can damage your flower beds, it can also damage your home’s foundation. Overflowing water can cause cracks in your foundation as it seeps down, which can quickly lead to extremely expensive repairs! Make sure your home is properly protected by keeping your gutter system free of debris!

Contact Us Today

Are you in need of a roof replacement before the winter? Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Checklist For Winterizing Your Roof

November 30, 2018winter tipsRIslate15

Any homeowner who lives in a region of the country that experiences cold winter weather knows that winterizing the exterior of a house is extremely important. If you fail to take certain steps during the late summer or autumn months, you could find yourself facing a world of trouble in the springtime. It’s much easier to winterize properly than to deal with damage after it has already been done!

This guide will specifically teach you how to get your roof ready for wintertime. Taking a few minutes to learn what you can do to protect this important part of your home during the coldest months of the year is a responsible choice that will pay off in the end. Hopefully, you will learn something new as you read, but even if you already know all of these tips, a refresher course is always useful!

Winterization Tip #1: Start the process early.

The earlier you begin getting the outside of your home ready for winter, the easier it will be to complete all the tasks you want to. Sometimes, especially if the first freeze comes early, projects you intended to finish don’t get done, to the detriment of your home. If you begin getting ready for winter in mid-September in most areas of the country, you should be in good shape. If you live a particularly northerly region, you might want to begin winterizing even earlier.

Winterization Tip #2: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear.

Your gutter system must be in good working order to prevent your roof from sustaining damage during the wintertime. If leaves, twigs, or any other debris are blocking the flow of water, melting ice and snow will just sit on your roof, ultimately causing potentially serious damage. The best option is to have a professional clean your gutters well at the end of fall, after the last leaves have fallen.

Winterization Tip #3: Trim all trees near your house.

During the winter, tree branches become even heavier than usual due to mounting ice and snow. This can present a major problem if any branches protrude over your roof. Whether they actually fall off onto your roof or simply lay there for months, damage can occur. Make sure all overhanging tree branches are professionally trimmed prior to the first frost.

Keep Your Roof Clear This Winter with Help from Rhode Island Slate Roofing!

These are not difficult tasks and, if you neglect them, you could face lasting damage to your roof that insurance may not cover. Instead of risking that, hire a qualified professional like those found at Rhode Island Slate Roofing to inspect your home’s roof and perform these winterization projects. You will be glad you did! For more information about us and our available services, contact us today!