Snow Takes Toll on Anchorage Roofs

Roofing company keeps busy

Tools

By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Jan 10, 2012 at 11:27 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 10, 2012 at 11:27 AM AKDT

While Anchorage avoided the massive snowstorm that hit Cordova over the weekend, more than a foot of fresh powder over the past several days has taken its toll on area roofs.

Frank and Becky Earhart, owners of Earhart Roofing, have seen firsthand the toll severe winter weather can have on local homes.

“People are getting concerned,” said Becky Earhart, sitting at the front desk of their South Anchorage business and sorting through a pile of work orders for everything from snow removal to shingle replacement. “We’ve had quite a few calls today about it.”

Frank Earhart said the company currently has a 3-4 day wait for snow removal services because of a 30 percent increase in business.

But when it comes to weatherproofing your roof, he said snow is only a secondary concern: Instead, it’s what happens under the powder that often causes the most damage.

“It melts down and then hits the overhang, which is still cold, and freezes and builds up an ice dam,” Earhart said. “Then water starts running sideways because it can’t get over the ice dam, and then people have leaks at their eves.”

Add high winds to the equation, and many Anchorage roofs find themselves in need of a little extra TLC.

“A lot of people call and they see shingles in their yard and they’re not sure if they came off their roof or not, so they want somebody just to check it out,” Earhart said.

The easiest way to make sure your roof makes it through the winter? Earhart said homeowners should watch for ice, and remember a little preemptive care can save a major repair bill down the line.

 

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