Dear Dr. Roof:

Living in New England we have a lot of snow. The snow will build up on roofs and some time freeze at the bottom of the eaves. I have raked 6 to 8 feet up the roof with a roof rake to clear the snow, hoping to keep the snow from freezing. But it seems that the will freeze 8 feet up the roof and leave a block of ice. When this block of ice starts to thaw the water will go up the roof and under the shingles and find its way into the ceiling and drop inside the living area. I have ice and water shield (grace) three feet up from the eave and 30 lb felt paper over the rest of the roof. Should I have Ice and Water shield up the roof more than three feet? What can be done? Leaking in New England. Thank you.

Richard F.

York Maine

Dear patient Richard:

Now that you have the roof up it is late to ice and water shield it higher than the three feet you have it. 30lb Felt paper is thick, but it is a moisture barrier not a waterproof membrane. Manny people feel that the felt is your roof and the shingles or slate of tile is only for looks, but that is incorrect thinking. The felt paper is only meant as a moisture barrier. What you are going to need is to get a roofing contractor out to your house who can look at your specific situation and see what can be done. Putting Ice and Water shield all over a roof deck is not a bad idea in situations like yours. Many people in snow country use standing seam metal roofing instead of shingles to avoid back up problems that cause leaks. But I would start by getting a good roofing contractor that you can trust to come out and review your specific situation (is it real low pitch, do you have attic space or is it vaulted ceiling, etc.). I’ve heard that there are some elements that can be put on roof tops and you can find out what is available in your area by getting that good roofer out to see your specific situation.