The holidays in Western Massachusetts bring festive lights, sparkling decorations, and (hopefully) a blanket of beautiful snow. But while you’re getting your home ready for the season, it’s important not to overlook one key part of your holiday prep — your roof. Heavy snow, ice buildup, and even holiday decorations can take a toll on your roof if not handled carefully. Follow these simple tips from Sexton Roofing to keep your roof safe, secure, and shining bright all season long. 1. Be Smart About Hanging Holiday Lights When decorating your roofline, avoid using nails, staples, or screws; they can puncture shingles or gutters, creating entry points for water. Instead, use plastic light clips designed for shingles or gutters. They’re easy to install, reusable, and won’t cause damage. Pro Tip: Never walk on your roof to hang lights. You can use a sturdy ladder and work from the edges, or you should consider hiring a professional holiday light installer. 2. Avoid Heavy Rooftop Decorations Large inflatables or heavy decorations might look fun, but they can add unnecessary weight to your roof and damage shingles or flashing. You can just opt for lightweight, securely fastened decorations instead, or keep the big displays safely on the lawn. 3. Clear Snow Safely and Early Snow accumulation can become a serious issue in Western Massachusetts, where storms can pile on inches at a time. Too much snow adds weight and increases the risk of leaks or even structural stress. You can use a roof rake to gently remove snow from the edges, especially after heavy storms. Never use a shovel or sharp tools; they can scrape and damage shingles. If snow builds up beyond reach, it’s best to call a professional for safe removal. 4. Watch for Ice Dams Ice dams form when heat from your attic melts snow on your roof, which then refreezes near the eaves. This can force water under your shingles and into your home. Prevent ice dams by ensuring your attic is properly insulated and ventilated , and by keeping gutters clean so water can drain freely. If ice dams are already forming, contact Sexton Roofing for professional help before they cause damage. 5. Inspect Your Roof Before the Holidays Before winter weather and holiday prep kick into high gear, you can schedule a roof inspection . A professional can identify minor issues, such as loose shingles or worn flashing, that might worsen under snow and ice. It’s the best gift you can give your home this season: peace of mind. Keep the Holidays Merry — and Your Roof Safe Your roof works hard all winter to protect your home from the elements. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a festive, worry-free holiday season without risking costly roof damage. If you need help with roof maintenance, inspections, or ice dam prevention in Western Massachusetts , we're here to help. Contact us to schedule your winter roof inspection and keep your home safe all season long.
Prepare your roof for winter with these essential fall maintenance tips from Sexton Roofing. Learn how to clean gutters, inspect shingles, and prevent ice dams in Western Massachusetts.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably making a list of projects to boost curb appeal and home value — new paint, landscaping touch-ups, maybe a bathroom update. But what about your roof? At Sexton Roofing & Siding, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners around Western Massachusetts is: “Should I replace my roof before putting my house on the market?” The short answer? It depends. Let’s break down when it makes sense, what buyers are looking for, and whether the investment pays off in the long run. Why Your Roof Matters to Buyers Your roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice — and it can make or break their impression of your home. Even if the interior looks beautiful, an aging or visibly damaged roof raises immediate concerns about potential repairs and extra costs down the road. A new or well-maintained roof signals: The home has been cared for Buyers won’t need to budget for a costly replacement right away Protection from leaks, weather damage, and energy inefficiency In competitive real estate markets like ours in Western Mass, that peace of mind can be a significant selling point. What’s the ROI on a New Roof? According to national real estate data, replacing a roof before selling can offer a return on investment (ROI) of about 55-70%. However, its actual value lies in making your home more marketable and selling it faster. Benefits of replacing your roof before selling : Higher asking price potential More buyer interest and showings Fewer issues flagged during home inspections Smoother negotiations (and fewer last-minute repair credits) Faster closing time In some cases, sellers have recouped even more than average, especially if the old roof was in poor shape or if buyers were deciding between multiple listings. When Should You Replace the Roof Before Selling? Consider a replacement if: Your roof is 20+ years old Shingles are missing, curling, or visibly damaged There’s evidence of leaks or water stains in the attic or ceilings Buyers in your neighborhood expect newer, move-in-ready homes On the other hand, if your roof is in good condition with plenty of life left, a professional inspection and minor repairs may be enough to reassure buyers and satisfy home inspection requirements. Pro Tip: Highlight a New Roof in Your Listing If you do invest in a new roof, make sure your real estate agent features it prominently in your home’s listing description and during showings. “New roof ” is a significant selling point that buyers love to see — and it can help set your property apart in a crowded market. Thinking About Selling? Let’s Check Your Roof First. Before listing your home, it’s worth getting a professional roof inspection to assess its condition and explore your options. At Sexton Roofing & Siding, we offer honest, pressure-free advice to homeowners throughout Western Massachusetts. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof tune-up, or a complete replacement, we’ll help you make the best decision for your home and your budget. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and get your home market-ready with confidence!
The holidays in Western Massachusetts bring festive lights, sparkling decorations, and (hopefully) a blanket of beautiful snow. But while you’re getting your home ready for the season, it’s important not to overlook one key part of your holiday prep — your roof. Heavy snow, ice buildup, and even holiday decorations can take a toll on your roof if not handled carefully. Follow these simple tips from Sexton Roofing to keep your roof safe, secure, and shining bright all season long. 1. Be Smart About Hanging Holiday Lights When decorating your roofline, avoid using nails, staples, or screws; they can puncture shingles or gutters, creating entry points for water. Instead, use plastic light clips designed for shingles or gutters. They’re easy to install, reusable, and won’t cause damage. Pro Tip: Never walk on your roof to hang lights. You can use a sturdy ladder and work from the edges, or you should consider hiring a professional holiday light installer. 2. Avoid Heavy Rooftop Decorations Large inflatables or heavy decorations might look fun, but they can add unnecessary weight to your roof and damage shingles or flashing. You can just opt for lightweight, securely fastened decorations instead, or keep the big displays safely on the lawn. 3. Clear Snow Safely and Early Snow accumulation can become a serious issue in Western Massachusetts, where storms can pile on inches at a time. Too much snow adds weight and increases the risk of leaks or even structural stress. You can use a roof rake to gently remove snow from the edges, especially after heavy storms. Never use a shovel or sharp tools; they can scrape and damage shingles. If snow builds up beyond reach, it’s best to call a professional for safe removal. 4. Watch for Ice Dams Ice dams form when heat from your attic melts snow on your roof, which then refreezes near the eaves. This can force water under your shingles and into your home. Prevent ice dams by ensuring your attic is properly insulated and ventilated , and by keeping gutters clean so water can drain freely. If ice dams are already forming, contact Sexton Roofing for professional help before they cause damage. 5. Inspect Your Roof Before the Holidays Before winter weather and holiday prep kick into high gear, you can schedule a roof inspection . A professional can identify minor issues, such as loose shingles or worn flashing, that might worsen under snow and ice. It’s the best gift you can give your home this season: peace of mind. Keep the Holidays Merry — and Your Roof Safe Your roof works hard all winter to protect your home from the elements. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a festive, worry-free holiday season without risking costly roof damage. If you need help with roof maintenance, inspections, or ice dam prevention in Western Massachusetts , we're here to help. Contact us to schedule your winter roof inspection and keep your home safe all season long.
Prepare your roof for winter with these essential fall maintenance tips from Sexton Roofing. Learn how to clean gutters, inspect shingles, and prevent ice dams in Western Massachusetts.
