When the Nor’easter of late February rolled into Manchester, New Hampshire, the snow fell for two days straight. By the time the storm passed, nearly two feet had piled up on rooftops across the Queen City. For the Reynolds family, who lived in a century-old Colonial on the West Side, the storm’s damage revealed itself slowly—and painfully.
The First Signs of Trouble
At first, it was just a water stain in the corner of the upstairs bedroom. Then came the faint drip in the attic. By March, as the thaw set in, water streaks appeared along the plaster walls in the living room.
“It felt like the house was crying,” said Melissa Reynolds. “Every day, there was a new spot we hadn’t noticed before.”
Her husband, Tom, climbed into the attic and found damp insulation, warped boards, and even a few shingles that had lifted away from the roof. They knew what it meant: their roof had reached the end of its life.
Calling in a Roofing Contractor
The Reynoldses had heard horror stories about storm-chasing contractors who appeared in Manchester after every big storm, offering “too good to be true” deals. They wanted someone local, someone who understood New England weather and the quirks of older homes.
After checking reviews and asking neighbors, they hired a roofing company based in Manchester with decades of experience. The first inspection confirmed their fears.
“Your roof isn’t just leaking,” the contractor explained. “The freeze-thaw cycles have split shingles, and the flashing around your chimney is failing. The attic ventilation is poor, which made the ice dams worse. It’s time for a full replacement.”
The Roofing Plan
The contractor proposed a plan tailored to the Reynolds’ Colonial:
-
Tear-off of the old shingles to fully inspect the decking.
-
Replacement of damaged plywood in the attic structure.
-
Installation of ice and water shield to prevent future damming.
-
Architectural asphalt shingles, designed for durability and wind resistance.
-
Upgraded attic ventilation to improve airflow year-round.
-
New flashing around the chimney and dormer windows.
The estimate was steep—$14,000—but the Reynolds family viewed it as an investment in their home’s future.
The Roof Replacement Process
By early April, with snow melted and spring sunshine warming the city, the crew arrived.
Day one was demolition. Neighbors watched as old, brittle shingles slid down the tarps into dumpsters. “It was strange seeing the bones of our house exposed,” Melissa said.
Day two and three were about rebuilding: replacing rotten boards, sealing weak points, and laying down protective underlayment.
By day four, the new shingles were in place. The dark gray architectural style gave the house a refreshed, elegant look.
By the end of the week, the Reynolds’ Colonial wasn’t just repaired—it was renewed.
The Results
The difference was immediate. The first April rainstorm rolled off the roof without a single leak. The attic felt drier, fresher, and less musty thanks to the improved ventilation.
And perhaps most surprising, the family noticed lower energy bills by June. With better insulation and airflow, their air conditioner didn’t have to work as hard during the humid Manchester summer.
Lessons from the Reynolds’ Experience
The Reynolds family learned several important lessons that every Manchester homeowner can take to heart:
-
Don’t ignore small leaks. That water stain on the wall was just the tip of the iceberg.
-
Ventilation matters. Proper airflow prevents ice dams and reduces long-term wear.
-
Local expertise is invaluable. Contractors who understand Manchester’s winters know how to prevent future problems.
-
A roof is an investment. Though costly, the replacement improved comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Advice for Other Manchester Homeowners
The Reynoldses now encourage their neighbors to be proactive about roof care:
-
Schedule annual inspections, especially before and after winter.
-
Clear snow buildup safely, or hire professionals if needed.
-
Keep gutters clean to prevent water from backing up under shingles.
-
Address ventilation in attics and crawlspaces.
-
Work with local, licensed contractors who stand behind their work.
“Your roof isn’t just shingles,” Tom said. “It’s the umbrella over your whole life. Don’t wait until it’s falling apart to take action.”
The Bigger Picture: Roofing in Manchester
The Reynoldses’ story is just one example of what homeowners across Manchester face every year. Snow, ice, wind, and storms don’t discriminate—they wear down every type of roof, from Colonials on the West Side to bungalows near Lake Massabesic.
Roofing here isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building systems that withstand New England’s extremes while preserving the beauty of Manchester’s homes.
Final Thoughts
For the Reynolds family, a leaking roof turned into an opportunity—not just to repair their home but to improve it. With the help of skilled Manchester roofing professionals, they transformed a stressful situation into long-term security.
Their story is a reminder that in Manchester, NH, roofing isn’t just a trade—it’s a safeguard for history, families, and the future.
Because when the next Nor’easter comes—and it always does—you want to be the family enjoying hot cocoa inside, not scrambling for buckets to catch the drips.