Welcome to the home page for the Department of Building Safety for the Town of Newmarket. Here we will provide you with relevant documentation, forms, and other useful information.
To schedule an appointment for an inspection or meeting with Building Official Susan Labrie or to ask a general question, please call Administrative Secretary Susan Jordan at 603-659-8501 Ext. 1310. To reach Building Official Susan Labrie directly please call 659-8501 Ext. 1311.
Please note we are only able to accept checks or money orders for any fees due. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Ice buildup can lead to significant damage. Ice dams form when snow is not removed and it then thaws and refreezes. This expands and sometimes freezes under the shingles. The ice melts again when the temperature goes up and this can cause damage to ceilings and walls within your home. If you remove ice and snow from your gutters and roof edges, it will let the snow and ice run off of the roof.
Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when snow melt and it runs down the surface of the roof and refreezes. The ice builds up and dams later run-off and the water pools. This water finds its way under shingles and gets through seams and fastener holes. It may then refreeze under the tabs and lift the shingles, allowing water to flow freely into the interior of your home.
The warm air in attic space heats the underside of the roof deck and melts the snow. Runoff goes down the roof and hits the deck over the eaves, which is not exposed to attic heat. Ice begins to form. Freezing rain may also trigger this even when snow is not present.
Water may also freeze before draining at the drop outlet in your gutters. This is very likely to occur if the gutters and downspouts are filled with debris.
Warning Signs
In addition to stains, leaks, and damage to walls and ceilings, there are other signs of ice dams.
During cold snaps or after snowstorms, large icicles may form on the gutters.
If there is a thick blanket of snow down slope from bare shingles, it may mean trouble.
You may have an ice dam already formed if water is dripping from your soffit panel. All year round, look for stains, peeling paint or soft spots on soffits.
Why doesn’t my roof keep the water out?
Shingled roofs channel water from the high points to lower sections. They do not hold or stop water that is running or blown uphill. These are winter storm conditions that do not allow the roof to work as designed.
What to do if an ice dam occurs.
The only way to correct the problem is to remove the barrier of ice at the gutter line or remove ice buildup on the roof before it melts underneath. Please note working on a roof under these conditions is extremely hazardous. The homeowner must weigh the risk of injury against the cost of water damage repair or hiring a professional to remove the ice dam problem.
You should also be aware you may cause damage trying to remove ice from the roof or gutters. The cost of water damage repair MAY be less than the cost of a roof or gutter repair.
Tips to be considered:
Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup from the roof. DO NOT USE A ROOF RAKE NEAR ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING!
Remove ice buildup around gutters by melting the ice. Calcium chloride is a popular choice. You may put the melting agent into a pair of panty hose. This releases the agent gradually, allowing the water to drip to the ground.
Be very careful if you must chip ice. NEVER strike your roof anything that will damage the shingles, such as a hammer or axe.
Use extreme caution on ladders and roofs. Many serious injuries occur when people fall while trying to clear snow and ice. You may consider hiring an insured contractor.
Responsibility
Damage caused by water may not be covered by the homebuilder, shingle manufacturer or roof company warranty. This is storm related resulting from winter storm conditions, not a flaw in the roof.
Roof Vents
Vents are installed in attics to control moisture and temperature. Snow may blow into the attic and cause extensive damage. You should check your attic after unusually heavy snows. At no time should attic vents be obstructed or reduced in size.
