ENGINEERING ROOFS TO WITHSTAND THE ATLANTIC: A STRATEGY FOR CHATHAM HOMEOWNERS

A roof in Chatham faces a battle that inland homes do not understand. Situated at the “Elbow” of Cape Cod, your home is the first line of defense against open-ocean winds, corrosive salt fog, and driving nor’easters.

WHY STANDARD "CODE-MINIMUM" ROOFS FAIL IN CHATHAM?

Inland building codes are insufficient for Chatham. Whether you are located on the open water near Shore Road or tucked into the trees in North Chatham, the salt air is a constant aggressor.

We frequently replace roofs that are only 10 or 12 years old. The failure is rarely the shingle itself; it is the infrastructure. Standard electro-galvanized nails rust and snap within a decade of exposure to salt fog. Once the fastener fails, the next Nor’easter strips the shingles from the deck.

At Lions, we do not build to “code.” We build to “condition.” We treat every Chatham project as a high-exposure marine environment.

THE LIONS "MARINE SPEC" PROTOCOL

Carpentry designed to endure Nor’easters.

Total Deck Exposure & Inspection

We never overlay. We strip the roof down to the bare plywood. In Chatham, this is the only way to detect "soft spots", rot caused by years of moisture ingress or condensation. We replace compromised decking to ensure the new roof has a solid anchor.

The "Fortified" Perimeter

Wind lifts roofs from the edges. We install a high-grade Ice & Water barrier (self-sealing membrane) significantly further up the roof deck than required by law. This seals the perimeter against wind-driven rain that defies gravity during heavy storms.

Marine-Grade Flashing Architecture

Aluminum flashing is a temporary solution in a salt environment. We utilize lead aprons for chimneys and heavy-gauge coated aluminum or copper for step flashing. Water management is permanent, not temporary.

High-Wind Nailing Specification

The standard "4-nail" pattern is inadequate for the Outer Cape. Lions utilizes a strict 6-nail pattern on every shingle. This simple discipline doubles the wind warranty and ensures your roof remains intact when gusts exceed 60 MPH.

Ventilation Correction

A roof that cannot breathe will rot from the inside out. We calculate the intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge) required to prevent heat buildup in the summer and ice dams in the winter, extending the life of your rafters.

THE HIDDEN THREAT: WIND UPLIFT AND "ZIPPERING"

We frequently assess roofs in Chatham Port that have “unzipped.” This happens when wind catches the edge of a roof that wasn’t properly secured, peeling back section after section.

This is rarely a material failure; it is an installation failure. The previous crew likely used a nail gun improperly, driving nails through the shingles (blow-throughs) or missing the “nailing line” entirely. Lions Siding & Roofing enforces strict quality control.

Our site supervisors ensure proper starter strip application (the anchor of the roof) and verify proper nail placement. We build the roof to stay on the house, regardless of what the weather forecast predicts.

RESTORING CLASSIC CAPE COD CHARM

From replacing asphalt on sprawling seaside estates to installing historic wood roofs in the center of town, our work is defined by precision and durability.

TRUSTED BY YOUR NEIGHBORS IN CHATHAM

Here’s what homeowners say about the clarity, communication, and care they experienced throughout their project.

COMPONENT SELECTION FOR HIGH-SALINITY ZONES

High-Wind Asphalt Systems:

We partner with GAF and CertainTeed to offer "HD" (High Definition) shingles that carry wind ratings up to 130 MPH when installed with our reinforced nailing pattern.

Alaskan Yellow & Red Cedar

For the purist, we offer Premium Grade shingles. We recommend Alaskan Yellow Cedar for its superior resistance to rot and its ability to weather to a silver-gray without the need for bleaching oil.

Composite Synthetics

Brands like DaVinci Roofscapes offer the texture of slate or shake but are impervious to salt, cracking, and biological growth.

IN-HOUSE TEAMS. NO MIDDLEMEN.

The Crew

We do not hire random subcontractors to install your roof. The Lions team is uniformed, trained in our specific protocols, and accountable to us. This ensures that the nailing pattern we promised is the nailing pattern you get.

The Grounds

We respect your property. We utilize strict tarping protocols to catch falling debris and perform multiple magnetic sweeps to ensure your driveway and lawn are free of nails.

The Price

We provide a comprehensive scope of work. We do not believe in “low-balling” the bid to get the job, only to add fees later. You receive a clear, honest investment plan for your property.

PLAN YOUR DEFENSE

A failing roof is a liability. Eliminate the uncertainty of water damage. Contact Lions Siding & Roofing for a professional assessment of your roof’s condition.

NAVIGATING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT

Working within the Chatham Historic Business District requires nuance. We understand the specific allowable materials and reveal guidelines. We help you maintain the authentic 19th-century aesthetic of your home while integrating 21st-century waterproofing technology beneath the surface.

LOCAL COVERAGER

Providing disciplined exterior modeling to: