Two storms in one summer
The June 1, 2011 EF3 tornado reached Wilbraham around 4:50 p.m. and damaged more than 200 homes, with near-complete deforestation in places near the Wilbraham–Hampden line. A separate, weaker tornado touched down in town later that evening. On July 26, 2011, the National Weather Service said a thunderstorm microburst with winds up to about 100 mph caused extensive tree damage in Wilbraham.
Years later, stretches of Tinkham Road and its side streets still showed broken treetops. Many roofs from the rebuild are now around 15 years old.
Roofs under trees
Shade keeps roofs damp longer, encourages moss and algae, and fills valleys and gutters with leaves. Limbs over the house are a storm risk to any new roof. When you replace, ask about algae-resistant shingles, clear the valleys and gutters, and trim branches that overhang the roof.
Hillside exposure
Homes on the town's hillsides catch more wind than houses in sheltered valleys. Ask how the contractor nails and seals the shingles, especially at the ridge, rakes and eaves.
Permits in Wilbraham
Reroof permits come from the Town of Wilbraham's building department. Your contractor usually applies and lists a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor for the job.
Want a contractor to look at your roof? One call connects you with a participating local roofer.
Call (888) 292-4916Wilbraham roof questions
Should I remove trees before replacing my roof?
You don't need to remove them, but trimming branches that touch or overhang the roof protects the new shingles and keeps gutters and valleys clearer.
Was Wilbraham hit by more than one storm in 2011?
Yes. The June 1 EF3 tornado damaged more than 200 homes, a weaker tornado touched down later that evening, and a July 26 microburst caused extensive tree damage.