All the stories about snow build-up on roofs brought back memories of when I was working in the rectory in Newburyport, Mass., many years ago. Snow had piled up on the rooftop and in the eaves of the church building, causing leaks inside the church.

The pastor had electric wiring put on top of the roof and, when it began to snow, he would turn on the electricity which then melted the snow as it fell. That was the best solution to the problem.

Several of the buildings at Bates College have a slate roof and the snow slides down off the roof.

Construction contractors should consider slate roofs or wiring on some pitched roofs; perhaps have heat elements under driveways, or solar heat, to avoid shoveling and falls.

Gabrielle DeMoras, Lewiston

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Gabrielle DeMoras
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