In the high-altitude environments of Northern New Mexico, a roof is more than a structural necessity; it is a primary defense against a rigorous climate. For four decades, McPartlon Roofing has navigated the unique challenges of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where elevations exceeding 7,000 feet demand specialized engineering and material selection. This year, the team transitioned this professional expertise from commercial and residential job sites to the community at large, partnering with the Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity chapter to ensure local families have a safe, durable place to call home.
Raising Hammers and Raising Awareness: International Women Build Week
This year, McPartlon Roofing was proud to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s International Women Build Week, an annual event created by Habitat’s Women Build that takes place the week leading up to International Women’s Day. Since its founding in 1991, the Women Build program has called on women across the globe to raise a hammer, spotlight the critical need for safe and affordable housing, and empower one another with the hands-on skills used to repair and restore homes.
For the McPartlon team, International Women Build Week was a natural extension of its commitment to the Santa Fe community. Female crew members and office staff joined volunteers on the Habitat build site, sharing decades of high-altitude roofing knowledge with women from all walks of life. The week offered participants the opportunity to:
- Learn Professional Techniques: McPartlon’s experienced roofers guided volunteers through proper material handling, and safety protocols, tailored to Northern New Mexico’s demanding climate.
- Build Confidence and Community: For some participants, Women Build Week was their first time on a construction site. Working side by side with seasoned professionals transformed uncertainty into skill and strangers into neighbors.
- Make a Lasting Impact: The McPartlon Roofing team walked away feeling fulfilled by contributing their time to a family’s new home.
International Women Build Week is a reminder that building a stronger community is not just about materials and engineering, it is about the people who show up, learn something new, and invest in one another. McPartlon Roofing is honored to stand alongside Habitat for Humanity and the women of Santa Fe in that effort.
The Tiny House Project: Strategic Winter Protection
A highlight of this year’s community involvement was the specialized protection of three tiny houses, designed to provide efficient, compact housing for the Santa Fe community. Recognizing that high-altitude roofs receive nearly 20% more UV exposure than those at sea level, McPartlon Roofing coordinated a donation of Sharkskin material to serve as a high-performance underlayment.
At 7,000+ feet, accelerated UV bombardment degrades volatile compounds in asphalt, causing standard materials to become brittle and lose flexibility. The use of Sharkskin provides a critical secondary barrier. In alpine regions, this self-adhering membrane is essential for:
- Waterproofing: Creating a barrier in the “vulnerable zone” along the eaves where ice dams are most likely to form.
- Thermal Stability: Accommodating the micro-movements produced by the 100+ freeze-thaw cycles a Santa Fe roof may experience in a single winter.
By securing these tiny house roofs with premium synthetic underlayment before the winter season, McPartlon and Sharkskin have provided these Habitat for Humanity structures with a lifespan that matches the resilience of the residents within.
A Shared Commitment to Santa Fe
The partnership between McPartlon Roofing and Habitat for Humanity is built on the belief that everyone deserves a roof that can withstand the weight of 30 pounds per cubic foot of wet snow or the intense radiation of a high-desert summer.
Building a stronger Santa Fe starts with craftsmanship that respects the local climate and a team dedicated to serving its neighbors.
How You Can Get Involved
- Support the Mission: Join us in building a more equitable Santa Fe. You can donate or volunteer with Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity to help more families achieve the dream of homeownership.
- Protect Your Home: Is your roof ready for the next 100 freeze-thaw cycles? Contact McPartlon Roofing today for a complimentary roof assessment to identify vulnerabilities specific to high-altitude conditions.
- Join Our Team: We are looking for individuals who take pride in their craft and their community. Explore career opportunities with McPartlon Roofing and help us protect Northern New Mexico, one roof at a time.
