Expert Roofing Contractors in Arlington, MA

Most homeowners aren't thinking about their roof until water shows up where it shouldn't be. A ceiling stain after heavy rain. Ice dams backing water under the shingles in February. Missing shingles scattered across the lawn after a windstorm. By that point, you need answers fast, and you need someone who understands Massachusetts roofing challenges.

Arlington's climate is hard on roofs. The freeze-thaw cycles from December through March are relentless. Snow melts during the day, runs down to the eaves, and refreezes at night. That cycle cracks shingles, damages flashing, and creates ice dams. An ice dam forms when heat escaping from your attic melts the bottom layer of snow on your roof. That meltwater runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, creating a ridge of ice that traps water behind it. That trapped water works its way under shingles and into your home. It's not just about having good shingles. It's about proper ventilation, adequate attic insulation, and ice and water shield membrane installed correctly at the eaves.

We install primarily architectural asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. These manufacturers have earned their reputations. Architectural shingles give you 25-30 years of performance when installed correctly. They handle wind better than the old 3-tab shingles and look better doing it. For homeowners planning to stay long-term or dealing with recurring ice dam problems, metal roofing deserves consideration. The upfront cost is higher, typically 2-3 times asphalt, but metal roofs last 50+ years and shed snow instead of holding it. That snow-shedding quality dramatically reduces ice dam risk.

The process starts with a thorough inspection. We get on the roof, check for soft spots in the decking, look at flashing around chimneys and skylights, and inspect your attic ventilation if accessible. Some roofs have a few more years left with targeted repairs. Others need full replacement. We'll tell you honestly which situation you're in. If replacement makes sense, you get a detailed written estimate with everything broken out. Materials, labor, permit fees, dumpster, disposal. No vague "we'll figure it out later" line items.

Arlington's architectural variety means every job is different. Victorian homes with their bay windows, dormers, and multiple roof planes require more time and precision than a simple ranch. Valleys where two roof sections meet need proper underlayment and careful shingle installation or they become leak points. Dormers need flashing done right or water will find its way in. Steep pitches slow the work down and require safety equipment. We account for all of this in our estimates. You're not getting a square-footage-times-rate generic number.

We handle all permitting through Arlington's Inspectional Services. The town uses an OpenGov online portal for permit applications. We submit everything, pay the fees, and schedule the required inspections. You don't need to make trips to Grove Street or coordinate with inspectors. That's on us. The permit process typically adds 3-5 business days before we can start work. Once approved, most installations take 1-3 days depending on roof size and complexity.

You get two types of warranty coverage. First, manufacturer warranties on the materials themselves. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all offer limited lifetime warranties on their shingles. Metal roofing manufacturers typically offer 30-50 year coverage. Second, and often more important, is our workmanship warranty. About 90% of premature roof failures come from installation problems, not defective materials. Poor flashing, inadequate ventilation, incorrect nailing patterns. Our written workmanship warranty covers the installation itself. As certified installers for major manufacturers, we can also offer enhanced warranties that combine materials and labor coverage for extended periods.

We've been doing this for 27 years under the same family ownership. Our crews show up when scheduled, protect your property during the work, and leave the site clean. We're not a huge operation that treats you like a number. When you call, you get someone who knows your project and can give you real answers.