Expert Roofing Contractors in Belmont, MA

Roof replacement in Belmont means dealing with New England weather and architectural complexity. The freeze-thaw cycles we get in Massachusetts are brutal on roofing materials. Water seeps into small cracks, freezes, expands, and makes those cracks bigger. Over 20-30 years, that cycle breaks down even quality shingles. If your roof is showing curled edges, missing granules, or cracked shingles, the material has reached the end of its service life.

Ice dams are the other major concern. When heat escapes through your attic, it melts snow on the upper roof. That meltwater runs down and refreezes at the colder eaves, creating ice buildup that forces water under the shingles. Cape-style homes with dormers are particularly susceptible. Proper installation means ice and water shield membrane along all eaves and valleys. But ventilation is just as critical. Ridge vents and soffit vents keep air moving through the attic, which keeps the roof deck cold and prevents that snowmelt cycle.

Belmont's architectural diversity means we work on everything from Federal-era homes to mid-century ranches. The Georgian Revival mansions up on Belmont Hill often have steep pitches and complex valleys. Queen Anne and Shingle Style homes feature intricate dormers and varied roof planes. These aren't simple tear-offs. Proper flashing at intersections, careful valley work, and attention to water flow matter. We've been doing this work for 27 years, and that experience shows up in how we plan and execute these projects.

For materials, we primarily install architectural asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. All three manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on materials. Architectural shingles give you 25-30 years of performance when installed correctly. They handle our climate well and come in styles that work with most home architectures. For homeowners planning to stay long-term, metal roofing makes sense. The upfront cost runs about double that of asphalt, but metal lasts 50-70 years, sheds snow better, and handles freeze-thaw cycles without degrading. Some historic properties still have slate roofs. Slate lasts 75-200 years depending on the grade, but requires specialized installation.

Our process starts with a free roof inspection. We get on the roof, check the condition, examine the attic if accessible, and assess what you're dealing with. Some roofs can get a few more years with targeted repairs. Others need full replacement. We'll tell you honestly what makes sense. When replacement is the right call, we provide a detailed written estimate with line items for materials, labor, permits, disposal, and any additional work needed.

We handle all permitting with Belmont's Building Department. Their online system makes the process straightforward, but the review still takes about 30 days. We submit the application, pay the fees, schedule inspections, and coordinate with the town. Once the permit is approved and weather allows, most residential roof installations take 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. A straightforward ranch might be done in a day. A larger home with dormers and multiple roof sections typically takes 2-3 days.

You get two types of warranty coverage. The manufacturer warranty covers the materials themselves, typically with limited lifetime coverage on shingles. Our workmanship warranty covers the installation. That second warranty often matters more, since about 90% of premature roof failures come from installation problems, not defective materials. As certified installers for major manufacturers, we can also offer enhanced combined warranties that cover both materials and labor for extended periods.

We've been doing this work for 27 years under the same ownership. The crews we work with show up on time, protect your property during the work, and clean up thoroughly when finished. When you call, you talk to someone who knows your project and can answer questions directly.