Expert Roofing Contractors in Chelmsford, MA

Most homeowners don't think about their roof until something forces the issue. A ceiling stain after heavy rain. Ice dams backing water under the shingles in January. Shingles scattered across the yard after a windstorm. By that point, you need reliable help fast, not someone who's going to lowball an estimate and hit you with change orders later.

Massachusetts winters are hard on roofing. The snow loads we get in Chelmsford put serious weight on your roof deck. Then there's the freeze-thaw cycle. Daytime temperatures climb above freezing, melting snow. That water runs to the cold eaves and refreezes overnight. Do that enough times and you crack shingles, damage flashing, and create ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps meltwater behind it. That trapped water works under shingles and into your home. Proper installation, quality underlayment, and adequate ventilation prevent these problems.

We install primarily architectural asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. Architectural shingles give you 25-30 years of performance when installed correctly. They handle wind better than old 3-tab shingles and look better. If you're dealing with recurring ice dam issues or planning to stay long-term, metal roofing is worth considering. The upfront cost is higher, typically 2-3 times what asphalt runs, 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 the decking for soft spots, look at flashing around chimneys and skylights, and inspect your attic ventilation if we can access it. Some roofs have a few more years left with targeted repairs. Others need full replacement. We're not going to push you into a new roof if repairs will buy you time. If replacement makes sense, you get a detailed written estimate with line items. Materials, labor, permit fees, dumpster rental, disposal costs. Everything broken out.

Chelmsford has a mix of housing styles that affects roofing complexity. Split-level homes have multiple roof planes that meet at valleys. Those valleys need proper underlayment and careful shingle installation or they become leak points. The transitions between different roof heights require precise flashing. Colonials with dormers need attention to those dormer tie-ins. The ranch homes around West Chelmsford are usually more straightforward, but even those need proper ice and water shield at the eaves and good ventilation.

We handle all permitting through Chelmsford's Building Department. The town uses an online system called PermitEyes for permit applications. We submit everything, pay the fees, and schedule the required inspections. You don't need to create an account, make calls, or coordinate with inspectors. The permit process typically takes 3-5 business days. Once approved, most residential roof installations take 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. A straightforward ranch might be done in a day. A larger colonial with multiple dormers takes 2-3 days.

You get two types of warranty coverage. First, manufacturer warranties on the materials. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all offer limited lifetime warranties on their shingles. Metal roofing manufacturers typically offer 30-50 year coverage. Second 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. As certified installers, we can also offer enhanced warranties combining 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. When you call, you get someone who knows your project and can answer your questions.