Expert Roofing Contractors in Wellesley, MA

A roof replacement in Wellesley is a significant investment. With median home values well above a million dollars, the stakes are real. Cut corners on materials or installation and you'll pay for it later with leaks, ice dam damage, or a roof that doesn't hold up to Massachusetts weather.

The climate here is hard on roofs. From December through March, temperatures swing above and below freezing regularly. That freeze-thaw cycle cracks shingles, stresses flashings, and creates problems at valleys where roof planes meet. Ice dams are a constant threat. When heat escapes through an under-insulated attic, it melts snow on your roof. That meltwater runs down and refreezes at the cold eaves, forming an ice barrier that traps water behind it. Prevention means proper attic ventilation, adequate insulation, and ice and water shield membrane at vulnerable points.

Architectural complexity matters too. Georgian colonials, Colonial Revival homes, and estate properties often have steep pitches, multiple dormers, and intricate roof lines. Dormers need precise flashing. Hand-cut valleys require careful underlayment work. Chimneys and skylights create penetrations that must be flashed correctly or they'll leak within a few years. For properties in the Cottage Street Historic District or other areas under Historic District Commission review, roofing materials need to be appropriate to the home's architectural period.

We install architectural asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. These are the materials that make sense for most Wellesley homes. Installed correctly with proper ventilation and ice and water shield, they'll give you 25-30 years. For a typical colonial, expect $15,000 to $30,000 depending on size, pitch, and complexity. Larger estate homes run higher. Premium designer shingles that mimic slate or cedar shake are available for homes where appearance is paramount.

Metal roofing is worth considering if you're planning to stay long-term. The upfront cost is roughly double that of asphalt, but metal lasts 50+ years and sheds snow instead of holding it, dramatically reducing ice dam risk. For historic homes, standing seam metal or metal shingles styled to look like traditional materials can work within district guidelines.

For genuine historic restoration, slate and copper remain options. Slate lasts over a century. Copper develops a beautiful patina and lasts 70+ years. Both require specialized installation and cost significantly more, but for estate homes where appearance and longevity are priorities, they deliver.

Our process starts with a thorough inspection. We get on the roof, examine the decking and flashing, and check attic ventilation when accessible. Some roofs have more years left with targeted repairs. Others need full replacement. We'll tell you honestly which situation you're facing. If replacement makes sense, you get a detailed written estimate with line items.

We handle all permitting through Wellesley's Building Department. The town uses ViewPoint Cloud for online applications. We submit the permit, pay fees, and schedule inspections. You don't need to visit Worcester Street or coordinate with inspectors. Most installations take 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. We protect landscaping during work and haul away all old materials.

You get two warranty types. Manufacturer warranties cover material defects. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer limited lifetime warranties on shingles. More important is our workmanship warranty. About 90% of premature roof failures stem from installation problems, not defective materials. Our written workmanship warranty covers installation quality.

We've been doing this work for 27 years under the same family ownership. When you call, you talk to someone who knows your project and can answer questions directly.