Roofing in Boston Area

• Asphalt shingle roof: These are the most common types of roofing systems in the Boston area. When properly installed, asphalt roofs can perform very well and give you that 20+ year life expectancy. They also look good and are very low maintenance.

• Slate roof: Also somewhat common in the northeast, particularly areas like Brookline, slate roofs tend to be more expensive, but last forever, look great, and withstand the elements very well. Be selective when choosing a contractor for a slate roof.

• Tile roof: Tile roofs are less common in the Boston area. They tend to be more expensive and more laborious to install due to the weight.

• Metal roof: Metal roofs can be made of steel, aluminum, and other types of metal. While less common on residential applications, they can be a great option for longevity and low maintenance. If being used in the Boston area, it’s a good idea to install snow guards so snow that has accumulated on the roof doesn’t slide off and hurt someone. The downside of metal is that it can dent and be loud when it rains.

• Wood shingles: Sometimes referred to as wood shakes. These offer a more “natural” look. The shingles are quite literally thin pieces of wood installed overlapping going up the roof.

• Rubber roof: Most commonly used on flat roofs. Large pieces of rubber are attached to the roof surface, offering much better waterproofing. Shingles can’t usually be used on flat roofs because they will absorb water over time.

• Special features:

  • Algae Resistant: Algae build up is common, especially where trees overhang a portion of your roof. Some shingle manufactuers make an algae resistant shingle.

  • Cool Roof: Cool roofing systems are newer technology that quite literally keep your home cooler in the summer.

  • Impact resistant: Great in areas with a lot of hail, these shingles are more resistant to the impact of hail or other objects.

• Product warranty: Most quality shingle manufactuers have good warranties. You’ll just want to confirm the warranty when you purchase. Our favorite shingle manufacturer, CertainTeed, comes with a lifetime warranty.

• Workmanship warranty: Most issues after a roof replacement are due to improper installation, so you’ll want a contractor that has a strong workmanship or labor warranty, and who you believe will stand behind it.

• Color: Most reputable shingle lines come with a variety of colors. Black, gray and brown are the most common, but other options are usually available.

• Cost: Roofs are usually priced out by “square” which is a 10’x10’ area of roof. Another way to think about squares is to take your total square footage of roof (which usually IS NOT equal to the square footage of your home) and divide by 100. So a roof that is 2500 sq/ft is a 25 SQ roof. Some things that can affect the cost per square of your job might be:

  • Roof material: Asphalt shingle vs flat rubber roof vs other materials will be priced quite differently.

  • Slope: extra steep roofs will usually be more expensive.

  • Layers: If your existing roof system has two layers of shingles, it will make the cost go up.

  • Poor accessibility: Again, this can make the cost go up.

Many homeowners want to understand the process of installing a new roof, so here we will go over the typical process of replacing a asphalt shingle roof. Hope it helps!

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1. First off, a roof replacement on a standard size home should take one day. You do not want to go with a contractor that will tear off your current roof one day, and then come back another day to put the new roof on (leaving your plywood decking exposed to the elements). More complex, or larger, roofs may take 2 days, but one day is the norm

2. Complete site prep: The first step the contractor should take is to prepare your home for the work. This means covering delicate plants with a tarp, or removing anything that might get destroyed. Some companies will even cover your gutters to prevent nails from ending up in there.

3. Remove existing roofing system down to the plywood: The next step is to remove your existing roof system. To do the job right, everything should be take off, all the way down to the plywood decking. This allows for inspection of the plywood, and any sheets of plywood that have damage can be replaced.

4. Ice and Water Shield: Ice and Water shield provides additional protection from ice dams and wind driven rain (essential protection for homes in New England). It should be installed on all edges of the roof, and in any valleys. Ideally, it’s applied two rows wide at the eaves.

5. Drip edge: Drip edge is a metal flashing installed on all the rakes and eaves of your roof. It controls the direction of dripping water and helps protect the underlying building components.

6. Synthetic Felt Underlayment: Underlayment is a felt material installed between the plywood roof deck and the shingles. It provides additional protection from the elements and better insulation.

7. Starter Shingle: Starter shingle is the first course of shingles that is designed to work in tandem with the roof shingles for optimal shingle sealing and performance. It helps hold down the shingles placed on the edge of your roof.

8. Shingle Installation: The next step is the installation of the actual shingles. They should be installed in staggered matter, which 4-6 nails per shingle, with approved nail types.

9. Pipe boots, roof vents, and step flashing: Pipe boots are specially pre-formed flashing installed to waterproof pipe penetrations that exit the roof. Step flashing is pre-formed pieces of aluminum used to seal wall-to-roof joints. Your contractor should replace all flashing, not use the old flashing.

10. Ridge vent or other venting system: Air must be able to enter through the bottom of your roof, and exit through the top. This airflow is critical for a long lasting roof. Ridge vent is one form of venting for the top of your roof. Ridge vents are one of the best ways to allow this venting. Box vents or gable end vents can also be used.

11. Chimney flashing: Chimneys are one of the most common areas for leaks. Lead flashing should installed along the base of your chimney which provides the proper kind of waterproofing. 

12. Full & thorough site cleanup: Your contractor should clean up your home when the work is done, not just take off and collect a check. The last thing you want is nails littering your yard that your dog or child can step on.