A new roof, built the old way
When a roof really is at the end of its life, we replace it with the same care we give a restoration: full tear-off, new decking where needed, ice and water shield and properly flashed details.
How we approach it
Replacement starts with a candid conversation about material. On a 1920s colonial in Newton an architectural shingle may be the right call. On a Beacon Hill rowhouse, slate or copper is often required. We price at least two options so you can see the tradeoffs in lifespan and cost per year.
Every replacement includes a full tear-off to the deck, replacement of rotted boards, ice and water shield at eaves, valleys and penetrations, synthetic underlayment, new drip edge and fresh flashing. We do not lay new shingles over old ones.
The process, step by step
First
Inspect and choose
We inspect, measure the squares and walk you through two or three material options.
Then
Permit and order
We pull the building permit and any historic approvals, then schedule material delivery.
Next
Tear-off and dry-in
Sections are stripped and dried-in the same day, so the house is never left open overnight.
Finally
Install and inspect
Roofing, flashing and ventilation are installed, then checked by our foreman and the city.
Why homeowners choose us for this
No layovers
Full tear-off lets us fix the deck and flashing instead of hiding problems.
Winter ready
Ice and water shield where ice dams form is standard on every job, not an upgrade.
Clean site
Tarps over plantings, daily cleanup and a final magnet sweep of the yard and driveway.
Clear pricing
Fixed written price per option, with deck repair priced per sheet in advance.
What affects the price
Every roof is measured and priced in writing. These are the factors that move the number most.
| Factor | How it affects cost |
|---|---|
| Roof size in squares | One square is 100 sq ft of roof. Most Boston-area homes run 18 to 38 squares. |
| Material | Asphalt, synthetic slate, standing seam and natural slate vary by up to 6 times in cost. |
| Pitch and stories | Steeper and taller roofs need more safety setup and labor. |
| Existing layers | Each extra layer to remove adds labor and disposal weight. |
Sample price range
$520 to $2,900 per square installed, depending on material (sample range)
Ranges are illustrative for this demo site. Your written estimate follows a free inspection.
Roof Replacement: common questions
Widespread granule loss, curling or brittle shingles, repeated leaks in different spots, or a roof past its rated life usually point to replacement. We will tell you honestly when a repair buys you real time.
We cannot know until the old roof is off, which is why we price replacement boards per sheet in the contract. Most homes need fewer than five sheets.
Yes, with limits. Asphalt shingles need temperatures above about 40 degrees to seal properly, so we schedule shingle work around cold snaps. Slate and metal can be installed year-round.
Talk to us about roof work
A free photo inspection, a straight answer on repair or replacement, and a written estimate within the week.
Licensed and insured in Massachusetts. No-pressure estimates (sample).