How long does a roof replacement take in Massachusetts?
A standard residential asphalt roof in MetroWest is completed in 3–5 working days. Slate restoration and standing seam metal projects run 1–3 weeks depending on scope. Roofs are weather-tight by end of day 2 in most cases.
How much does a new roof cost in Wellesley, Weston, or Concord?
For a typical 2,500–3,500 sq ft home in MetroWest MA in 2025, architectural asphalt runs $5–$9 per square foot installed. Cedar shake runs $10–$18, standing seam metal $14–$22, and natural slate $25–$45. Pitch, complexity, and tear-off layers shift these bands.
Do I need to replace my roof or can it be repaired?
If 80%+ of the field is sound, fasteners are intact, and underlayment hasn't failed, targeted repair adds 5–25 years at a fraction of replacement cost. Replacement is justified when underlayment is failing across the deck, valleys are leaking system-wide, or shingles have lost granule cover broadly.
Does Palma handle insurance claims directly?
Yes. Palma documents the damage, writes the scope to carrier specifications, files supplements, and coordinates the adjuster visit. The homeowner signs the paperwork; everything else is managed end to end.
What is GAF Master Elite and why does it matter?
GAF Master Elite is GAF's top contractor tier, held by under 2% of US roofing contractors per GAF's 2024 directory. It requires verified licensing, insurance, training, and customer satisfaction history — and unlocks the extended Golden Pledge warranty (up to 25 years on workmanship and 50 on materials).
How long does a slate roof last?
A natural slate roof installed to NRCA specification routinely lasts 75–100 years. Copper-flashed slate roofs in New England regularly exceed 100 years. The slate itself often outlasts its underlayment, so the most common slate work is targeted repair and underlayment replacement, not full removal.
What's the warranty on a Palma roof?
Every installation carries a 10-year Palma craftsmanship warranty on installation, layered on top of the manufacturer's material warranty (up to 50 years on GAF systems). The Master Elite Golden Pledge upgrade is available on full GAF system installs.
Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Massachusetts?
Yes. Every Massachusetts town requires a building permit for full roof replacement, and contractors must be HIC-registered for residential work over $1,000. Palma pulls the permit for every job — no homeowner paperwork required.
How do ice dams form and how are they prevented?
Ice dams form when warm air from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, water runs to the cold eave, and refreezes. Prevention is mechanical: balanced attic ventilation, proper insulation at the warm wall, and a 24-inch ice & water shield at the eaves per Massachusetts code.
Is roof snow removal worth it?
Yes — when snow load exceeds approximately 20 pounds per square foot, or when ice dams have already formed and are pushing water under shingles. Steam thawing is the only safe ice dam removal method; mechanical chipping voids most shingle warranties.
Can I add a skylight to an existing roof?
Yes, in most cases. A skylight addition requires re-detailing the surrounding shingle field and flashing. Best timing is during a roof replacement, when the surrounding underlayment can be tied in seamlessly. Velux deck-mounted models are the current standard.
How do I verify a roofing contractor in Massachusetts?
Check the contractor's MA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration at mass.gov, request a certificate of insurance naming the homeowner and town as additional insured, and verify manufacturer certifications (such as GAF Master Elite) directly with the manufacturer. Palma's MA HIC is #CS-110335.