What happens during a Palma roof replacement?
A Palma roof replacement runs in eight defined steps over 3–5 working days for a standard asphalt installation. Slate and standing seam projects extend the field-install phase but follow the same sequence — consultation, estimate, permit, tear-off, deck repair, underlayment, install, cleanup.
- Consultation & roof inspection. On-site visit. Roof is walked (not just viewed from the ground), photographed, and measured. Decking, flashing, and ventilation are assessed.
- Written estimate. Itemized scope, materials, timeline, and warranty terms in a single document — typically delivered within 3 business days.
- Permit & insurance filing. Town building permit pulled and certificate of insurance provided to the homeowner before any work begins.
- Tear-off. Existing roofing removed to the deck. Property is tarped, plants protected, magnetic sweep prepared.
- Deck inspection & repair. Sheathing inspected for rot, soft spots, or undersized fasteners. Compromised plywood replaced before underlayment.
- Underlayment & ice barrier. Self-adhered ice & water shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations (MA code requires 24 inches inside the warm wall). Synthetic underlayment over the field.
- Roofing system installation. Field shingles, flashings, valley metal, ridge vent, and accessories installed to manufacturer system spec.
- Cleanup & final walkthrough. Magnetic sweep, debris removal, dumpster pickup, and a final walkthrough with the homeowner. Warranty paperwork handed over on site.
How long does each step take?
For a 2,500–3,500 sq ft architectural asphalt roof in MetroWest, work is sequenced to keep the deck open for the shortest possible time. Most roofs are weather-tight by end of day 2.
| Day | Phase | Status at end of day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tear-off + deck inspection + ice barrier | Eaves and valleys protected |
| 2 | Underlayment + drip edge + valley metal | Roof weather-tight |
| 3 | Field shingle install + ridge vent | ~80% of field complete |
| 4 | Flashings, penetrations, accessories | Punch-list only remaining |
| 5 | Cleanup, magnetic sweep, walkthrough | Warranty handed over |
Why does Palma manage every project directly?
The crew that estimates the project is the crew that installs it. Core roofing work is never subcontracted. This single decision eliminates the most common failure mode in residential roofing: a sales-led handoff where the install crew never met the homeowner and never saw the original scope.
"If a guy on my crew doesn't want to live with how this roof turns out in 15 years, he doesn't work on it. That's the whole standard."Dulio Palma · Founder, Palma Quality Roofing
What does Massachusetts roofing code require?
Massachusetts adopts the IRC with state amendments. Key items: ice barrier extending 24 inches past the warm wall (typically 36 inches up the eave), proper attic ventilation (1 sq ft net free area per 300 sq ft of attic), and a HIC-registered contractor for any residential work over $1,000.