Asphalt Roof Replacement Case Study: Newton, MA (1997 Home)
Project Summary
This asphalt roof replacement project took place at a home built in 1997 in Newton, Massachusetts. MasterRoof was asked to inspect the existing roofing system after the homeowner noticed roof wear and areas of concern. During the inspection, MasterRoof documented several issues in the photo report—including vulnerable flashing/penetration points and skylight-related leak risk—highlighted directly with arrows and circles in the inspection photos. Based on the roof’s age and the number of risk areas, MasterRoof recommended a full roof replacement with upgraded waterproofing.
- Location: Newton, Massachusetts
- Home age: Built in 1997
- Service type: Asphalt roof replacement
- Inspection date: October 2025
- Primary concerns: leak-risk penetration points, skylight integration, aging shingles
- Recommendation: full system replacement with Ice & Water protection under roof panel
Materials
Asphalt Shingles: Timberline UHDZ w/ Dual Shadow Line
Ridge Caps: GAF TimberTex
Ice Shield: GAF StormGuard
Underlayment: GAF DeckArmor
Roof Size: 27 sq shingles
Skylights: 2 Velux FS S06-2004-S Deck Mounted Fixed Skylight w/ Solar Powered Shade
Homeowner Goals
The homeowner wanted to address the roof proactively and reduce the chances of water intrusion. At roughly 25+ years old, the existing roof was at the stage where small failures in flashing and roof penetrations can quickly lead to interior leaks—especially during Massachusetts winters.
- Prevent leaks before they reach the attic or interior ceilings
- Replace aging shingles and vulnerable details
- Improve waterproofing around penetrations and skylights
- Install a modern roof system designed to current best practices
Inspection Findings
MasterRoof documented several items that commonly create leak pathways on asphalt roofs. The report emphasizes skylight detailing, roof penetration sealing, and roof slope transition areas. In multiple images, arrows point to specific weaknesses—helping the homeowner see exactly what was driving the recommendation.
- Skylight area – leak vulnerability - The roof includes at least one skylight. Skylights are not a problem by themselves—but they require precise flashing and waterproofing. The inspection report highlights this area as a concern and an important part of the replacement scope.
- Skylight area flagged as a concern (circled in inspection photos)
- Waterproofing details around skylights must be rebuilt during replacement
- Skylights require proper underlayment tie-in and step flashing integration
- Roof penetrations – sealing and flashing concerns - Roof penetrations are one of the most common sources of leaks because they rely on small flashing components that age faster than shingles. The inspection photo set shows multiple penetrations that were flagged with arrows as areas requiring attention.
- Penetration flashing flagged (arrows pointing at the base areas)
- Older seals/flashing components can crack, separate, or fail over time
- Replacement provides the opportunity to rebuild penetration details properly
- Shingle wear and system aging - The inspection photos show an asphalt shingle roof nearing the end of its service life. Even when a roof isn’t actively leaking yet, aging shingles combined with vulnerable flashing details increase the probability of sudden leak events during storms or freeze/thaw cycles.
- Signs of aging roof surface (typical for 25+ year roof)
- Granule loss and weathering reduce shingle performance over time
- When multiple risk points exist, replacement is more reliable than patch repairs
Why a Full Roof Replacement Was Recommended
MasterRoof recommended a full roof replacement because the roofing system had multiple water-entry risk points—not just a single isolated repair. With older roofs, flashing and penetration failures often begin gradually and then show up as interior damage later. A full replacement makes it possible to rebuild the roof system the right way and extend the roof’s lifespan for decades.
- Roof age suggests system is at/near end of service life
- Multiple leak-risk details identified in inspection photos
- Replacement allows upgraded Ice & Water waterproofing
- Rebuilt flashing reduces future leak risk significantly
Recommended Scope of Work
The MasterRoof inspection report notes that Ice & Water protection should be installed underneath all roof panels. This upgrade is especially valuable in Massachusetts homes where ice dams and wind-driven rain can push water under shingles. The full replacement scope is designed to correct current issues and prevent future leaks.
- Remove existing roofing materials (as required for replacement)
- Install Ice & Water protection beneath panels (per report recommendation)
- Replace/upgrade flashing at all penetrations and skylight areas
- Install new asphalt shingle roofing system to modern standards
Results / Homeowner Outcome
This asphalt roof replacement delivers improved performance and peace of mind. By rebuilding skylight and penetration details and adding Ice & Water protection, the homeowner gains a roof system that is better prepared for New England weather.
- Reduced leak risk at skylights and penetrations
- Modern waterproofing protection for ice dam conditions
- Improved long-term durability and system performance
- Confidence in a professionally rebuilt roof system
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do asphalt shingle roofs last in Massachusetts?
Many asphalt shingle roofs last around 20–30 years in Massachusetts depending on exposure, ventilation, installation quality, and maintenance.
Why is Ice & Water protection recommended?
Ice & Water membrane provides a watertight layer under shingles. It helps prevent leaks from ice dams, wind-driven rain, and vulnerable roof transitions.
Are skylights a common source of leaks?
They can be if flashing or waterproofing fails. During roof replacement, the skylight area should be properly re-flashed and integrated with underlayment.
Can roof penetration leaks be repaired without replacing the roof?
Sometimes—if the roof is newer and the issue is isolated. But when the roof is older and multiple penetrations are failing, replacement is often the more dependable option.
Repair Gallery
Other Roofing Projects in Newton & Surrounding Towns
At Master Roof, we offer exceptional residential roofing services across Newton including roof replacement, repairs, attic ventilation, chimney flashing, skylight installations, roof maintenance, and assessments. Here are some other Master Roof projects in the area.
