Burlington, MA Roof Replacement Case Study: Fixing Improper Installations, Rot, and Skylight Issues on a 1958 Home
Project Summary
- Location: Burlington, MA
- Home Built: 1958
- Project Type: Full roof replacement with skylight upgrades and structural repairs
- Roofing System Installed: 51SQ GAF Timberline HDZ (Charcoal)
- Key Materials: GAF Timberline HDZ, GAF TimberTex, GAF Tiger Paw, GAF StormGuard
- Scope of Work: Full tear-off, skylight replacement, flashing corrections, fascia repairs, and system upgrades
Materials
Asphalt Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ (Charcoal)
Ridge Caps: GAF TimberTex
Ice Shield: GAF StormGuard
Underlayment: GAF Tiger Paw
Roof Size: 51 sq shingles
Before, During & After the Project
Before: Extensive Roofing & Installation Issues
During the inspection, it was clear this roof had
multiple layers of problems — not just age, but improper installation and structural concerns.
According to the inspection report and supporting images, key issues included:
- Heavy algae growth across the main roof and barn
- Improperly installed skylights, increasing leak risk
- Incorrect pipe boot installation and worn rubber seals
- Exposed nails and failing shingles
- Cracked and deteriorating chimney flashing
- Missing or improperly installed wall flashing
- Rotted fascia boards and trim
- Gutters clogged with debris, contributing to water backup
- Inconsistent shingle colors and prior patchwork repairs
This wasn’t just an aging roof — it was a system that had been compromised over time by poor workmanship and deferred maintenance.
During: Full System Tear-Off & Structural Corrections
Master Roof performed a complete roof replacement, removing all existing materials down to the decking.
Key steps included:
- Full tear-off of existing shingles and underlayment
- Inspection of decking and structural components
- Replacement of rotted fascia and trim boards
- Installation of proper flashing systems at walls, chimneys, and transitions
- Installation of GAF Tiger Paw underlayment and GAF StormGuard waterproofing
- Replacement of
skylights with properly integrated flashing systems using best practices from
skylight installation services - Correction of improper pipe boot installations
This phase is where the biggest transformation happens — correcting everything that was done wrong before.
After: A Fully Integrated Roofing System
The finished roof is now a complete, high-performance system, not just a surface upgrade.
The new system includes:
- 51SQ GAF Timberline HDZ shingles (Charcoal)
- GAF TimberTex ridge cap system
- Proper skylight integration
- Updated chimney and wall flashing
- New fascia and trim repairs
The result:
- A clean, uniform appearance
- Proper water drainage and protection
- Eliminated leak risks from previous installation errors
- Long-term durability built for New England weather
The Roofing Problems at This Burlington Home
This project is a textbook example of how
installation errors + aging = major failure risk.
Failing Pipe Boots
Boots were improperly installed and deteriorating — a common source of leaks addressed with proper sealing and installation techniques.
Chimney Flashing Breakdown
Cracked and aging flashing around the chimney created a major vulnerability for water intrusion.
Rotting Fascia & Trim
Water infiltration and clogged gutters led to visible wood rot along the roof edges.
Algae & Shingle Wear
Organic growth and aging shingles indicated long-term moisture retention and reduced roof lifespan.
Master Roof’s Solution
Instead of patching isolated issues, Master Roof rebuilt the entire system correctly.
The project included:
- Full roof replacement
- Installation of 51SQ GAF Timberline HDZ (Charcoal)
- New GAF TimberTex ridge cap system
- Installation of GAF Tiger Paw underlayment
- Installation of GAF StormGuard waterproofing system
- Replacement of skylights with proper flashing systems
- Repair and replacement of rotted fascia and trim
- Correction of wall flashing and chimney flashing
- Proper installation of pipe boots and ventilation components
For similar projects involving skylights and structural corrections, see:
For more complex full-system replacements, explore:
Why This Project Matters for Older Homes (1950s–1970s)
Homes built in the 1950s often have:
- Outdated or improperly updated roofing systems
- Multiple repair layers over time
- Aging flashing and ventilation issues
This Burlington home is a perfect example of why
full system replacement is often the best long-term investment.
The Result
This home now has a
properly installed, fully integrated roofing system designed for performance and longevity.
With:
- GAF Timberline HDZ shingles (Charcoal)
- New skylights
- Upgraded waterproofing (Tiger Paw & StormGuard)
- Correct flashing and ventilation
…the homeowner now has a roof that is built to last — and built correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a skylight was installed incorrectly?
Signs include improper flashing, gaps, leaks, or visible layering issues around the skylight.
Why is fascia rot a big deal?
Rotted fascia can allow water into the roof structure and compromise gutter performance.
What causes algae on roofs?
Moisture retention, shade, and aging shingles contribute to algae growth.
When is a full roof replacement better than repairs?
When multiple system components are failing — like flashing, shingles, and structure — replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Repair Gallery
Other Roofing Projects in Burlington & Surrounding Towns
At Master Roof, we offer exceptional residential roofing services across Burlington including roof replacement, repairs, attic ventilation, chimney flashing, skylight installations, roof maintenance, and assessments. Here are some other Master Roof projects in the area.
