Westwood MA Roof Repair, Velux Skylight Upgrade
Roof & Skylight Replacement in Westwood, MA by Master Roof
This 1945 Westwood home experienced recurring roof leaks that had begun to travel down into the attic sheathing. Patch repairs held only temporarily — water continued to infiltrate through failing shingles, aging penetrations, and deteriorated skylight seals.
A full roofing system rebuild was recommended and approved, including
complete sheathing replacement where moisture damage was present and installation of
two new Velux skylights to replace failing units.
Project Overview
The Master Roof Team used the following top quality materials for the Westwood skylight and roof replacement.
Asphalt Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ Pewter Grey
Roof Deck: Plywood
Ice Shield: GAF StormGuard Ice & Water Shield
Underlayment: GAF Deck-Armor Synthetic
Roof Size: 12 sq shingles
Roof Condition Prior to Work
- Shingles showed advanced granule loss, cracking, and uplift
- Evidence of prior temporary caulk repairs — signs of persistent leakage
- Attic interior showed darkened water paths and softened wood fibers
- Chimney flashing was failing and needed full reinstallation
- Existing skylights had surpassed serviceable life — replacement was the correct approach
Left unresolved, this moisture could have led to further structural rot, insulation saturation, and mold formation inside the roof cavity.
The Master Roof Solution
For long-term durability and maximum leak protection, Master Roof installed a
full
GAF-certified roofing system - not just shingles.
| Component | Product | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle System | 12 SQ GAF Timberline HDZ (Pewter Gray) | Architectural shingle with LayerLock? + improved wind rating |
| Ridge & Hip Shingles | GAF Timbertex | Thicker profile for enhanced depth + durability |
| Starter Course | GAF ProStart | Creates a secure seal against uplift at the eaves |
| Leak Protection | GAF StormGuard | Ice/water barrier designed for New England freeze cycles |
| Deck Protection | GAF DeckArmor | Breathable synthetic underlayment to prevent trapped moisture |
| Skylights | Two New Velux Replacement Units | Fully reflashed + integrated into the waterproofing system |
Work Completed
- Tear-off down to original 1945 decking
- Replacement of moisture-damaged sheathing panels
- New storm-rated GAF underlayment + leak barrier installed
- Velux skylights replaced, flashed, and tied into new deck system
- Chimney flashing rebuilt correctly — no exposed counter-lap seams
- Timberline HDZ Pewter Gray shingles installed with Timbertex ridge system
- Site cleaned, metal swept, and post-project inspection completed
Final Outcome
The home now has a modern roof engineered for long-term performance, including:
- Ice dam resistance for winter storms
- Higher wind rating via LayerLock HDZ technology
- Skylights with factory seals preserved and leak risk eliminated
- Breathable DeckArmor waterproofing extends roof life
- Improved attic dryness, ventilation & energy efficiency
- Sleek curb appeal with Pewter Gray architectural shingles
- The difference isn't just visible, but it’s structural as well
Repair Gallery
Video of completed roof
Before and After photos of the Home
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced (not just repaired)?
If your roof is older (often 20+ years depending on material), has missing or curling shingles, frequent leaks, sagging areas, or you’ve had multiple repairs in recent years, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof. A full replacement provides a fresh waterproofing system and helps prevent recurring issues that patchwork repairs can’t fully fix.
Why upgrade skylights during a roof replacement?
Roof replacement is the best time to upgrade skylights because the roof is already opened up and the flashing system is being rebuilt. Replacing skylights at the same time can:
help prevent future leaks around the skylight opening
improve insulation and energy efficiency
allow for modern features (better glass, UV protection, venting options)
avoid paying extra labor later to remove and reinstall roofing materials
Can old skylights cause roof leaks even if the shingles look okay?
Yes - skylights are a very common leak point, even when the rest of the roof appears fine. Leaks often come from:
- worn-out seals or gaskets
- old or improperly installed flashing
- cracks in the skylight frame
- condensation issues mistaken for roof leaks
That’s why skylight inspection is an important part of a roof evaluation.
How long does a roof replacement typically take?
Most standard roof replacements can be completed in 1–2 days, depending on roof size, number of layers being removed, weather, and complexity (like skylights, valleys, dormers, or chimney flashing). If skylights are being upgraded, the project may take slightly longer to ensure everything is sealed and flashed properly.
Will a new roof and skylight upgrade improve home value or energy efficiency?
Yes. A new roof can improve your home’s resale value because buyers see it as a major future expense already handled. Skylight upgrades can also improve energy efficiency, especially if older skylights are replaced with newer models that reduce drafts, heat loss, and UV fading inside the home.
Other Roofing Projects in Westwood & Surrounding Towns
At Master Roof, we offer exceptional residential roofing services across Westwood including roof replacement, repairs, attic ventilation, chimney flashing, skylight installations, roof maintenance, and assessments. Here are some other Master Roof projects in the area.
