Restoring a Weather-Worn Roof in Acton, MA
A 1997 Home Gets a Much-Needed Roof Renewal
When the owners of a beautiful yellow Colonial in Acton, Massachusetts, started noticing curling shingles and dark streaks along the fascia, they knew the roof’s age was catching up. Built in 1997, the home had endured nearly three decades of New England winters — snow, ice, and heavy rains had taken their toll. What began as a few cracked shingles and granule loss soon revealed deeper issues: rotting fascia boards, failing skylights, and flashing that was no longer keeping water out. That’s when Master Roof stepped in to bring the home’s protection — and its curb appeal — back to life.
Project Overview
Following a request from a homeowner in Acton needing a roof replacement, the experts at Master Roof performed an extensive inspection. Given the condition of the existing roof, a full replacement was advised and the client agreed.
Asphalt Shingles: GAF Ultra HDZ Charcoal
Roof Deck: Plywood
Ice Shield: GAF StormGuard Ice & Water Shield
Underlayment: GAF Deck-Armor Synthetic
Roof Size: 30 sq shingles
Uncovering the Real Problems
Our first visit confirmed what the homeowners suspected: the roof’s outer layer was far past its prime. We also discovered several hidden concerns:
- Buckled and brittle shingles that had lost much of their waterproofing ability.
- Rotting fascia boards, particularly along the eaves, caused by years of slow water infiltration.
- Questionable flashing along the sidewalls and chimney — small gaps that could easily lead to leaks.
- Two skylights showing condensation and staining, indicating seal failure.
- Inadequate ventilation, with warm, moist air trapped in the attic space.
Without a full replacement, these issues would only accelerate wood rot and energy inefficiency.
The Master Roof Plan
Rather than patch problems, our goal was to rebuild the system the right way — ensuring long-term performance from top to bottom. The project unfolded in several key steps:
- Removed the aging shingles and underlayment, exposing rotted fascia and confirming areas of deterioration.
- Installed GAF StormGuard Ice & Water Shield and DeckArmor underlayment for top-tier moisture protection.
- Replaced all rotted fascia boards and reinforced roof edges with durable, weather-resistant materials.
- Completely redid the flashing around the chimney and sidewalls using a 3-layer approach to create watertight transitions.
- Upgraded both skylights with modern, energy-efficient replacements that eliminate leaks and improve natural lighting.
- Fitted The Ultimate Boot Pipes for clean, sealed vent penetrations, lasting the lifetime of the roof.
- Balanced soffit and ridge ventilation, giving the attic steady airflow and extending roof life.
A Stronger, Smarter Roof
When the work was complete, the transformation was dramatic — both structurally and visually.
- The new GAF Timberline UHD shingles gave the home a crisp, contemporary look that complements its architecture.
- Enhanced flashing and underlayment systems created a watertight barrier ready for decades of Massachusetts weather.
- Rebuilt fascia boards and upgraded skylights eliminated chronic leak concerns and future maintenance headaches.
- Optimized ventilation now keeps the attic cooler in summer and drier in winter, helping to stabilize indoor comfort and energy use.
The Result
The homeowners were thrilled to see their house looking new again — and even more relieved knowing it’s protected from the elements for the long haul. The refreshed exterior boosted curb appeal and property value, while behind the scenes, every layer now works together for lasting performance.
Roofing isn’t just about what’s on top — it’s about how every component connects. In Acton, we didn’t just replace a roof. We rebuilt confidence for a homeowner who can now face every storm with peace of mind.
Thinking about your own roof’s lifespan? Reach out to Master Roof for a professional inspection and see how we can strengthen your home from the top down.
Roof Repair Gallery
Before and After Pictures
Project Videos
Other Roofing Projects in Acton & Surrounding Towns
At Master Roof, we offer exceptional residential roofing services across Acton including roof replacement, repairs, attic ventilation, chimney flashing, skylight installations, roof maintenance, and assessments. Here are some other Master Roof projects in the area.
