Complete roof replacement
When Patching Stops Making Sense
Every roof on Martha’s Vineyard lives a harder life than its mainland cousins. Salt air works on fasteners and flashing, nor’easters drive rain sideways under shingles, and hurricane-season gusts test every edge and ridge. Asphalt roofs that last 25–30 years inland often show their age sooner here — curling or missing shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, dark streaks, or daylight showing in the attic.
If you’re calling a roofer every season to chase a new leak, or your roof is 15+ years old, a full replacement is usually the smarter investment. It’s also an insurance issue now: insurers look closely at roof age, and some tighten coverage or raise premiums on older roofs. A documented, code-compliant new roof protects your home and your coverage — and we provide the paperwork to prove it.
What’s Included in Every Replacement
“New roof” means more than new shingles. Our replacement is a full system, and every item below is standard — not an upsell:
- Complete tear-off down to the deck — we never shingle over problems.
- Deck inspection & repair — rotted or delaminated sheathing is replaced before anything goes back on.
- Ice & water shield and underlayment at eaves, valleys and penetrations — where island leaks actually start.
- New flashing at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys — reusing tired flashing is how “new” roofs leak.
- Proper ridge and soffit ventilation — a roof that breathes lasts longer and keeps summer heat out of your attic.
- Full site protection & cleanup — tarps over plantings, magnet sweeps for nails, debris hauled daily.
Cedar Shake or Architectural Asphalt?
This is the classic Vineyard question, and we install both — so you’ll get straight advice, not a sales pitch for whatever we happen to stock.
Wind-rated architectural asphalt shingles are the best value on the island: engineered for high-wind zones, available in colors that suit every neighborhood from Oak Bluffs gingerbread to modern West Tisbury builds, and backed by strong manufacturer warranties. For most homeowners, this is the roof we recommend.
Red and white cedar is the island’s signature — the silvered shingle look that defines Edgartown, Chilmark and Aquinnah. Cedar costs more and rewards proper installation, which is exactly why ours is installed to spec: correct exposure, stainless fasteners, and breathing room to dry between storms. If you’re deciding, we’ll quote both options in writing.
Built for the Island’s Wind Zones
Every roof we install meets the current Massachusetts State Building Code (10th edition), including the wind and coastal requirements written for exposed homes like those on Martha’s Vineyard — enhanced nailing patterns, sealed roof deck details and rated materials. It’s not just about passing inspection: it’s the difference between a roof that shrugs off a 60-knot gust and one that ends up in your yard.
What to Expect, Day by Day
Most Vineyard homes are done in 1–3 days. Day one: protection down, tear-off, deck repairs, dry-in — your home is watertight before we leave, every day. Day two: shingles or cedar, flashing, ventilation, detail work. Final day: ridge caps, cleanup, magnet sweep, and an owner-led walkthrough where Fabiano reviews every detail with you and hands over your documentation.
Wondering about a smaller fix first? See our roof repair & storm damage service. Replacing the roof is also the perfect moment to add or replace skylights and upgrade to seamless gutters — one crew, one clean job.
Roof Replacement FAQs
How long does a roof replacement take on Martha’s Vineyard?
Most island homes take 1–3 days from tear-off to final cleanup. Larger or more complex roofs, cedar installations and weather can extend that — your written quote includes a confirmed timeline before we start.
Will a new roof help with my homeowners insurance?
Often, yes. Insurers now look closely at roof age — many tighten coverage or raise premiums for roofs 15+ years old. A documented, code-compliant new roof protects your home and gives you paperwork your insurer will actually read. Ask us for a roof-age report with your estimate.
Do you replace cedar roofs as well as asphalt?
Yes. We install classic red and white cedar for the traditional Vineyard look, and wind-rated architectural asphalt shingles for the best value. If you’re deciding between the two, we’ll quote both options in writing.
