Get matched with top roofers in Leominster, MA

You shouldn’t put a new roof underlayment over an old one for a few reasons. Old felt must be removed in order to assess the condition of your roof decking, such as rotting wood or other structural issues. Also, if your roofer doesn't install a fresh layer of felt as is required by shingle manufacturers, your warranty may be voided. Finally, old underlayment removal is often included in the cost of roof repair or replacement, so there's no real benefit to leaving it on before installing a new layer.

Architectural shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years. While some manufacturers provide warranties for 30 to 50 years, particularly for extreme weather, achieving such a long lifespan is uncommon. The actual life of your shingles can be shorter if you live in an area prone to strong winds, hailstorms, or other severe weather. To avoid the risk of roof failure and costly water damage from leaks, it is recommended to replace your roof before it reaches the end of its expected life. Scheduling regular roof inspections every few years is a good way to assess your roof's condition and determine the best timeline for replacement.

Mansard roofs provide more attic space or living space on the interior than many other styles, and they offer a classic appearance and old-world charm to any home. They also often have multiple windows on the lower hip, providing ample natural light and ventilation. 

On the other hand, they’re more expensive to install and replace due to their complexity and rarity, and the low slope of the upper hip means that heavy snowfall can be an issue. Additionally, they’re more prone to leaking than many other roof styles.

Yes, hail damage to your roof can definitely cause water leaks in your roof. This is because hailstones can break, chip, crack, or split shingles of all types, exposing underlayment. This underlayment doesn’t offer as much protection against water, so when it becomes compromised, water can penetrate and leak deeper into your home.