Best Roof Replacement & Installation in New Hampshire Ranked

Replacing your roof in New Hampshire is a significant investment in protecting your home from the state's demanding climate. The process involves selecting materials engineered to withstand heavy snow, ice dams, and high winds, while also navigating seasonal timing and local building codes. A successful project balances durability, aesthetics, and budget, requiring careful planning and a qualified contractor familiar with New England's unique roofing challenges. This guide provides essential insights into materials, costs, timelines, and critical considerations for a roof replacement in the Granite State.

Patriot Roofing LLC

591 Mast Rd, Manchester, NH 03102

Patriot Roofing LLC is a licensed and certified roofing contractor based in Manchester, NH, offering residential and commercial roofing services including installation, replacement, roof repairs, leak repairs, and roof inspections. The company serves clients in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, applying decades of experience and working closely with architects and building envelope consultants to deliver durable roofing and cladding systems. They provide specialized capabilities such as enhanced roof assemblies with ice and water protection, synthetic underlayment, and ridge vents to improve roof ventilation. Patriot Roofing also offers a 10-year workmanship warranty and maintains full insurance coverage for their projects.

5.0

405 Reviews

Nick Tracey Roofing & Exteriors

10 Commerce Park N, Bedford, NH 03110

Nick Tracey Roofing & Exteriors is a roofing contractor based in Manchester, NH, offering services such as roof installation, replacement, repair, and inspection. They specialize in metal roofing, including standing seam systems, and provide roof certification and attic ventilation solutions. The company is known for installing Owens Corning roof systems with transferable warranties and managing both residential and commercial roofing projects. Their team handles complex roof replacements and repairs, often including skylight installation and attic ventilation improvements. Customers appreciate their detailed communication and project management throughout the process.

5.0

276 Reviews

A1 Siding and Roofing

34 Laurier St, Manchester, NH 03102

A1 Siding and Roofing is a family-owned roofing contractor serving Manchester, NH, with over 45 years of experience. They provide residential and commercial roofing services including installation, replacement, roof repair, leak repair, and detailed roof inspections with certification. The company is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ and AF Master Elite® Certified roofing contractor, offering extended workmanship warranties. Their team uses specialized equipment like The Equipter for efficient debris management, ensuring clean and organized job sites throughout the roofing process.

5.0

128 Reviews

Pyramid Roofing

324 Seames Dr, Manchester, NH 03103

Pyramid Roofing is a roofing contractor based in Manchester, NH, offering roof installation, replacement, and repair services. They serve Manchester and nearby communities including Nashua, Concord, and Salem. With over 40 years in the business, Pyramid Roofing specializes in using the GAF roof system and holds the GAF Master Elite certification, providing customers with industry-leading warranties. Their team is experienced in handling various roofing needs, including roof vent installation and chimney flashing.

4.9

371 Reviews

Queen City Roofing LLC

1 Hardy Rd, Bedford, NH 03110

Queen City Roofing LLC is a family-owned roofing company serving Manchester, NH, and the surrounding Southern, Central, and Western New Hampshire areas. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in residential and commercial roof installation, replacement, and repair. The company installs asphalt shingle and EPDM rubber roofing systems from leading manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and IKO. Their factory-certified technicians are licensed and insured, ensuring expert craftsmanship and adherence to safety standards. Queen City Roofing is known for completing full roof replacements efficiently, often within a single day, and offers extended warranties on their work.

4.9

317 Reviews

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Understanding New Hampshire's Roofing Climate

New Hampshire's weather is the single most important factor influencing your roofing decisions. The state experiences harsh winters with significant snowfall, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and the potential for damaging ice dams. Summers can bring strong thunderstorms with high winds. These conditions demand a roof system that is robust, well-ventilated, and properly sealed.

• Snow Load & Ice Dams: Heavy, wet snow accumulates on roofs, testing their structural strength. More insidiously, heat loss from an attic can melt snow from beneath, causing water to refreeze at the colder eaves and form ice dams. These dams block melting water from draining, forcing it under shingles and into your home. A proper roof replacement in NH must address this with adequate attic insulation, high-performance ventilation, and the installation of ice and water shield-a self-adhering membrane-along the eaves, valleys, and around penetrations ^{1 2 3}.
• Wind Resistance: Coastal and mountainous areas of New Hampshire are prone to strong winds. Your roofing material and installation method must meet or exceed local wind uplift codes. Proper fastening techniques and materials rated for high winds are non-negotiable for long-term performance ⁴.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing can cause materials to crack and degrade over time. Durable, flexible materials and proper installation are key to weathering these cycles year after year.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

The material you choose defines your roof's lifespan, appearance, performance, and cost. Here are the most common options for New Hampshire homes:

• Asphalt Shingles: The most popular and cost-effective choice. Modern architectural (or dimensional) shingles offer a layered look, better wind resistance, and longer warranties (often 30-50 years) than traditional 3-tab shingles. They provide good all-around performance for New Hampshire's climate when installed with appropriate underlayment ^{1 5 6}.
• Metal Roofing: An excellent choice for durability and weather resistance. Metal roofs shed snow easily, are highly wind-resistant, and can last 40-70 years. They are also energy-efficient, reflecting solar heat in summer. While the upfront cost is higher, their longevity and low maintenance make them a compelling investment, especially in areas with severe weather ^{2 4}. Options include standing seam (most durable) and metal shingles that mimic other materials.
• Wood Shakes (Cedar): Offers a classic, rustic New England aesthetic. Cedar is a natural insulator and can be very durable if maintained properly. However, it requires more upkeep than asphalt or metal and may not be permitted in all areas due to fire codes. It is also among the more expensive material options ^{5 7}.
• Premium Materials (Slate & Synthetic): Slate is a natural stone product that is incredibly durable, fireproof, and can last over a century. Its cost and weight (requiring reinforced roof framing) make it a premium option. Synthetic slate or composite shingles offer a similar appearance with less weight and cost, and often come with extensive warranties ⁶.

The Roof Replacement Process & Timeline

Knowing what to expect during a roof replacement can help you plan effectively.

1. Inspection & Estimate: A reputable contractor will perform a thorough inspection of your existing roof, deck, attic ventilation, and flashing. They will discuss your material options and provide a detailed written estimate.
2. Planning & Permits: Once you sign a contract, the contractor will typically pull any required local building permits. They will also schedule material delivery and the crew.
3. Site Preparation: The area around your home is prepared. This includes laying tarps to protect landscaping, setting up dumpsters for old materials, and ensuring safe access for the crew.
4. Tear-Off & Deck Inspection: The old roofing materials are completely removed. This critical step allows for a full inspection of the roof deck (plywood or boards) for any water damage, rot, or soft spots that need repair before the new roof is installed ^{8 9}.
5. Underlayment & Flashing: A synthetic underlayment is installed over the deck for an added moisture barrier. Ice and water shield is applied to vulnerable areas. New metal flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and in valleys to direct water away.
6. Material Installation: The new shingles, metal panels, or other material are installed according to manufacturer specifications. Proper nail placement and technique are crucial.
7. Ventilation & Cleanup: Ridge and soffit vents are ensured to be clear and functional to promote air flow. The job site is meticulously cleaned using magnets to pick up nails, and all old materials are hauled away.

Timeline: For a typical single-family home, the physical installation often takes 1 to 3 days ^{8 10}. However, the entire process from estimate to completion can take several weeks, factoring in scheduling, material lead times, and the ever-present variable of New Hampshire weather. The ideal seasons for replacement are late spring, summer, and early fall, when temperatures are moderate and the risk of snow is lowest ¹⁰.

Cost Factors for Roof Replacement in NH

Roof replacement costs in New Hampshire vary widely based on several key factors. For an average-sized home, you can expect a broad range:

• Asphalt Shingles: $8,000 - $25,000+
• Metal Roofing: $15,000 - $40,000+
• Wood Shakes: $20,000 - $45,000+ ^{1 5 11 12 13}

These numbers are estimates; your specific quote will depend on:

• Roof Size & Pitch: Larger roofs cost more in materials and labor. Steeply pitched roofs are more challenging and time-consuming to work on, increasing labor costs.
• Material Choice: As shown above, material is the primary cost driver.
• Complexity: Multiple chimneys, skylights, dormers, and intricate roof lines (valleys, hips) add to the labor time and material waste.
• Structural Repairs: If the roof deck or underlying structure requires significant repair, this will add to the cost.
• Removal of Existing Layers: Local building codes often limit the number of roofing layers. The cost includes the labor to tear off and dispose of the old roof.
• New Hampshire-Specific Needs: The mandatory inclusion of ice and water shield, high-wind rated materials, and proper ventilation systems are non-optional upgrades that impact the final price but are essential for performance ^{11 12}.

Frequently asked questions

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