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Roofers in Lowell, MA
Need a roofer in Lowell? Call (978) 577-5300 or send the form for a free estimate on a leak, a triple-decker flat roof, ice dams or a full replacement. We'll review your request and follow up with you.
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Lowell roofs, neighborhood by neighborhood
What's on the roofs in Lowell
Lowell is one of the densest cities in Massachusetts, and a lot of its housing went up between the 1880s and the 1920s to house mill workers. That means a roofing job here is as likely to be a flat roof on a triple-decker as shingles on a single-family. What you're dealing with depends a lot on the neighborhood.
The Acre and Lower Highlands
Tightly packed triple-deckers and multi-families, many with low-slope main roofs and a porch roof on every floor. Narrow lots and close neighbors mean planning ahead for the dumpster, ladders and protecting the house next door.
Centralville and Pawtucketville
A mix of multi-families, older capes and colonials, with a lot of rental property near UMass Lowell. Owners often need a straight answer on whether a roof can get through a few more winters or needs replacing before the next tenant moves in.
Belvidere
Larger older single-families, including Victorian-era houses on Belvidere Hill with steep pitches, multiple gables, turrets and copper or slate details. These roofs need a contractor comfortable with complicated flashing, not just a fast shingle crew.
The Highlands, South Lowell and Back Central
A broad mix of single-families and two-families, with plenty of mid-century houses now on their second or third roof. Two layers of shingles already in place is common, which means a full tear-off and replacement.
Downtown
Mill conversions and mixed-use buildings, mostly condos and apartments. The roof is usually handled by the condo association or building owner, not individual unit owners, so start there if you live downtown.
Roofing services in Lowell
What do you need help with?
Roof Replacement
Full tear-off, deck repair, ice and water barrier and new shingles, on everything from capes to two-families.
Roof Repair & Leaks
Chimney flashing, vent boots, missing shingles and slate repairs, plus inspections.
Flat & Rubber Roofs
EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen for triple-decker roofs, porches and additions.
Ice Dams
Safe steam removal, and the insulation and ventilation fixes that stop them.
Storm Damage
Emergency tarping and repairs after nor'easters, wind and fallen limbs.
Triple-deckers & multi-families
Roofing a Lowell multi-family
Triple-deckers usually have a flat or low-slope main roof that drains to the back or to an interior drain, plus a stack of porch roofs. When one leaks, the water often shows up on the third floor first, and it can be traveling a long way before it does.
Common materials for these roofs are EPDM rubber, TPO and modified bitumen. Before recommending one, a good contractor will check how many layers are already up there, whether the drainage is working and whether the deck is sound.
If you own the building and rent units, ask the contractor about the schedule and dumpster placement up front so you can give tenants notice. Most of these jobs get done with tenants living there.
Permits & historic districts
Permits and historic review in Lowell
Building permit. Lowell's Division of Development Services lists roofing among the work that needs a building permit, and the contractor normally pulls it. If a contractor offers to skip it, keep looking.
Historic review districts. The Lowell Historic Board has design review authority in 11 districts: Downtown Lowell, the Acre, Andover Street, Belvidere Hill, Livingston-Harvard, Rogers Fort Hill Park, South Common, Tyler Park, Wannalancit Street, Washington Square and Wilder Street. The rules vary by district. If your house is in one of them, call Historic Board staff before roof work that changes the look of the house, such as switching from slate or wood to asphalt or changing trim.
Licensing. Look for a Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration and, for most roofing jobs, a Construction Supervisor License (CSL). We verify the credentials a job requires before we send a contractor any calls.
Winter. Many older Lowell houses have little attic insulation and poor ventilation, which is what causes ice dams. A replacement should include ice and water barrier at the eaves and in the valleys. If you get ice dams every year, ask about the ventilation and insulation too, not just the shingles.
Roofing Service Pros is a referral service. We don't pull permits or do roofing work. The roofing contractor who does the job handles the permit.
FAQ
Lowell roofing questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Lowell?
Yes. Lowell's Division of Development Services lists roofing among the work that requires a building permit, and the contractor normally pulls it. Ask the contractor to confirm the permit is on file before work starts.
Is my Lowell house in a historic district?
Possibly. The Lowell Historic Board has design review authority in 11 districts, including Downtown, the Acre, Belvidere Hill, Andover Street, Tyler Park and Wilder Street. If your home is in one of them, check with Historic Board staff before roof work that changes how the outside of the house looks.
What are the options for a flat roof on a triple-decker?
The common choices are EPDM rubber, TPO and modified bitumen. A contractor will look at the existing layers, the drainage and the condition of the deck before recommending one.
I own a multi-family. Can the roof be done with tenants living there?
Usually, yes. Multi-family roofs are routinely replaced with tenants at home. Ask the contractor about the schedule, parking for the dumpster and how they protect porches and entryways, so you can give tenants notice.
Is there a charge to use Roofing Service Pros?
No. The call and the referral are free to homeowners. Your estimate and any work are agreed directly between you and the roofing contractor.
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