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Roofers in Salem, NH
Roof wearing out, a leak after the last storm, or a converted lake cottage that needs a better roof? Call (978) 577-5300 or send the form for a free estimate on Salem roof repair or replacement. We'll review your request and help you with the next step.
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- Canobie Lake to North Salem
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Roofing services in Salem
Need roofing work in Salem?
Whether you've found a leak, noticed worn or missing shingles, or think it's time for a new roof, start with the service that matches your situation.
Roof Replacement
Tear-off, deck repair, ice and water barrier and a new roof, done to code.
Roof Repair & Leaks
Flashing, vent boots, missing shingles and leak tracing, plus inspections.
Flat & Rubber Roofs
EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen on low-slope roofs, porches and additions.
Ice Dams
Safe removal, plus the insulation and ventilation fixes that stop them.
Storm Damage
Tarping and repairs after wind, falling limbs, hail and heavy snow.
Salem roofs, area by area
What's on the roofs in Salem
Salem is the first New Hampshire town on I-93, which opened here from the Massachusetts line in 1961. The town more than doubled in the 1950s and doubled again in the 1960s, from about 4,800 people in 1950 to more than 20,000 by 1970, and kept growing to about 30,000 today. Of its roughly 12,900 homes, about 9,100 are single-family houses, nearly 2,400 are in buildings of five or more units, and about 700 are mobile homes. Many former seasonal homes around the lakes have become year-round houses.
Salem Center
The town's only local historic district, created in 1967, takes in 32 properties around the old Town Hall, library, fire station and cemetery at Main, School and Bridge Streets.
Salem Depot
The old depot area has long been targeted for redevelopment, with town plans that allow retail, offices and multi-family housing there.
North Salem
Earlier town plans suggested a possible second historic district here, around East Broadway and North Main Street.
Canobie Lake
The town's original water supply, ringed by homes on septic systems. Canobie Lake Park opened in 1902 as a trolley park.
Arlington Pond and the lakes area
Seasonal homes around Salem's lakes have steadily been converted to year-round use, which the town now restricts in the lakes area. Converted cottages often carry older, lighter roof framing.
Salem houses
Roofing Salem's post-war homes, lake houses and condos
Homes from Salem's 1950s–70s boom. The town quadrupled between 1950 and 1970, so a large share of its houses date from those decades and are on their second or third roof. If there are already two layers of shingles, the next roof starts with a full tear-off and a check of the decking.
Converted lake cottages. Year-round homes that began as seasonal cottages can have small rafters, shallow attics and low-pitch additions. Low slopes may need a membrane instead of shingles (see flat and rubber roofs), and better ventilation helps prevent winter ice dams.
Condos and apartment buildings. Buildings of five or more units make up close to a fifth of Salem's housing, and more than 200 rental units became condos in the 1980s. In most associations, the roof is a common element handled by the association.
Mobile homes. About 700 homes in town are mobile or manufactured homes, whose roofs usually need coatings or membranes rather than shingles.
Repair or replace? See roof repair and roof replacement.
Permits and historic review
Roofing permits in Salem
Inspectional Services. Salem's Inspectional Services Division enforces the New Hampshire State Building Code and takes building permits through the town's OpenGov portal, during counter hours. We couldn't find a town statement on whether a like-for-like re-roof needs a permit, so have the contractor confirm before work starts.
Historic district. In the Salem Center district, state law says no building permit can be issued until the Historic District Commission's certificate of approval is filed. We didn't find the Commission's rules on roofing, so check with it before you sign if your house is in the district.
Hiring. Roofers aren't state-licensed in New Hampshire. Salem sits right on the Massachusetts line, so you may get bids from contractors in both states; ask every one for proof of insurance and a signed written contract. We verify the credentials a job requires before we send a contractor any calls.
Roofing Service Pros is a referral service. We don't pull permits or do roofing work. The roofing contractor who does the job handles any permit.
FAQ
Salem, NH roofing questions
Do I need a permit to re-roof in Salem, NH?
Check with the town before work starts. Salem's Inspectional Services Division takes building permits through its OpenGov portal and enforces the New Hampshire State Building Code, but we couldn't find a town statement on whether a like-for-like re-roof needs a permit. Have your contractor confirm with Inspectional Services.
My house is in the Salem Center historic district. Do I need approval?
Possibly. Salem's only local historic district, created in 1967, covers about 32 properties around the old Town Hall, library, fire station and cemetery at Main, School and Bridge Streets. Under state law, no building permit can be issued there until the Historic District Commission's certificate of approval is on file. Ask the Commission before changing a roof.
Our place near the lakes started as a summer cottage. What should we check?
Salem has converted many seasonal homes to year-round use over the years. Cottages that were winterized later can have light rafters, little attic space and additions at different pitches. Have the roofer check the framing and plan ventilation before a heavier roof goes on.
I own a condo. Who handles the roof?
Usually the association. Salem has a lot of condos, including rental buildings converted in the 1980s. Check your master deed and bylaws before hiring anyone.
Do homeowners pay anything to Roofing Service Pros?
No. The call and the referral are free. Your estimate and contract are between you and the roofing contractor.
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