Condominium Roofing Projects: An Expert's Guide for Property Managers
- Bryan Kelly
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
As a property manager in New England, you are the most critical bridge between the technical needs of your property and the budgetary concerns of your condo board. This guide is designed to empower you with the expert language and process knowledge needed to confidently champion a successful condominium roofing capital improvement project.
The Condominium Roofing Project Process: A Six-Step Path to a Leak-Proof System
A roof replacement is not a single service; it's the installation of an integrated Engineered Roofing System. Understanding these phases will help you set clear expectations, justify costs, and deliver superior, long-term protection.
Inspection and Detection: Identifying the System's Vulnerabilities
A thorough inspection goes beyond shingles. We look for the source of failure, not just the symptom.
What to Communicate: Explain to your board that most roof leaks can be traced back to poor flashing details at transition points. The inspection focuses on vulnerable areas like chimneys, vents, and where siding meets the roof.
Key Focus: The assessment must identify compromised areas needing upgraded flashing solutions and proper ventilation. Look for early signs of potential ice dam formation unique to New England usually caused by lack of proper ventilation and insulation.
Total Project Analysis: The Foundation of Long-Term Value
Project analysis and pre-construction preparation is the most critical stage of a roofing project. Cutting corners here leads directly to premature leaks and expensive call-backs.
What to Communicate: Stress that a significant portion of the cost covers what your board doesn't see. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, fixing all structural defects, and installing all system components before the first shingle is laid.
Key Focus: Detail the use of specialized techniques like installing a kick-out diverter at the eave's edge and upgraded leak flashing barriers that go above standard manufacturer requirements and building codes to combat New England's rigorous freeze-thaw cycles and ice dams.
Comprehensive Proposal: Justifying the Investment in Quality
A professional proposal should be a transparent, easy-to-understand blueprint that justifies the investment in a premium system.
What to Communicate: Emphasize the proposal outlines the installation of a certified system (e.g., GAF or CertainTeed), not just shingles. It must clearly break down the cost of all required components, including leak barriers, underlayment, and upgraded flashing.
Key Focus: Ensure the document specifies the contractor's credentials (e.g., GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed 5-Star) and details the long-term warranty (up to 40 years) that is only available through these certified installers.
Pre-Construction Game Plan: The Key to Success
Successful condo projects require seamless integration and proactive logistics to minimize disruption to residents.
What to Communicate: Present the communication plan as a core deliverable—not just an afterthought. This includes setting realistic timeframes that account for weather and providing residents with clear contact information for project updates.
Key Focus: Explain the scheduling includes coordinating the optimal time to replace skylights and chimney caps simultaneously with the roof. This single-source execution ensures the entire weatherproof building envelope is properly integrated and flashed together.
Precise Execution: Installing Above the Standard
A GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed 5-Star certified installation team is crucial for achieving the maximum system performance and warranty.
What to Communicate: Highlight that your contractor holds both GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed 5-Star certifications—meaning they are among the top 2-3% of roofers nationwide. This assures your board of a skill level that reduces liability and guarantees superior workmanship.
Key Focus: The installation is done beyond manufacturer specifications (e.g., using extra leak barrier) to provide added defense against extreme weather, ensuring the system delivers its promised long-term protection.
Final Client Walk-through: Guaranteeing the Result
The final step is the transfer of confidence and assurance from the contractor to you.
What to Communicate: The final walk-through with the project manager confirms every detail of the engineered system meets the promised scope. This is the moment to verify all flashing, system components, and cleanup are complete.
Key Focus: The walk-through finalizes the documentation required to activate the maximum non-prorated system warranty (up to 40 years), providing the association with definitive, long-term peace of mind: “No Leaks, No Excuses, No Headaches.”
PRO TIP: Request a final CLOSEOUT PACKET of all key product submittals, warranties, permits and other pertinent closeout materials.
Contact Kelly's certified roofing professionals at 888-KELLY-11 for a no-obligation consultation.
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