48-Square Roof Replacement in Exeter, NH Using Owens Corning Duration Shingles in Driftwood

What made this Exeter roof replacement a large-scale project?

Most residential roof replacements around the Seacoast run somewhere between 20 and 35 squares. This Exeter home came in at 48 squares — roughly 4,800 square feet of roof surface. That puts it firmly in the category of a major residential roofing project, one that requires a different level of planning, crew coordination, and production management than a typical one-day job.

The existing roof had reached the end of its useful life. Multiple signs were showing simultaneously: granule loss, edge curl, weakening seal strips, and flashing areas that had become increasingly vulnerable. At that stage, continuing to repair individual sections stops making financial sense. Replacing the full system at once gives the homeowner a consistent installation, a uniform appearance, and a clean start on the warranty clock.

The homeowners selected Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® shingles in Driftwood, paired with Grace Ice & Water Shield at vulnerable areas. That combination gives this Exeter home strong wind resistance, solid underlayment protection, and a dimensional aesthetic that suits the New England setting.

Why does a 48-square roof require two days?

A common question from homeowners is how long a roof replacement takes. For smaller roofs — say, 20 to 25 squares with a straightforward layout — a one-day completion is realistic. For a 48-square roof, two days is the right call. Here is why:

• Tear-off volume — nearly 4,800 square feet of old shingles, underlayment, and debris must be stripped, managed, and disposed of before the new system goes on
• Deck inspection time — after tear-off, the full deck is exposed and inspected square foot by square foot; any soft or compromised areas must be addressed before shingles are installed
• Staging logistics — material delivery, dumpster placement, property protection, and access planning all become more complex at this scale
• Detail work — flashing, pipe boots, starter courses, drip edge, ridge vent, and ridge cap all require the same care on a 48-square roof as on a smaller one; there is simply more of it
• Cleanup scope — a large roof generates a significant amount of debris; a thorough cleanup including magnetic nail sweeps takes time done properly

Day one focused on tear-off, deck inspection, underlayment, and beginning the shingle installation. Day two completed the shingle field, all transition and penetration details, ridge work, and the final site cleanup and inspection.

What does the Seacoast climate demand from a roof system this size?

Exeter homeowners deal with the full New England weather picture. Winters bring snow loads, ice dam pressure, and freeze-thaw cycles that test every flashing joint and nail hold. Spring and fall deliver wind-driven rain. Summer adds UV exposure and heat. Homes near the Seacoast also contend with humidity-heavy weather patterns and coastal moisture.

On a roof of 48 squares, the cumulative stress on every component adds up quickly over years of seasonal cycling. That is why the system components matter:

• Grace Ice & Water Shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations — defending against ice dam infiltration and wind-driven rain
• Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® shingles with SureNail® Technology — a reinforced nailing zone engineered for stronger fastening and improved wind performance
• Proper ridge ventilation — reviewed during this project to ensure the attic manages moisture and temperature correctly through New Hampshire winters
• Full tear-off — so the deck condition can be confirmed before the new system is installed on top of it

What did the full tear-off reveal about the roof deck?

A full tear-off is one of the most valuable steps in any proper roof replacement because it exposes the roof deck entirely. On this Exeter project, the tear-off confirmed that the decking was in solid condition throughout. That matters: installing new shingles over a compromised or soft deck leads to poor fastening, uneven surface texture, and premature wear — problems that show up within a few years and are expensive to correct.

Every Compass Exteriors roof replacement includes a thorough deck inspection after tear-off. If soft spots, moisture damage, or weakened sheathing are found, they are corrected before a single piece of new underlayment goes down. The shingles are the visible part of the roof, but the structure underneath determines how well that system actually holds up.

Why did the homeowners choose Driftwood for a home this size?

Color selection is especially important on a large roof because the roof occupies such a significant portion of the home’s visual profile. A color that reads flat or too dark on a large surface area can overpower the whole exterior.

Driftwood struck the right balance for this property. It carries a warm blend of gray and brown tones that reads as dimensional from the street without making the home feel heavy. It complements a wide range of exterior finishes — white trim, beige clapboard, natural wood, gray siding — and holds up well aesthetically as the surrounding landscape changes through seasons. On a large New England colonial, it creates depth and visual interest without competing with the architecture.

How did the crew protect the property during a two-day project?

Roof replacement is disruptive by nature, and a 48-square job generates more debris than most homeowners expect. Before the first shingle came off, the crew set up property protection around the entire work zone. Landscaping, walkways, and exterior areas were considered. Debris was managed and moved efficiently so nails and granules did not scatter across the property unchecked.

After installation, the crew performed a detailed cleanup that included a magnetic nail sweep of the accessible areas around the home. No cleanup process catches every fastener immediately, but a professional crew makes a thorough and serious effort to leave the property safe and clean. The final inspection reviewed all detail areas, flashing transitions, ridge lines, and penetrations before the crew left the site.

Roof replacement in Exeter, NH

This 48-square Exeter project is a clear example of what a large residential asphalt shingle roof replacement looks like when it is done right: proper planning, a two-day timeline that does not cut corners, quality materials matched to the New England climate, and a finished roof that the homeowners can count on through decades of changing seasons. For more information on how we work in your town, see the Exeter service area page. Ready to get started? Call 603-219-1523 for a free estimate.