Roof Replacement & Skylight Upgrade in Stratham, NH | Winnicutt Road Neighborhood

The Problem: Moisture Around an Aging Skylight in Stratham

When homeowners in the Winnicutt Road area of Stratham, NH started noticing recurring moisture around an aging skylight and a few vulnerable roof sections, they called Compass Exteriors for a full roof evaluation. They didn't want a band-aid — they wanted to know what was actually going on under the shingles before it turned into interior water damage.

After a complete on-roof inspection, our crew found what we see often on older Seacoast roofs: years of freeze-thaw cycles and aging flashing had let moisture work its way into the roof decking around the skylight and several low-ventilation areas. The only honest fix was to open it up, repair the structure, and rebuild the system the right way.

What We Did: Full Roof Replacement and Skylight Rebuild

• Full asphalt shingle tear-off and roof replacement
• Skylight replacement with rebuilt, upgraded flashing
• Partial roof deck replacement in the moisture-damaged sections
• Premium synthetic underlayment across the whole roof
• High-performance ice and water shield in the vulnerable areas
• Upgraded ventilation components to correct the low-airflow sections
• Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® architectural shingles in Slatestone Gray

The homeowners chose Slatestone Gray for its clean, dimensional look that fits the classic homes throughout Stratham and the wider Seacoast. The finished roof sharpened the home's curb appeal while genuinely improving weather protection and airflow.

Why the Hidden Decking Damage Mattered

The biggest find on this job was concealed decking deterioration around the skylight and a couple of older roof penetrations. That kind of damage usually stays hidden until the old shingles come off — which is exactly why we replace compromised decking before laying down new waterproofing. A new roof is only as good as the wood it's nailed to.

Why Underlayment Matters on a New Hampshire Roof

New Hampshire roofs take a beating — wind-driven rain, heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw, and ice dams. So instead of builder-grade felt, we used premium synthetic underlayment and high-quality accessories across the system. The layers beneath the shingles are what decide how a roof holds up through a real New England winter, and around skylights and penetrations that detail work is everything.

If you're weighing a roof replacement or a skylight upgrade in Stratham or the surrounding Seacoast, we'd be glad to take a look. Compass Exteriors does detailed roof inspections, gives honest recommendations, and installs roofing systems built for our climate. Get a free inspection or call 603-219-1523.