Roof Replacement Across Springfield's Neighborhoods

A city of older roofs

Much of Springfield's housing went up between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s. Older neighborhoods closer to downtown have Victorian-era homes and multi-family houses, including triple-deckers with low-slope roofs. Farther out, neighborhoods such as Sixteen Acres and East Forest Park have more mid-century Capes, ranches and colonials.

Older homes often hide surprises under the shingles: board decking instead of plywood, more than one old layer, or chimneys whose flashing has to be rebuilt. That is why a full tear-off and a deck check matter so much here.

Historic districts: check before you change materials

Springfield has several local historic districts, including Forest Park Heights, created in 1975 and enlarged in 1980, and McKnight, created in 1976. Exterior work in these districts goes through the Springfield Historical Commission:

• Like-for-like replacement that does not change design, material or outward appearance generally qualifies for a Certificate of Non-Applicability. You still file an application, but a public hearing is usually not needed.
• A change in material or appearance, such as slate to asphalt or shingles to metal, generally needs a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Work that cannot be seen from a public street or park may be approved without a hearing under the district guidelines.

Applications go through the city's Office of Planning & Economic Development. Ask your contractor to build the approval time into the schedule.

June 1, 2011, and the roofs that followed

The EF3 tornado touched down in Springfield at about 4:38 p.m. and crossed more than six miles of the city. The South End, East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres were among the hardest-hit areas. Many roofs were replaced in the rebuild that followed, which means a lot of them are now about 15 years old.

Permits in Springfield

Reroofing in Springfield generally requires a building permit through the city's Code Enforcement Building Division. In practice your contractor files it, and the job must be supervised by someone holding a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License with the right scope. If you live in the home and it has one to four units, the contractor also needs a Home Improvement Contractor registration. Our permits guide has the details.