Franklin County VT

Roof age, extent of damage, and visible warning signs are key indicators. If your roof is over 20 years old, has extensive shingle loss, curling, soft spots, or persistent leaks, replacement is likely more cost-effective than repeated repairs. In Franklin County, VT, winter conditions accelerate roof wear, making timely assessment essential. At Big Al’s Roofing, we perform detailed inspections to differentiate between isolated issues that can be patched and widespread problems that require full replacement, helping you avoid unnecessary costs while protecting your home from water damage and insulation loss.

Our region’s cold winters, heavy snowfall, and ice buildup demand roofing materials that are both weather-resistant and insulating. Asphalt shingles are a reliable and cost-effective choice, offering good protection and ease of maintenance. Metal roofing is another top option, ideal for snow shedding and long-term durability. At Big Al’s, we recommend materials based on slope, exposure, budget, and the structure of your home. Our solutions are designed for energy efficiency and weather resilience, ensuring your roof performs in Vermont’s demanding conditions year-round.

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your attic, melting rooftop snow that refreezes at the eaves, creating barriers that trap water. This water can back up under shingles, causing leaks and structural damage. Prevention involves proper attic insulation, ventilation, and water-resistant underlayment. Big Al’s Roofing installs ice and water shield membranes along roof edges and valleys, combined with ridge vents and soffit ventilation to balance attic temperature and airflow. These proactive measures help protect your roof from common winter damage in Franklin County.

Yes. While cold weather presents challenges, our team is equipped with materials and techniques designed for winter installations. We install one window or door at a time to minimize indoor heat loss and use low-temperature-rated sealants and insulation. In fact, winter installations often mean shorter lead times and scheduling flexibility. Big Al’s has extensive experience installing in Vermont’s climate, so we ensure a weather-tight seal and secure fit, even when the snow is flying outside.

In Vermont’s long heating season, old or poorly insulated windows and doors can significantly increase energy use. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-rated units with Low-E coatings, double or triple-pane glass, and insulated frames helps retain indoor warmth and reduce drafts. Big Al’s installs products specifically rated for cold climates, helping Franklin County homeowners cut heating costs by up to 25% or more. Beyond energy savings, these upgrades improve comfort, reduce condensation, and enhance sound insulation, adding both function and value to your home.

We start with a thorough roof inspection and consultation, providing a clear estimate and project plan. On installation day, we remove the old roof, inspect the decking for damage, and install underlayment, flashing, and your new roofing material. We use ice and water shields, ridge vents, and high-quality fasteners to ensure durability. Finally, we perform a full cleanup, magnet sweep for nails, and post-installation inspection. Throughout, we keep you updated and on schedule. Our approach balances efficiency with precision, making your Franklin County roofing project smooth and reliable.

Yes, permits are often required for roofing replacements and some window or door installations, especially if structural changes are involved. Big Al’s Roofing manages the permitting process on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with local building codes and municipal regulations. We also coordinate with inspectors as needed and stay current with Vermont’s evolving standards, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, delays, or penalties. Our goal is a stress-free, legally sound installation from start to finish.

Common signs include drafts near windows, difficulty opening or closing, condensation between panes, fading furniture due to UV rays, and high heating bills. In Franklin County, even minor window inefficiencies can lead to significant heat loss. Big Al’s conducts thorough assessments using thermal imaging when necessary to detect cold spots and leakage points. We recommend modern windows with advanced seals and thermal breaks to prevent air infiltration, reduce noise, and keep your home comfortable all year.

While you can do replacements in stages, completing them together often offers better energy performance and visual consistency. It’s also more cost-effective due to bundled labor and materials. Replacing windows and doors at the same time improves your home's air sealing and insulation uniformly, reducing drafts across all access points. Big Al’s works within your budget to prioritize the most urgent upgrades first, while providing options to phase the project strategically if needed.

Yes. Big Al’s offers a wide range of styles, colors, materials, and finishes to match your home’s architecture—whether you’re upgrading a historic farmhouse or a modern build. We help you choose from wood, fiberglass, vinyl, and composite options, with customizable grilles, glass types, and hardware finishes. Every product we install is chosen for its blend of aesthetics, energy efficiency, and Vermont-weather readiness. Our design consultations help ensure that function and form go hand in hand.