Why Burlington Roofs Fail Faster (And How to Save Yours for Less)

If you own a home in Burlington, you know that our weather is… unique.

Between the humidity rising off Lake Champlain, the bitter winds whipping through the New North End, and the deep freezes of January, your home takes a beating.

But the biggest victim of the Burlington climate isn’t your driveway or your siding—it’s your asphalt roof.

As local preservation specialists, we see it every day: Roofs in the South End and Hill Section that are only 12 or 13 years old but are already cracking, curling, and losing granules.

Here is why Burlington roofs age prematurely, and the new science that allows you to save them without spending $20,000 on a replacement.

The “Lake Effect” and The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

In Burlington, our roofs face a specific enemy: Thermal Shock.

During the day, even in winter, the sun beats down on your black shingles, heating them up. At night, the temperature plummets, often exacerbated by wind chill off the lake.

This constant expansion and contraction demands extreme flexibility from your shingles.

• The Problem: Over time, the petrochemical oils in asphalt shingles evaporate. The shingles become dry and brittle.
• The Result: When the temperature drops, the brittle shingle can’t contract, so it cracks. Once it cracks, water gets in, freezes, and tears the roof apart.

The Problem with “Shade” in the Hill Section

If you live in the older, tree-lined neighborhoods of Burlington (like the Hill Section or near UVM), you face a different threat: Moss and Algae.

Large trees provide beautiful shade, but they also trap moisture. This creates the perfect breeding ground for Gloeocapsa Magma (black streaks) and moss. These organisms eat the limestone filler in your shingles, effectively digesting your roof while you sleep.

The Solution: Don’t Replace. Renew.

For decades, Burlington homeowners thought the only solution to a dry, brittle, or mossy roof was a full tear-off.

That is the old way.

At Green Mountain Roof Renew, we use a bio-technological spray (GoNano) that reverses the aging process of asphalt shingles.

1. Re-Saturating the Shingle: Our plant-based treatment penetrates deep into the asphalt, replacing the lost oils.
2. Restoring Flexibility: This allows your roof to expand and contract with the Vermont weather without cracking.
3. Locking in Granules: It secures the protective “sand” on your shingles, which is your primary defense against UV rays and snow load.

Save Your Money for Living in Burlington

Let’s be honest—living in Burlington isn’t cheap. Between property taxes and the cost of living, the last thing you want to do is write a $20,000 check for a new roof if you don’t have to.

Roof Rejuvenation costs roughly 20% of the price of a replacement.

If your roof is between 10 and 20 years old, it is likely the perfect candidate for preservation. For more information check Our Services page.

Get a Free Audit (No Ladder Required)

We are in Burlington every week, from Leddy Park down to Oakledge. CONTACT US TODAY

If you want to know if your roof can be saved, click the link below. We offer Free Roof Audits to help our neighbors make smart, data-driven decisions about their homes.