Deserving Veteran Receives Free Roof Replacement

By Alec Doniger. 

A disabled veteran was gifted a new roof as part of a nationwide project to donate roofs to veterans 

The U.S. veteran population often struggles upon returning home. Many organizations in the roofing industry recognize this and have come up with creative ways to give back. Gabriel Sheridan, a disabled Marine veteran, received a free new roof with the help of multiple organizations committed to helping veterans. 

Owens Corning is one such organization. The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project began in 2016, and through this project, Owens Corning partners with organizations and contractors who also understand the importance of giving back to veterans to provide them with a free new roof. Gabriel was selected to receive his new roof through Habitat for Humanity, a partner with Owens Corning. Modern Renovations was contacted, asking for their help with this project. Together, these companies helped restore peace in Gabriel’s life.  

Larry Demarco, owner of Modern Renovations, illustrated the prior condition of the roof in an interview with The Winchester Star. “[Gabriel’s roof was] in bad shape,” he explained. “It was leaking. It was failing. It was just compromised, and it wasn’t holding up.”  

Living with a roof that doesn’t serve its function can be particularly frustrating, especially for someone disabled. But now that he has a new roof, Gabriel couldn’t be happier to be safe and warm under his new roof. 

“I was super surprised and incredibly thrilled to be selected and be eligible for this,” he said. “It was a massive, massive help.” 

This roof is one of 360 other roofs donated through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. Each project saves veterans tens of thousands of dollars and provides them with shelter and peace of mind. Gabriel’s roof was estimated to cost $10,000 in materials and labor. Most veterans cannot budget for such an expensive repair. Owens Corning isn’t required to do this. They do it out of the goodness in their hearts.  

“It’s kind of a small gesture in the grand scheme of things,” comments Larry. “It’s one roof… but to him it’s a lifetime of peace of mind.” 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About Alec 

Alec is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t investigating the state of the roofing industry, you might find him playing drums with his bands in Denver.