Trading Paper and Tar for a Fresh Layer of Shingles

By Adam Cabrera. 

A Navy veteran can now rest easy knowing that he has a brand-new, worry-free roof over his head. 

Thanks to the generous efforts of Coastal Windows & Exteriors and their Roofs for Heroes program, the roof of Navy veteran Robert Moreau's Massachusetts home was replaced free of charge. Dilapidated and held together with paper and tar, the roof was overdue for repairs. 

For Robert Moreau, the announcement was a surprise and being selected as the program's latest recipient was a memorable moment. "They had a big dinner and they awarded me this honor," he told the Newbury Port News. Robert proudly served in the Navy for four years, starting in 1959, and attributes his success in life to the education and skills he acquired during his military service. 

Robert, who went on to establish his own television company called Real TV, admitted that he had never hired professionals to work in his house before. "This is way more than giving a loaf of bread, this is a big deal. It is so needed, and I am really excited" he said. 

Stephanie Vanderbilt, the owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, explained the poor condition of Robert's previous roof, which had been patched together over the years using materials like paper and tar. "Paper back in the day was to protect from wind-driven rain and leaves. Well, that is not the case anymore as you can imagine," she said. 

Stephanie’s company initiated the Roofs for Heroes program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to recognize and support individuals on the front lines by awarding them a free roof. 

She also emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "As our nation struggles to afford housing, heat, food on the table, and a roof over one's head, we started our Roof for Heroes program with the mission: You protect our country, we protect your home. It's time to protect what matters most." 

As part of the roof replacement, Robert now benefits from a transferable lifetime warranty and a 25-year labor workmanship guarantee, ensuring that he will never need to worry about his roof again. 

Coastal Windows & Exteriors partnered with GAF, a Standard Industries company, for the project. GAF provided the high-quality shingles used in the installation. 

Coastal Windows & Exteriors was also awarded Women Business of the Year by Merrimack Valley and the next recipient of the Roof for Heroes program was announced at award ceremony on June 9.  

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.  

Photo source: Newbury Port News 

About Adam 

Adam Cabrera is Writer and Podcast Producer at RoofersCoffeeShop®. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver and holds a degree in music performance with a minor in philosophy. When he isn't writing about roofs he enjoys camping in the Rocky Mountains, going to concerts and playing music.