
Your chimney is one of the most vulnerable parts of your roof system. Exposed to direct weather on all four sides, it takes the full force of every nor'easter, freeze-thaw cycle, and rainstorm that hits Cambridge. Over time, mortar joints crack, bricks spall, flashing separates from the roof surface, and chimney caps deteriorate. These failures allow water to enter your home through the most common roof leak source that most homeowners overlook until interior damage appears.
We provide full-service chimney repair for Cambridge homes including tuckpointing, brick replacement, chimney cap installation, crown repair, and complete flashing replacement. Most chimney issues we see in this area are caused by decades of freeze-thaw cycling that has slowly ground down the mortar between bricks. Catching these problems early with targeted tuckpointing is far less expensive than waiting until the chimney requires major structural rebuilding.
Removal of deteriorated mortar and replacement with fresh mortar matched to the original color, restoring the structural integrity and weatherproofing of your chimney.
Installation of new step flashing and counter flashing that creates a watertight seal between your chimney and roof surface to eliminate the most common leak source.
Replacement of cracked or missing chimney caps that prevent rain, snow, animals, and debris from entering your flue and causing interior damage.
Proudly serving Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont,
Watertown and Medford for 20+ years.
Proudly serving Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont,
Watertown and Medford for 20+ years.
From full roof replacements to emergency storm repairs, we provide a complete range of roofing and exterior services tailored to the needs of Cambridge homes and commercial buildings. Every service is backed by licensed professionals who understand local building codes, New England weather patterns, and the specific challenges that come with maintaining properties in this climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Most roofing projects in Cambridge take between one and three days for a standard residential home. Larger multi-family buildings like triple-deckers may require additional time depending on the scope of work, weather conditions, and whether structural repairs are needed beneath the surface material. We always provide a specific timeline during your free estimate so there are no surprises.
Common signs include missing or curling shingles, granule buildup in your gutters, visible daylight through the attic, water stains on interior ceilings, and sagging along the roofline. In Cambridge, freeze-thaw cycling and nor'easter wind damage accelerate wear on asphalt shingles especially on older homes built before modern building codes were adopted.
Yes, most roofing work in Cambridge requires a building permit through the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department. This includes full replacements, structural modifications, and certain repair scopes. We handle all permit applications and ensure your project meets Massachusetts building code 780 CMR requirements so you stay fully compliant.
An asphalt shingle roof in the Cambridge climate typically lasts between 20 and 30 years depending on material grade, ventilation quality, and exposure to coastal weather patterns. Architectural shingles tend to outperform three-tab options by five to ten years. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs after storm events can help maximize the full lifespan of your investment.
Absolutely. If your roof was damaged by a nor'easter, hail, or high wind event, your homeowners insurance policy may cover part or all of the repair or replacement cost. We work directly with insurance adjusters, provide detailed damage documentation, and help Cambridge homeowners navigate the claims process from start to finish.
We recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection at least once per year, ideally in the spring after winter weather has passed. Cambridge homes take a beating from ice, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles each season, and catching small issues early prevents costly repairs down the road. Post-storm inspections are also a smart move after any major weather event.
The most common chimney issues we repair in Cambridge include cracked mortar joints, deteriorating brick faces, damaged flashing where the chimney meets the roof, crumbling chimney caps, and leaning or separating chimney structures. Freeze-thaw cycling is the primary cause of accelerated chimney deterioration in this climate.
Signs your chimney needs repair include visible cracks in the mortar, white staining on the brick surface called efflorescence, water stains on interior walls or ceilings near the chimney, loose or missing flashing, and pieces of brick or mortar on the ground around the base. Any of these warrant a professional evaluation.
Tuckpointing is the process of grinding out damaged mortar joints and filling them with fresh mortar to restore the structural integrity and waterproofing of the chimney. It is one of the most common and effective chimney repairs we perform on older Cambridge homes, and it significantly extends the life of the existing brickwork.
Chimney flashing failures are one of the most frequent causes of roof leaks in Cambridge. The flashing is the metal seal between your chimney and roof surface, and it expands and contracts with temperature changes. Over time this movement breaks the seal, allowing water to enter. We install step flashing with counter flashing for a long-lasting watertight connection.
Worried about your chimney's condition? Contact us for a free inspection and find out exactly what repairs your Cambridge chimney needs before winter hits.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Roofing needs.

They replaced our entire roof on our triple-decker in East Cambridge and the crew was professional from start to finish. They handled the permit, cleaned up every day, and the new roof looks incredible. Highly recommend them to anyone in the area.
— Cambridge Homeowner

After a bad nor'easter tore shingles off our roof, they were out within a day to tarp and assess the damage. They walked us through the insurance process step by step and made the whole experience far less stressful than we expected. Excellent work.
— Somerville Property Owner

We called about an ice dam that was causing leaks into our second floor. They removed it safely the same week and gave us a clear plan to prevent it from happening again. Fair price, honest crew, and they actually showed up when they said they would.
— Arlington Homeowner
Ready to hear more about expert services at Royal Oak Cambridge Roofing?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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6 Forest St, Cambridge, MA 02140
Hours of Operation Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed: 24/7 Emergency Roof Repair Available