Coastal Windows & Exteriors of Beverly has completed its fifth Roof for Heroes donation, providing a complete GAF roofing system at no cost to Marine Corps veteran Lenny Szrlong at his Middleborough home. The program, launched in 2020, reflects the company's commitment to serving veterans who face financial hardship after military service, often making major home repairs impossible without assistance.
The energy-efficient roofing installation features America's #1 shingle brand, offering multi-layered defense against weather damage. Winter roof replacement provides leak prevention, guards against moisture penetration, minimizes attic heat buildup, and prevents ice dam formation during frigid New England winters. This timing is particularly significant as the Farmers' Almanac forecasts a "Chill, Snow, Repeat" pattern for the upcoming winter season.
Roof for Heroes addresses an important need for veterans across the region, where a failing roof can lead to structural damage, health hazards from mold and moisture, and significant energy loss. Poor roofing performance accounts for up to 25% of a home's total energy loss, making this donation particularly impactful during a period of rising energy costs.
The properly installed roofing system from Coastal Windows & Exteriors regulates attic temperatures and maintains consistent heating in New England homes. This is critical as electricity rates have increased 31% since 2021, with National Grid rates increasing 13% and natural gas rates jumping 27% over the past year alone. With a cold winter ahead bringing higher energy bills, a high-performance roof delivers both immediate comfort and long-term savings for veteran families.
"This initiative holds dear to our hearts and mission as a company," says Stephanie Vanderbilt, Owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors. "Providing shelter means making a promise — a promise of protection and security. Donating a free GAF roofing system is a great way to keep that promise, as its layers of high-quality protection work together to keep the home and the people inside safe from the elements."
Szrlong expressed his gratitude for the life-changing donation, noting that most contractors he's dealt with "didn't know their product and only wanted a sale." He praised the Coastal team for being different and helping local veterans through affirmative action and tangible results.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors has received multiple recognitions for its community service, including the Minuteman Service Award in 2022 for outstanding dedication and leadership supporting active-duty American military personnel and veterans. As an SBA award recipient for exceptional community service, the company's commitment extends beyond the Roof for Heroes donations, offering a $750 additional discount on top of any current promotion for all military personnel, plus up to 20 years of financing based on credit approval.
The company has achieved significant industry recognition, ranking #4 overall and #4 among privately owned exterior remodeling companies in New England on the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list, and is the only roofing company in the region to make the list. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is also #2 Top Satisfaction Leader in Home Improvement and has won the BONS Editors' Choice Award 2023, 2024, and 2025.
As a family-owned business rather than a franchise, Coastal provides homeowners with a local, one-on-one experience with an award-winning company they can trust. The company is a GAF-certified roofing contractor, James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, and offers energy-efficient replacement windows, vinyl siding, and entry doors. "You protect our country, we protect your home," Vanderbilt adds. "That's the foundation of our Roof for Heroes program. We believe actions speak louder than words, and this is our way of demonstrating gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom."
