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 military veterans who often face financial hardship after their service.
The donation addresses a critical need as many veterans struggle with major home repairs. A failing roof can lead to structural damage, health hazards from mold and moisture, and significant energy loss. According to industry data, poor roofing performance accounts for up to 25% of a home's total energy loss, making this donation particularly timely given current economic conditions.
The energy-efficient roofing installation features what the company describes as 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 New England winters. This year's Farmers' Almanac forecasts a "Chill, Snow, Repeat" pattern, indicating a cold and snowy winter season ahead.
The timing of this donation is especially significant given recent energy cost increases. 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," said 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 gratitude for the donation, stating, "As a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong Massachusetts resident, it warms my heart that there are companies like this who help local veterans through affirmative action and tangible results." The veteran noted that most contractors he had dealt with previously "didn't know their product and only wanted a sale," but found the Coastal team different in their approach.
Community leaders have praised the initiative. Stephen Adelman, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Retired) and Veterans Service Officer for the Town of Middleborough, said, "We can't thank Coastal Windows & Exteriors enough for honoring those who served with a free roof…there is no better feeling than helping veterans in need." State Senator Kelly Dooner added, "Our veterans deserve to feel safe and secure in their own homes. The Roof for Heroes program is a meaningful example of a community honoring service with action."
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. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has received numerous accolades, including the Minuteman Service Award in 2022 for outstanding dedication and leadership supporting active-duty American military personnel and veterans.
As a GAF-certified roofing contractor, the company emphasizes the quality of its installations. Lisa Kingsley, GAF New England Regional Sales Director, stated, "Thank you so much for supporting our amazing Veterans. GAF is proud to support Coastal in this Roof for Heroes event." More information about the company's services can be found at https://mycoastalwindows.com.
"Reaching our 5th Roof for Heroes donation is a meaningful achievement for our team," said Vanderbilt. "Each veteran we help represents a life changed and a family protected. We're honored to continue this mission and look forward to supporting more veterans in the years ahead." The company maintains that "actions speak louder than words" in demonstrating gratitude to those who have sacrificed for national freedom.
