Coastal Windows & Exteriors (CWE) of Beverly, Massachusetts, has installed a complete GAF roofing system at no cost for Marine Corps veteran Lenny Szrlong at his Middleborough home, marking the fifth Roof for Heroes donation since the program launched in 2020. The initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to serve those who have served the nation.
Szrlong, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran residing in Middleborough, was selected for this donation through the Roof for Heroes program. The energy-efficient roofing installation features America's number one 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 year, Farmers' Almanac is forecasting a 'Chill, Snow, Repeat' pattern, indicating a cold and snowy winter season.
Szrlong expressed his gratitude for the life-changing donation. 'I'd like to thank Coastal Windows & Exteriors for this incredible opportunity. 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. Most contractors I've dealt with didn't know their product and only wanted a sale. Theo and the rest of the team at Coastal proved they were different. And for that I am grateful,' said Szrlong.
Roof for Heroes addresses an incredibly important need for veterans across the region. Many service members face financial hardship after their military service, making major home repairs impossible without assistance. 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. A properly installed roofing system from Coastal Windows & Exteriors regulates attic temperatures and maintains consistent heating in New England homes. The timing of this donation is critical, as electricity rates have increased 31% since 2021. Over the past year alone, National Grid rates increased 13% and natural gas rates jumped 27%. With a cold winter ahead bringing higher energy bills, a high-performance roof delivers both immediate comfort and long-term savings for veteran families.
Lisa Kingsley, GAF New England Regional Sales Director, said, 'Thank you so much for supporting our amazing Veterans. GAF is proud to support Coastal in this Roof for Heroes event.' Stephen Adelman, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Retired), Veterans Service Officer, Town of Middleborough, added, '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. The town and veterans applaud your company for its compassion and commitment to helping veterans!'
Jay McGrail, Town Manager, Middleborough, said, 'The town of Middleborough is grateful to Coastal Windows & Exteriors to provide this roof for Lenny, a deserving Vietnam veteran and Middleborough resident.' State Representative Norman Orrall (Precincts 2, 4 & 5) commented, 'I am so impressed that Coastal offers these free roofs for our veterans and I'm thrilled that they chose to replace one for Lenny, a Marine Veteran here in Middleborough.' State Senator Kelly Dooner (3rd Bristol & Plymouth District) noted, '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.'
Stephanie Vanderbilt, Owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, highlighted the company's mission: 'This initiative holds dear to our hearts and mission as a company. 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.' CWE earned 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.
Additional accolades include Qualified Remodeler Top 500 List rankings: #4 overall and #4 among privately owned exterior remodeling companies in New England, and the only roofing company in the region to make the list. CWE is also #2 Top Satisfaction Leader in Home Improvement. The company has won the BONS Editors' Choice Award 2023, 2024, and 2025. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a family-owned business and GAF-certified roofing contractor. For more information, visit mycoastalwindows.com.
