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For more than a century, Chaffee Roofing has been a trusted name in the commercial and industrial roofing industry, building a legacy of quality, innovation, and reliability. From its humble beginnings in 1908 to becoming a leading roofing contractor in New England, Chaffee Roofing has evolved through four generations of family ownership. Keep reading to explore the history, growth, and enduring commitment of Chaffee Roofing, a company that has weathered the test of time while staying true to its core values.
The story of Chaffee Roofing begins in 1908 with Thomas K. Chaffee, who founded the company with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide durable, high-quality roofing products to meet the needs of local businesses. Over the decades, Chaffee Roofing has grown from a small supplier to a full-service roofing contractor, renowned for its expertise in a wide range of roofing systems. Let’s take a closer look at the leaders who have shaped the company’s remarkable journey:
The legacy of Chaffee Roofing started with Thomas K. Chaffee, who founded the business in 1908. Initially, the company focused on supplying “Chaffee’s Mill White,” an oil-based paint alternative to traditional whitewash. Thomas catered to the many textile mills in the region, delivering barrels of paint brought up by barge from New Jersey and transported by horse-drawn carriages to the warehouse on Globe Street in Providence, Rhode Island. As demand grew, Thomas expanded the business to include roofing products, adopting the memorable slogan: “Make it White, Make it Tight with Chaffee.” This early expansion laid the foundation for what would become a legacy of quality and service that endures to this day.
In 1943, Henry N. Chaffee succeeded his father as president, taking the reins during a time of significant change in the industry. Henry recognized the shift in the market as facilities managers began outsourcing roofing projects instead of relying on their own maintenance crews. He forged strong partnerships with local contractors, expanding the company’s reach beyond Rhode Island to serve clients throughout the eastern United States. Under Henry’s leadership, Chaffee Roofing began offering installed work in addition to supplying roofing products. This shift marked a turning point for the company, setting it on a path toward becoming a full-service roofing contractor, capable of handling projects of all sizes and complexities.
The third generation of leadership brought Steven H. Chaffee to the forefront in 1978. Steve was a visionary leader who embraced new roofing technologies and recognized the potential of single-ply roof systems, which were just emerging as an alternative to traditional Built-Up Roof Systems (BUR). Chaffee Roofing installed its first single-ply membrane roof at the Narragansett Brewing Company in Cranston, Rhode Island, shortly after Steve took charge. The success of this project paved the way for rapid growth in single-ply roofing installations. By 1989, Chaffee Roofing had installed over 5 million square feet of single-ply roofing, making it a pioneer in the industry. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Chaffee Roofing received numerous accolades for its high-quality installations. Notably, the company was inducted into the Stevens Roofing Systems Hall of Fame and received Carlisle’s Centurion Award for achieving 100 perfect roof installations. Chaffee’s commitment to excellence was further recognized with the Carlisle ESP Achievement Award, an honor the company has received annually since 2001. By the time Steve retired in 2018, Chaffee Roofing had completed nearly 15 million square feet of re-roofing projects, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.
Peter Chaffee represents the fourth generation of family leadership at Chaffee Roofing. He joined the company in 2010 after graduating from Northeastern University with a business degree. Having grown up surrounded by the roofing business, Peter’s transition into the company felt natural. He started as a laborer on the production crews, gaining hands-on experience before moving into operations, project management, and sales. By 2017, Peter had been promoted to Vice President, assisting Steve with his gradual transition into retirement. In 2019, Peter officially bought the company, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. Since purchasing the company, Peter has dramatically expanded the size of the service department and production department, allowing Chaffee Roofing to complete more work than ever before, while maintaining the same high level of quality that Chaffee Roofing is known for. Today, under Peter’s leadership, Chaffee Roofing continues to install a wide variety of roofing systems, including TPO, PVC, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, Shingles, Metal Roofing, and Coatings. Peter has focused on expanding the company’s offerings across the New England region. His commitment to quality workmanship, safety, and customer satisfaction ensures that Chaffee Roofing remains a trusted partner for clients old and new.
Chaffee Roofing has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses across New England. We have completed thousands of roofing projects for a diverse range of clients, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, commercial properties, and industrial buildings. Our long-standing relationships with manufacturers and suppliers allow us to provide the best materials and solutions for every project.
Whether you have a question about the types of commercial and industrial roofs and the roofing process or want to discuss your needs further, please fill out this brief form below, and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours. If you need immediate assistance, our Emergency Phone is 401-432-7670.
So what makes Chaffee Roofing different from other roofing contractors? It’s our people, our expertise, and our passion for delivering exceptional results. We’re more than just a roofing company — we’re a partner who cares about the success of your project and the longevity of your roof.
Emergency Phone: 401-432-7670
Offices:
20 Trafalgar Square – Suite 482
Nashua, NH 03063
193 Amaral St
Riverside, RI 02915
Emergency Phone: 401-432-7670
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