When Gabriel Loja first arrived in Connecticut, he did what many newcomers do: he worked wherever he could, learning a trade from the ground up.
For Gabriel, that trade was roofing. Years spent installing shingles in summer heat, repairing storm damage, and mastering the details of flashing and drainage eventually gave him both the skill and confidence to strike out on his own.
In 2021, he founded AGL General Contractor—now known as The Roof Specialists. What began as a small operation has since grown into a family-run business serving Fairfield County and beyond, specializing in roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior home improvements.
“My dad is incredible at what he does,” says his son, Angel Loja. “He has over 20 years of experience in this industry. He knows roofing inside and out.”
While Gabriel remains the backbone of the company—running job sites and overseeing a crew of six—Angel joined the business at 18, stepping into a consumer-facing role that has become increasingly essential as the company has grown.
“When I turned 19, I started handling client communication, estimates, and follow-ups,” Angel, now 21, tells us. “While I may be young, I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years. My work ethic pushes me to stay up to speed with the industry’s newest trends and techniques. I’m fully dedicated to delivering the highest quality results to our clients.”
That division of labor has become one of The Roof Specialists’ quiet strengths. Gabriel focuses on what he does best: the hands-on work, ensuring every installation meets his exacting standards. Angel manages marketing, sales, and client relations, building the company’s reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
It’s a model that sets The Roof Specialists apart in an industry increasingly dominated by large contractors who subcontract much of their labor.
“We aren’t a big contractor that hires out crews and focuses on low-quality, high-volume work,” Gabriel says. “We’re a local, family-run business with our own dedicated team.”
Roofing remains the core of the business, with projects ranging from traditional asphalt shingles to cedar shake, metal, slate, and flat roofing systems. But knowing when a roof needs repair versus full replacement requires expertise.
Angel explains that homeowners can often assess their roof’s condition based on age and visible signs of wear. Roofs older than 15 years typically warrant closer scrutiny, though with proper maintenance and quality materials, some can last 25 to 30 years.
“It’s important for homeowners to look for missing or loose flashing,” Angel says. “Also check for curling, cracked, or missing shingles. On rainy days, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic for leaks—especially if your roof is more than 15 years old.”
If a roof is relatively young and leaking, the issue may stem from improper flashing, low nailing, perforated shingles, or underlayment problems—meaning targeted repairs rather than full replacement may be sufficient.
In other cases, the culprit isn’t age or installation quality at all, but weather-related damage.
“Helping with insurance claims is a big part of what we do,” Angel says. “We walk homeowners through the entire process—from documenting damage to working with adjusters—so our clients get what they’re entitled to.”
It’s these technical details—and the experience required to execute them properly—that separate good roofing companies from great ones.
Flat roofs, for example, require specialized materials such as peel-and-stick membranes or EPDM rubber roofing, along with subtle pitches or internal drainage systems to manage water flow.
“You can’t just put shingles on a flat surface,” Angel explains. “Water will always find its way in. It all comes down to proper drainage and installation.”
Skylights and chimneys present similar challenges, each requiring precise flashing to prevent leaks and ice damage. The Roof Specialists address these details using both copper and aluminum solutions, depending on the project.
“Skylights provide extra light to your home, but they can be a challenge to weatherproof,” Gabriel says. “That’s where experience really matters.”
Today’s homeowners are increasingly interested in eco-friendly, long-lasting, and low-maintenance exterior systems. The Roof Specialists have responded by offering premium materials that deliver on all three fronts.
Metal roofing, for instance, has gained popularity thanks to its longevity, energy efficiency, and durability—often outlasting traditional asphalt by decades.
Siding is another area where the company prioritizes performance over shortcuts. While many contractors default to vinyl, Gabriel and Angel frequently recommend higher-end options such as James Hardie fiber cement and Everlast composite siding.
James Hardie siding, made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, is engineered to withstand moisture, extreme temperatures, and fire. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or warp, and unlike vinyl, it won’t melt under high heat.
“It’s more expensive than vinyl,” Angel says, “but it lasts longer and performs better. And when it’s installed correctly, it really elevates the look of a home.”
Everlast composite siding offers similar durability with the appearance of real cedar. It’s virtually impervious to water and won’t swell, bow, split, or rot—even through harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
“It expands and contracts differently than vinyl, so installation really matters,” Angel explains. “If it’s not secured properly, it can shift over time. We install it the right way—with locking clips and reinforced joints—so it holds up.”
To complete the exterior, the team typically replaces wood trim with PVC for corners, window casings, and architectural details. PVC trim has grown in popularity due to its durability and low maintenance, often lasting up to 50 years—significantly longer than traditional wood trim.
“It looks like wood, but it won’t rot,” Angel says. “You don’t have to paint it, and visually, it makes a huge difference.”
Gutters may not be glamorous, but they’re essential to protecting a home’s foundation and preventing water damage. The Roof Specialists handle everything from seasonal cleanouts to full replacements, properly sizing gutters based on roof pitch and square footage.
They also install galvanized steel gutter guards—durable screens that slip under shingles and are fastened securely in place to keep leaves and debris out.
“I’m pro gutter guards—when they’re the right kind,” Angel says with a laugh. “The old foam ones? Not great. But quality systems make a big difference.”
For homeowners looking to elevate both performance and aesthetics, the company also offers copper gutters and half-round styles.
Today, The Roof Specialists continues to expand across Fairfield County and into parts of Westchester, Putnam, Litchfield, and Dutchess counties. Yet the company’s focus remains unchanged.
“I understand that in this industry, the outcome is what matters most,” Gabriel says. “I stand behind every project we complete. That’s why I encourage people to see our work and talk to our clients—the results speak for themselves.”
For Angel, the work is as much about learning as it is about growth.
“I learn more every year,” he says. “From sales to installations to managing clients—it’s all part of the process.”
At its core, The Roof Specialists is a family-built business in the truest sense. Gabriel, Angel, and their crew craft each roof with care—building lasting relationships and satisfied customers one project at a time.
For more information or a free estimate, call 203-300-6848 or visit theroofspecialistsct.com.
“I understand that in this industry, the outcome is what matters most. I stand behind every project we complete. That’s why I encourage people to see our work and talk to our clients—the results speak for themselves.”—Gabriel Loja