Roof Replacement in Salem, CT
Challenge
The Bingham estate, which includes several properties, has entrusted Klaus Larsen Roofing with repairs and improvements. One of the homes, a historic farmhouse built in the mid-1800s and placed in a family trust 30-40 years ago, was in particular need of attention. The house originally had a cedar roof, but the quality of the cedar was poor, leading to ongoing issues. Additionally, there were significant ventilation problems caused by multiple hidden attics, making it difficult to apply modern solutions to such an old structure. Water damage was also a major concern, with water consistently entering the basement due to improper drainage from the roof. To address these challenges, the family came to Klaus Larsen Roofing to install a new roof.
Solution
The solution for this historic farmhouse began with tearing off the old cedar roof and replacing it with durable asphalt shingles. Since the house had skip sheathing, which needs to breathe, we installed a plywood deck over it—an essential upgrade. To solve the ventilation problem, we implemented a super roof hybrid. Although additional insulation wasn't necessary, we needed the house to breathe, so we installed batt insulation and created a 3/4-inch separation between the base roof and the new roof to allow airflow. We added SmartVent ventilation at the eaves to let air flow under the roof and installed ridge vents at the top to allow proper ventilation throughout the entire roof system.
Because the roof level was raised, we addressed the siding attachment by adding a freeze board where the siding hadn't been redone in about 30 years. We replaced the older, unattractive siding with new clapboard siding, enhancing the home’s appearance. Finally, we installed 50-year asphalt shingles, providing a long-lasting and more cost-effective solution. We also added Gutter Shutter, and since then, no water has entered the home. The family is thrilled with the outcome, as it not only improved the look of the house but also extended its longevity significantly.