Klaus Larsen LLC Case Studies: From Cedar Shakes to Asphalt Shingles in East Hampton, CT
Challenge
Ice dams. You can't live with them, you can't - well, you could probably live without them. The ice backup was becoming a serious problem here on this contemporary cape in East Hampton, CT. They were especially bad where the dormers converge, as this is an area that gets very little sunlight. We found that in some places, any exposed wood was up to a quarter worn away. The 16 year old cedar shakes were achieving a great cosmetic look, but were unfortunately providing little protection. When we spoke to the homeowners, they wanted a roofing material that would last longer and give them assurance that would last decades.
Solution
The roof replacement was done at the end of winter, where we are able to pass along the cheaper cost of materials and offer the homeowner a discount. These discounts fluctuate yearly, but are a good thing to go over with your sales rep. during an estimate. Overall, the project began with the removal and disposal of all of the cedar shakes. We then put new plywood decking over the existing structural framing and covered that with the Owens Corning ProArmorSheild protective membrane, to give just another barrier against moisture and wind driven rain/snow. We used Estate Grey tinged shingles, which go quite well with the gray wood of the home's siding, and help maintain the classic look of shakes. Because the ice dams had been so hazardous, they were causing the homeowner's insurance to rise. During the installation, it was determined that our roofing system was actually so far above code, that it should help bring that insurance back down.
