Get matched with top roofers in Saguache, CO

A gable roof with steep pitches covered in asphalt shingles or wood shakes is the most popular roof for Cape Cod homes. Asphalt shingles started gaining popularity in the early 1900s, so wood shake roofs, which were popular in the 1700s when Cape Cod homes were first built, are the traditional option. You can further modernize your Cape Cod home by raising the roof in the front, back, or both to add living space and change up the traditional single-gable roof with doghouse dormers.

A roof replacement can take anywhere from one to 14 days. For most homes, a full replacement that includes tearing off old materials takes about one to two days, though the average project can last up to 12 days. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the roof's size and complexity, the type of roofing material, the crew size, and weather conditions. Certain materials take longer to install; for example, metal roofs can take seven to 14 days because the material is more difficult to work with than asphalt shingles, wood, or tile. A re-roofing project, where new shingles are installed over old ones, can take half the time or less. It's also important to factor in the time needed to obtain necessary permits. A professional roofing contractor will typically complete the job faster than a DIY approach.

A roof pitch that’s too shallow won’t shed runoff as quickly, so you have an increased risk of water intrusion through the seams between your roofing materials. In colder climates, snow and ice will accumulate more easily on your roof, which can add enough weight to cause roof collapse and structural damage to your home.

Technically, a flat roof can be raised, but it’s extremely expensive, and there would not be much of a point. Most homeowners raise the roof in their homes to access the space between their existing ceiling and the roof, but flat roofs don’t have this space. Therefore, you can raise a flat roof, but it involves heavy structural modification.