Get matched with top roofers in Worthington, MN

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.

Yes, moss can be dangerous for your roof if left in place to grow without treatment. The moss soaks up and holds moisture. Having a constantly damp roof could lead to problems with rot for the parts of the roof that consist of wood. Additionally, a patch of thick moss may draw insects and birds, which could damage the roof. Thick moss could block the roof’s drainage system. Water then may back up after a rainstorm and cause further damage that could eventually lead to roof repair expenses or the cost of roof replacement.

The easiest type of roof to build is a shed-style or lean-to roof, which features a single sloping plane from one side of the building to the other. Unlike a gable roof with two sides meeting in the middle, a shed roof's single slope makes the construction process more straightforward. The rafters are typically single pieces of wood that span the distance, often without the need for additional supports.

If your roof has a vapor barrier, you will need approximately one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space. If there is no vapor barrier, the roof should have one square foot of roof vent for every 150 square feet of ceiling space. If you are not comfortable making this determination, a local roofing professional can help.