We had a CeDUR synthetic cedar roof put on our house when we bought it 5 years ago, and now we're looking to add an extension that will make our home look like a 'T', with a bump-out in the back. The roofers have told us that to properly tie the new roof into the existing one, we need to remove all the CeDUR shingles from the back section of the roof, despite the fact that the tie-in is over a relatively small area. This seems like it will drive up costs significantly. Is it really common practice to completely remove the old shingles for this kind of addition, or does it seem like they might be exaggerating the scope to increase pricing? I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has experience with roof tie-ins like this. Thanks!
5 Answers
There are two approaches: the proper one and the cheap one. I can guarantee that doing it right won't be cheap, but doing it incorrectly will cost you much more later. It's hard to say without seeing your roof, but if it’s not tied in and flashed correctly, you're risking future headaches. Make sure you ask your contractor for clarity about how they'll handle the flashing and decking. If you're unsure, don’t take shortcuts, as it could lead to issues that cost a lot more later on.
I haven't worked with CeDur before, but I looked it up and the manufacturer suggests that a standard tie-in should work. I'm skeptical about needing to remove all the shingles though. Matching the new roofing after five years might pose some challenges due to fading, though.
Good points! Sometimes roofers will take off more than just the tie-in area so that both the old and new sections blend better. It could be worth getting another estimate to make sure.
I appreciate all the insights and advice everyone has provided so far. It's been really helpful!
You might hear a lot of people say this sounds fishy, but I'd recommend calling CeDur directly. Specialty roofs can have unique installation requirements, and the roofers might actually know what they're talking about. It's not surprising if they need to do it this way. Just keep in mind that this is a pretty niche product, so responses might vary in expertise.
True, and sometimes a manufacturer's install directions have to adapt to local codes. If your contractor has a solid reason and is compliant with those codes, their approach might be valid.
This is exactly what I'm worried about. I definitely don't want to end up paying for it later because I cut corners now. I'll definitely push for more details on how they're handling the flashing and decking.