“Portland Special” Fix
Hello everyone, hoping for your expert opinions. We have what has been described as a “Portland special” cedar shingle (not shake) over skip sheathing with a layer of (super old) asphalt shingles on top… the house itself is 1910 craftsman
with the classic look: exposed rafter tails and dormers, you know, the works. We really would like to consider an architecturally appropriate roof replacement given the historic look of the house, and without trying to sound too snobby, I do find asphalt shingles… hard to get excited about to say the least -especially with what seems like the added premium of installing solid decking to replace the skip sheathing. We looked into DaVinci, Cedur, and Brava (the latter appearing to be the only brand with skip sheathing installation as an acceptable method along with the solid decking option).
Honestly, we really aren’t looking for ways to throw away money, we just moved into this money pit home and the needs are endless, as I am sure you can imagine, but for an under 2000 sqft house with a porch we are getting quoted 20-50k for asphalt shingles and I kind of feel like the latter might be sort-of: “go f yourself” or “you-don’t-know-any-better-so-this-is-the-cost-little-ladies” amounts of money. Plus each quote comes with an alarming suggestion (ie put facia on the rafter tails for larger gutters 🫠💀🤦). What are people in Ladd’s Addition doing (correctly, not just in general)… This house is not in the sort of neighborhood that can absorb the cost of premium upgrades, but we do think the historic character of the place is kind of important.
If possible, be kind, we’re in over our heads with these repairs despite both of us having backgrounds in architecture and historic preservation. Also, any good referrals in the Portland OR area would be appreciated… even for non-roofing contractors, like I said, the house needs… basically everything. Thank you all in advance for lending your thoughts on this matter. 💕🤷