Roofs for Longview's 1920s and mid-century homes, WA 98632
Longview was laid out in the 1920s around a lumber mill, so many roofs here sit on houses close to a century old, with chimneys, dormers and old framing to match.
Longview, WA at a glance
- ZIP codes
- 98632
- Common homes
- 1920s-era houses, mid-century ranches, later suburbs
- Roofs we see most
- Composite over plank decking, older shake, brick chimneys
- Weather to plan for
- Cowlitz valley fog, long rains, occasional snow and ice
- Nearest office
- Vancouver office, 610 Main Street
Longview stands out among the towns we cover because it was planned from the start. It was built in the 1920s around a large lumber mill, with wide streets, parks and neighborhoods of houses that went up in the same short era. Many of those homes are still here, now joined by mid-century ranches and later neighborhoods farther from the center. Our crews make the drive up I-5 from Vancouver for Longview work regularly.
Older homes mean older roof structures. Rafters may be rough-sawn and irregular, decking is often plank boards, and brick chimneys pass through the roof on most of these houses. Each replacement starts with understanding what the original builders left behind. On these houses, a roof job also tends to touch gutters, fascia and the trim along the eaves, since old wood there has usually taken decades of runoff. We price those pieces up front so the full scope is clear before work starts.
Longview's century-old houses and their roof structures
The 1920s and 1930s homes in Longview were built with lumber that was plentiful and often full-dimension. That framing is usually strong, but it is rarely as straight or even as modern rafters. When we put a new roof on one of these houses, we often shim or sister rafters to flatten wavy spots, and we install new plywood or OSB over the original plank decking so the shingles have a smooth, solid base. Dormers and steep front gables are common, and each one adds flashing that must be done right to stay dry.
Brick chimneys are almost everywhere in older Longview neighborhoods. Some are still used, many are not. Unused chimneys that have lost their mortar or cap are a frequent leak source, and some owners choose to remove the chimney below the roofline and patch the opening so there is one less thing to maintain. Chimneys that are still in use need a sound cap and crown as well as good flashing, and we check all three while we are on the roof.
What Cowlitz valley weather does to older Longview roofs
Longview sits on flat ground near where the Cowlitz meets the Columbia, and winters there are long and damp. Fog can linger along the rivers, and roofs dry slowly between storms. On houses with little or no attic ventilation, which describes a lot of the oldest stock, moisture builds up under the roof deck. In cold snaps, attic heat melts snow on the upper roof, and the water turns back to ice at the eaves, which pushes water back under the shingles. Old mortar joints around chimneys also crack from repeated wetting and frost, opening a path for water.
How our crews work on older Longview homes
We look in the attic as well as on the roof so we can see the rafters, the decking and the chimney from below. Replacement prices include new sheathing where needed, ventilation upgrades and new flashing at every chimney and dormer. We check with the City of Longview about permit requirements and pull them where needed. Call our 24/7 line for active leaks or storm damage. If we find framing that needs more than roofing work, we tell you before we start.
What homeowners in Longview call us for
Roof Replacement
Many 1920s-era Longview roofs need full tear-offs that include new sheathing over plank decking and corrected framing.
See the detailsChimney Flashing & Cricket Repair
Nearly every older Longview home has a brick chimney, and its flashing and mortar are frequent winter leak sources.
See the detailsChimney Removal & Roof Patch
Unused chimneys on older Longview houses can be removed below the roofline and patched, eliminating a recurring leak point.
See the detailsCedar Shake to Composite Conversion
Longview homes that still carry aging cedar shake can be converted to composite shingles over new solid decking.
See the detailsAttic Ventilation
Original Longview homes often have little attic venting, which traps moisture and feeds ice dams during cold snaps.
See the detailsSeamless Gutter Installation
Old half-round or patched gutters on Longview's older houses overflow in long rains and should be replaced to protect siding.
See the detailsRoofing questions from Longview
What does a new roof cost on a 1920s-era Longview house?
On a typical older Longview home, a full replacement with new sheathing over the plank decking and new chimney flashing often runs about $14,260 to $26,890. Dormers, steep gables and framing repairs push it higher. These are typical ranges only, and we give a firm price after inspecting the roof and attic.
Should I remove the unused chimney on my Longview home?
If the chimney is no longer used and has crumbling mortar or flashing that leaks every winter, removing it below the roofline and decking over the opening is often a smart fix. It eliminates a common leak point for good. We can give you a price for removal and the roof patch together.
Why is the roof on my older Longview house wavy?
Older Longview homes were built with rough-sawn rafters and plank decking that have settled over the decades, so roofs can look wavy. During a replacement we can shim or sister low rafters and install new solid sheathing, which gives the new shingles a much flatter, better-draining surface.
Nearby areas we also roof
Roof trouble in Longview?
Call any time. We will set a time to look and give you a straight price.