Walter Cohen wrote:
My roof is comprised of composition shingles, 3 tab I believe is the
term - not sure of the lifespan (might be 15 or 20 years).
Looks like there are two layers on the roof now but the shingles are
in such poor shape (old mostly) that I believe this spring is the
time to invest in a new roof.

The roof has always had ice dam problems in the winter mostly because
my attic is not ventilated very much at all. Living in NY the
gutters in winter (every winter) typically fill up with melting snow
and become a massive block of ice. There are several minor leaks in
my attic (un-finished).
The wood roof underneath the shingles is what almost looks like
tongue-in-groove style. Some of the wood planks has rotted away and
the only thing between the inside attic and outside sky is the roof
shingle themselves!

My upstairs is cold in winter (if I touch the inside ceiling it is
rather cold), and warm in summer (if I touch the inside ceiling it is
rather warm). I have central air upstairs but it always
labors/starins each summer. I have a feeling that when the upstairs
was added as an addition the builder either skimped on insulation or
the amount was/is inadequate.

What I want to do is have the roof shingles replaced and possibly the
underlying wood (perhaps have them tear it up and lay down plywood).
I also want to see if they can lay (or blow) in additional insulation
material when the roof is open. I also want them to put in a rubber
membrane at the gutter line (up to about 18 or 24 inches) to help
prevent ice dams and water backup.

Ok, now - any ideas or suggestions on what I want to do and if it is
a good idea?

Thanks.
Walter

Just one. Get that ventilation improved!

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math