Johnstown homes built between 1900 and 1940 on steep hillside lots in neighborhoods such as Moxham, Kernville and Cambria City often carry multiple layers of roofing over original plank decking. Heavy snow loads, repeated freeze-thaw cycles and ice dams at eaves and valleys cause leaks that are hard to spot from the ground. Our crews start every job with a hands-on inspection that checks deck condition, flashing at chimneys, and ventilation balance before any tear-off begins.
We remove all existing layers down to the deck on most jobs, then replace damaged plank sections with new OSB or plywood where needed. Ice and water shield goes along eaves, valleys and around penetrations while drip edge and step flashing protect the steep slopes common in Westmont and Geistown. Architectural shingles are installed with proper starter strips and ridge venting to handle strong ridge-top winds and summer hail that hit the Laurel Highlands.
Tight streets and narrow driveways in areas like Hornerstown and Roxbury require careful material staging and debris removal each day. Our crews work around brick chimneys and existing gutters, installing new pipe boots and counter-flashing to prevent water entry at walls. The finished roof improves attic ventilation balance and reduces future ice dam risk on homes that sit in the deep valley where the Stonycreek and Little Conemaugh rivers meet.
Technician insight
In Johnstown the thing that catches most people out with Tear-Off and Re-Roof is the plank decking on these 1900-1940 homes. Once you start pulling layers you often find sagging boards and old slate still underneath, especially on the steep lots in Moxham and Westmont where access is tight and snow load pushes water under the eaves every winter.
Moxham Row Home with Hidden Ice Dam Damage
The home showed repeated spring leaks at the rear valley after heavy snow. We found three layers over plank decking with rotted boards at the eaves. Our crews tore off to the deck, replaced damaged planks, added ice and water shield along the valley and eaves, then installed new architectural shingles with ridge venting. The leaks stopped and attic airflow improved.
Tear-Off and Re-Roof Services We Offer
✓Full Tear-Off of Multiple Roofing Layers
Removes every layer down to the deck so new materials sit flat and water cannot become trapped between old shingles.
✓Plank Decking Inspection and Re-Sheathing
Checks original board decking for rot or sagging and installs new OSB or plywood where needed before underlayment goes down.
✓Ice and Water Shield at Eaves and Valleys
Applies self-adhering membrane along eaves, valleys and around chimneys to stop ice dam leaks common after Laurel Highlands snow events.
✓Architectural Shingle Installation on Steep Slopes
Places dimensional shingles with correct nailing patterns and starter strips suited to the steep pitches found on Westmont and Moxham homes.
✓Ridge Vent and Soffit Intake Upgrade
Balances attic airflow with new ridge venting and soffit intakes to reduce heat and moisture buildup in older frame houses.
✓Chimney and Wall Flashing Replacement
Replaces step flashing and counter-flashing at brick chimneys and wall intersections to prevent leaks on homes with original slate or shingle roofs.
How it works
- 1
Site Assessment and Deck Check
Our crews walk the roof and attic to evaluate existing layers, plank deck condition, ice dam damage and ventilation needs on the specific hillside lot.
- 2
Complete Tear-Off and Debris Removal
All old roofing is removed down to the deck, damaged planks are replaced, and materials are hauled away daily to keep narrow streets clear in neighborhoods like Kernville.
- 3
Underlayment, Flashing and Ventilation Work
Ice and water shield, drip edge, step flashing and new ridge venting are installed to address snow load, freeze-thaw cycles and wind exposure typical in the area.
- 4
Shingle Installation and Final Walk-Through
Architectural shingles are laid with proper overlaps and nail placement, then the entire roof is checked for secure flashing and balanced airflow before crews leave.