A couple of months ago I stumbled on a source for this great information about how to recreate what looks to be an authentic midcentury roof. The solution is: classic three-tab shingles from Owens Corning…and look what a great match some of the colors are, to the 1954 advertisement above.
A couple of years ago, when we needed to get ours done, we went the yuppie way and installed architectural shingles. They look great. But… if I had the choice to re-live today, I would now know about and appreciate this three-tab solution. Oh, and save a lot of money, too!
Gosh, isn’t this a very serious issue and recommendation today? I feel so grown up.
Website: roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/shingles/
This post was originally published on Sept. 29, 2008.
According to my roofer husband, the 3 tab shingle is being phased out. (At least in California.) If you want this look you might have to have your roof done sooner than you think! I think it’s because the fire and wind rating/lifespan on most of them is lower than the architectural shingles.
@JAVA – I know this is about 2 years late, but my husband thinks you are referring to a hot tar roof with gravel. His company still does that kind of roof on a regular basis.
This is the same style of roofing that is on the house I currently live in, which is not super cool 1950 vintage but gross 1980s vintage. (built 1989) But I always liked our roof, now i know why!
also I wanted to ask, if anyone knows if any companies still do the rock roofs. They were usually either white, red, gray, or tan. Mainly meant for flat or low pitched roofs. Those are my personal favorite retro style roofs that totally say 1950s.
I love three-tab roofing – it’s so egalitarian. The perfect solution to new roofing needs for over 50 years!
These are so pretty! I never thought to look at other companies that made shingles. One tends to only look at what the contractor shows. Goes to show, you need to do your research!
Lucky us – we’ve had to replace the roof on both houses we’ve owned (no small investment). Both times we went with CertainTeed 3-Tab Traditional in “Mint Frost”. It is like the Owens Corning light green. We love it, but have been asked by other homeowners and contractors, “Why green?” I love green – why is green a dirty word to so many modern day homeowners. Maybe like pink bathrooms, it’s considered tacky and too grandma’s house?
Oh, we need to get our home re-sided. I love the look of asbestos shingle siding. Is their a modern vinyl version that gives that effect? Hmmmmm…
Here’s Mint Frost:
http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Homeowner/Homeowner/Roofing/Northeast/XT30-NE.htm
Sea Green and Shadow Green look good:
http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Homeowner/Homeowner/Roofing/Northeast/XT25-SealKing-NE.htm
~NancyB