Project Overview
A homeowner near Gibraltar Bay contacted us after discovering their 28-year-old roof had 3 layers of deteriorating shingles and zero ventilation baffles. We stripped all layers down to the original 5/8" plywood decking, replaced 14 sheets with CDX plywood where water damage had occurred, and installed 48 Durovent baffles to maintain airflow at the eaves. Our crew then applied Owens Corning Duration Flex shingles in Estate Gray, a color that complements Gibraltar's coastal cottage architecture. We added 16 roof-mounted intake vents and continuous ridge venting to meet Michigan's 1:150 ventilation code. The project took 4 days from tearoff to final cleanup. At Lincoln Park Roofing, we've handled over 200 waterfront roofs in Downriver communities, so we understand how Lake Erie's moisture patterns affect ventilation design.
Project Photos
Challenges & Solutions
The biggest issue we found was 3 layers of shingles installed over 28 years—each layer trapping more heat and moisture. We removed 42 squares of old material in one day, exposing rotted decking along the north-facing eave where ice dams had pushed water under the shingles for years. Too many homeowners believe ventilation is optional, but we see the proof every week: unventilated roofs in Gibraltar's humid climate fail 8 to 12 years early because trapped moisture rots the decking from below. That's why we installed Durovent baffles in every rafter bay and paired intake vents with ridge exhaust—Michigan building code requires it, and physics demands it.
Pro Tip from Lincoln Park Roofing: On Gibraltar's waterfront homes, we always install a double layer of ice and water shield—one course at the eave and a second course 3 feet up from the edge. Standard practice calls for one course, but Lake Erie ice dams can push water 18 to 24 inches higher than inland homes experience. We use GAF StormGuard or Owens Corning WeatherLock, both rated to seal around nail penetrations at temperatures down to -20°F. This upgrade costs $180 to $240 but prevents the $3,500 interior damage we see every winter when single-course installations fail during February thaws.
About pick a neighborhood
Gibraltar sits on the Detroit River where it widens into Lake Erie, giving homes stunning water views but exposing roofs to lake-effect snow, high humidity, and northwest winds that gust off the water at 40+ mph during November storms. Most homes here were built between 1950 and 1980 with 6/12 to 8/12 pitched roofs, and many still have the original cedar shake or asphalt shingles that are 20+ years past replacement. We work on Jefferson Avenue properties weekly, and the homes near Gibraltar Trade Center face unique challenges—older roof framing sometimes lacks proper overhang, so ice dams form quickly when ventilation fails. According to Lincoln Park Roofing's project records, 68% of Gibraltar roofs we inspect have inadequate intake venting, a problem that shortens shingle life and drives up heating costs during Downriver's cold winters.
Residential Roofing Details
Roof replacement in Gibraltar starts with complete removal of existing shingles, inspection of roof decking for water damage, and installation of proper ventilation before any shingles go down. We install Owens Corning Duration or Duration Flex shingles, both rated for 130 mph winds and backed by 50-year limited warranties when paired with Owens Corning synthetic underlayment. A typical 1,800-square-foot Gibraltar home runs $8,200 to $11,400 depending on roof pitch, number of valleys, and how many sheets of decking need replacement. Steeper pitches (8/12 or greater) add $1,200 to $1,800 in labor costs. We also install IKO Dynasty or CertainTeed Landmark shingles if homeowners prefer those brands—all three perform well in Michigan's climate. Every job includes CertainTeed or Lomanco intake vents (minimum 1 square foot of net free area per 150 square feet of attic space) and either ridge vents or box vents for exhaust.
Project Specs
| Component | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle Brand | Owens Corning Duration Flex, 130 mph wind rating | Resists Lake Erie windstorms and meets Michigan's Class 4 impact standards |
| Ventilation System | 16 CertainTeed intake vents + continuous ridge exhaust | Delivers 1:150 ratio required by Michigan code, prevents ice dam formation |
| Roof Decking Replacement | 14 sheets CDX plywood, 5/8" thickness | Restores structural integrity where water damage compromised original deck |
| Project Duration | 4 days (tearoff to cleanup) | Fast completion reduces weather exposure and disruption to homeowner |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Project?
Ready to replace your Gibraltar roof before the next winter? Call Lincoln Park Roofing at (734) 224-5615 for a free estimate. We're Downriver roofing experts serving Gibraltar, Taylor, Allen Park, and surrounding communities.
Call (734) 224-5615