What Are the Most Common Roof Problems in Old Craftsman Homes (And How Can You Avoid Costly Repairs)?

If you own a craftsman-style home in Seattle, you might already suspect that your roof isn’t in the best shape. Maybe you’ve noticed leaks, drafts, or high energy bills. Or perhaps you’re dreading what roofers might find when they strip away the old shingles.

At RoofSmart, we’ve repaired and replaced hundreds of roofs on craftsman-style homes across the Seattle area. Because this home style is so common — and so uniquely challenging — we’ve seen firsthand how small, hidden issues can lead to major damage and unexpected costs if they’re not caught early or fixed before your roof gets replaced. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common roof issues we see on old craftsman homes — and how you can avoid major headaches during your next roof replacement. 

You’ll also learn which roofing materials work best in Seattle’s rainy climate so you can make a confident decision for your home.

How Can You Tell If Your Craftsman Home Has Roof Problems?

A craftsman home is an older home that is designed to be simple and functional. In the past, you could even order one of these homes from the Sears catalog and have the parts shipped to you. This is one of the most common styles of homes in the Greater Seattle area. 

As roofers, we have seen issues with these homes that pop up time and time again, leading to further damage and costly repairs if not addressed as soon as possible: 

1. Poor Ventilation
2. Uneven Roof Decking
3. Property Access Issues
4. Old Rotting Wood

Let’s explore the risks that these issues pose and how you can make sure to avoid costly repairs down the road:

1.) Why Do Craftsman-Style Homes Often Have Poor Ventilation and How Can You Fix It?

When these craftsman-style homes were first built, the attics were typically left unfinished. However, making the attic into a livable space can become a nightmare for ventilation and insulation. 

This is especially true for older homes that do not meet modern ventilation codes. If your home is several decades old and the ventilation hasn’t been updated recently, it is almost certainly outdated. 

The problem is that when these attic spaces get converted, the inner layer of the wall and ceiling is usually only about 3 inches from the outer layer. This gets filled with insulation, which then prevents air from flowing properly through that space. 

With this setup, the roof will last 20 years at most (but it will probably be less) because it will get too hot and cause everything to deteriorate prematurely. 

There are a few ways to fix this: 

• Replace insulation with rigid foam boards: Your roofer can take out the insulation and replace it with rigid foam boards. This sits lower than traditional insulation, so it gives more space for air to flow through your roof. This usually costs around $2,000.
• Install baffling: Another option is to place baffling on top of the insulation to push it down and increase airflow. Baffles are sheets of wood or plastic that sit on top of the insulation. The problem with using baffles is that when the insulation is compressed it no longer works properly. So your attic might have good airflow, but the insulation loses the ability to trap heat. This usually costs around $2,000.
• Install a vented deck: This option requires adding ventilation on top and then creating a new attic above. This is technically the proper way to fix ventilation issues in an attic, but it usually doubles the cost of the job, so it’s not commonly used. It allows you to have real insulation while also giving the roof enough room for proper airflow and ventilation.  This can cost up to $15,000 or more. 

2.) Why Do Roofs on Older Homes Have Uneven Roof Decking and Do You Need to Fix It?

Older homes did not have to meet the same codes and regulations that they do today. One example of this that causes issues now is the lack of consistency with framing. There was no set code for using a certain amount of trusses for a certain size of roof. 

This inconsistency has led to roofs in older homes not having as much framing as they need to make the roof level and smooth. We often notice that these older homes have spots that are lumpy, wavy, or dip down. 

So you’ll either end up with a roof that looks kind of wonky in one or two spots, or you’ll have to pay around $1,000 to $3,000 to have your roofer even it out. For the whole roof, this could cost $15,000 or more. 

Keep in mind that these are average cost estimates. It could cost more depending on how much work needs to be done. 

We see this issue all the time. In fact, we recently helped a local homeowner whose roof was underfamed and uneven. During the inspection, we noticed that the roof was lumpy and uneven. 

We added reinforcements to the framing to make everything level: 

In this picture, you can see newly added boards installed on top of the old ones. This was an especially important step because the homeowner chose a metal roof. We wanted to make sure that it looked amazing! 

3.) How Does Your Property’s Layout Impact Roofing Costs?

As a Seattle area resident, your home might have been built on a small property with your neighbor’s houses right next to it. They might also have a lot of trees on the property or a long, narrow driveway. These are issues we run into regularly. 

All of these things make it difficult to access your home and increase labor costs because it will be more difficult to haul away your old roof and get the new roofing material up onto the roof. 

Additional labor costs could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This varies from job to job because every property is unique and has its own challenges. 

4.) How Can Rotten Wood Affect Your Roof and What Should You Replace It With?

If you have an old home and it’s been a while since the roof was last replaced (10 to 20 years), you’re probably going to have some rotting wood caused by leaks. In a rainy, humid area like Seattle, rot and water damage are very common. 

Rot can appear anywhere on a roof that’s made of wood. This will need to be replaced to make sure your roof doesn’t collapse and to prevent mold growth. Often, homeowners will choose pine when they’re replacing framing or structural pieces on the roof, but we recommend using cedar (if it fits into your budget) because it lasts much longer. 

Usually, rotting wood is only present in one section, so the average cost to fix it is $1,000 to $2,000. But, if the rot is pretty extensive, it might cost $12,000 or more to fix. 

Comparison Table: What Are the Estimated Costs of Common Roof Problems in Craftsman-Style Homes?

To help you get a better idea of the costs of these issues and how they compare, we’ve created this table that quickly summarizes each roof problem and its cost. 

Remember that costs vary based on home size, roof pitch, and severity of damage. These are Seattle-area estimates based on our past projects.

What Roofing Materials Work Best for Craftsman-Style Homes in Seattle?

You can put any material you want on your home, but in order to find the right fit for you, consider your budget, needs, and preferences. 

Here’s a list of the most common materials chosen by homeowners in the Greater Seattle area: 

• Asphalt shingles: This is actually the most popular roof type across the country because it is the most affordable option. In an area where everything is expensive due to the high cost of living, it’s no surprise that Seattle homeowners turn to asphalt shingles. They offer great protection (when installed properly) and will last around 30 years. For most people, that’s good enough. 
• Metal: Metal roofing is another popular choice by Greater Seattle area homeowners due to its long lifespan, impact resistance, and water resistance. It’s a great roofing material for protecting your home against Seattle’s weather. The reason it’s not used more often is that it costs about twice as much as asphalt shingles.
• Euroshield: This is a synthetic shingle made of recycled tires. Its popularity is on the rise because it has all the same water and impact resistance as metal, but it costs a bit less. It’s also a good option for homeowners who want the look of shake or tile but don’t want to spend that much money on a roof. 

Roof Type Comparison: What are the pros, cons, and key features of each?

Here's an overview of the pros and cons of each roof type. This comparison chart can help you easily weigh the features and benefits of the different materials and help you find the best one for your home. 

Wondering how much it will cost to install these materials on your roof? Use our Instant Estimator tool to get a ballpark estimate: 

What Should You Do Before Replacing the Roof on a Craftsman Home?

Now that you’ve seen the 4 most common roof issues in older Craftsman homes, you can spot the red flags before they turn into expensive structural problems. In a rainy city like Seattle, issues like rot, poor ventilation, and uneven framing can quietly cause long-term damage if left unchecked. 

If your craftsman home is due for a new roof, you’ll need a reliable, experienced roofing contractor to help you spot these issues early and avoid surprises. 

We’ve replaced hundreds of roofs on older Seattle homes, and we know exactly what to look for. Use our Qualified Roofer Checklist to make sure your roofing contractor has the experience to do the job right — the first time.