Roofing Guide for 1960s Homes

Homes from the 1960s are 60+ years old. The housing boom of this era produced millions of homes with basic roofing systems that are now well past their expected lifespan. Asbestos was still widely used in roofing products.

Split-LevelRaised RanchColonialContemporary/ModernBi-Level

Replacement Urgency: Critical

~61 years old

At 60+ years old, any remaining original materials are far beyond their useful life. Even homes that had a re-roof in the 1990s are likely due again.

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Asbestos Warning

Asbestos use in roofing remained common throughout the 1960s. Products include cement shingles, roof coatings, flashing cement, and some underlayments. Testing is strongly recommended before any tear-off work.

Do NOT disturb suspected asbestos materials. Always hire a certified asbestos inspector before any roof removal on pre-1980 homes.

Common Roofing Materials (1960s)

Organic Asphalt Shingles (3-Tab)

Likely Expired

The dominant roofing material of the 1960s. Felt-based asphalt shingles were thin and lightweight. If original, they are 40+ years past their lifespan.

Typical lifespan: 15-20 years

Asbestos-Cement Shingles

Likely Expired

Still in widespread use through the 1960s, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Require certified abatement for removal.

Typical lifespan: 30-50 years

Wood Shakes

Likely Expired

Common on Colonial and Cape Cod style homes. Usually untreated cedar. Highly vulnerable to rot and fire without modern treatments.

Typical lifespan: 20-30 years

Built-Up Roofing (Flat Sections)

Likely Expired

Hot-mopped asphalt and gravel on flat or low-slope sections, common on split-level and modern designs.

Typical lifespan: 20-30 years

Clay or Concrete Tile (Sunbelt)

Aging

Used in Florida, California, and the Southwest. Tiles themselves may survive but underlayment beneath them is likely degraded.

Typical lifespan: 50-100 years

Common Problems on 1960s Roofs

1Asbestos still present in shingles, flashing cements, and pipe boots
2Organic felt shingles long past failure — likely replaced at least once already
3Original galvanized nails corroded, causing shingle blow-offs
4Roof deck boards (1x6 pine) with gaps causing shingle sag
5No drip edge installed — fascia board water damage
6Inadequate flashing at chimney, dormer, and valley intersections
7Ventilation limited to gable vents or turbine vents
8Previous re-roof layers hiding underlying deck damage

Energy Efficiency Gaps

Roofing technology and energy codes have improved dramatically since the 1960s. Here are the key efficiency gaps to address during a replacement:

Little to no attic insulation by modern standards
No radiant barrier technology available
Passive ventilation only — no balanced intake/exhaust systems
Dark-colored shingles with no reflective granules
No air sealing at attic penetrations

Building Code Changes Since the 1960s

When you replace your roof, it must meet current building codes — which are significantly more stringent than what was required in the 1960s:

Modern wind uplift requirements significantly exceed 1960s standards
Ice and water shield required in freeze-thaw zones (not used in 1960s)
Attic insulation requirements increased from R-0 to R-38 minimum
Continuous soffit-to-ridge ventilation now standard practice
Drip edge now required at all eaves and rakes

Typical Roof Pitch

4:12 to 8:12

Original Installation Cost

$2,000-$4,000 (1960s dollars)

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