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Case Study

Restoring a 120-Year-Old
Home in Tonawanda, NY

Tonawanda, NY 14223

A comprehensive investment in preserving history—combining structural framing repairs, high-performance synthetic weatherproofing, and smart ventilation to ensure decades of comfort, durability, and peace of mind.

Premium Materials
Upgraded Ventilation
Rafter & Structural Repairs
120-Year Legacy Protection

Project Overview

Owning a 120-year-old home comes with unique challenges, especially when it's time for a roof replacement. While the homeowners knew the roof had reached the end of its life, they also understood there could be hidden issues beneath the surface.

Their goal wasn't simply to replace shingles; it was to invest in a roofing system that would protect their historic home for years to come while preserving its character.

Before fixing the house, here's what it looked like:

Worn shingles
The dormer
The aging
An overhead

Worn shingles and outdated ventilation highlighted the need for an upgrade.

The dormer showed advanced shingle wear and granule loss.

The aging roof showed years of wear and was ready for replacement.

An overhead view revealed widespread weathering across the roof.

Why Dalex Roofing?

The homeowners were already familiar with Dalex Roofing after previously hiring the company to install a porch roof. They had also driven past the business for years, making Dalex one of the first companies they called.

After receiving multiple estimates, one thing stood out.

"Dmitry talked to me honestly and from a roofer's standpoint. I could understand where he was coming from on the project, whereas a couple of other estimates I got had a more salesman-like approach."

The straightforward recommendations and honest communication gave the homeowners confidence that Dalex was focused on solving problems, not simply selling a roof.

Scope of Work

This project included much more than a standard roof replacement.
The Dalex team completed:

Complete tear-off of the existing roofing system
Structural wood repairs after removing exposed roof rafters
Installation of a new ventilation system
Vinyl siding repairs
New fascia board installation
New seamless gutters
Careful protection of the home's landscaping throughout construction
Thorough site cleanup upon completion
Scope of Work

Rather than covering up existing problems, the project addressed the home's structural concerns while improving ventilation and restoring the exterior.

During tear-off, hidden structural deterioration was uncovered. The damaged wood was replaced to provide a solid foundation for the new roof.

The Installation Experience

Because of the home's age, the biggest concern came when the original roof structure was exposed.

"Probably removing the exposed roof rafters. Not knowing what was gonna come with the removal of that material and coming up with a game plan to repair some wood there."

Older homes often reveal unexpected conditions once demolition begins. After uncovering the existing structure, the Dalex team developed a repair plan, completed the necessary carpentry, and rebuilt the roof with a complete roofing system designed for long-term performance.

What impressed the homeowners most wasn't just the quality of the work—it was the attention to detail.

Lets take a look at the installation process:

1
2
3
4
5
New framing

Step 1: New framing was installed to replace deteriorated wood and restore the roof's structural integrity.

Rafter repairs

Step 2: Rafter repairs were completed before rebuilding the roof, providing a solid foundation for the new roofing system.

With the structural

Step 3: With the structural repairs complete, the home was ready for the next phase of the roofing installation.

A high-performance

Step 4: A high-performance synthetic underlayment was installed to provide an added layer of weather protection beneath the shingles. REPLACE

Siding repairs

Step 5: Siding repairs were installed to improve attic airflow and help regulate year-round temperatures.

Protecting the Property

The homeowners take great pride in their landscaping and gardens, making property protection an important part of the project.

"They did a wonderful job of keeping things covered; there was no damage from anything. They went through during the cleanup and did a great job of cleaning up things that may have fallen between plants."

From protecting flower beds during tear-off to performing a meticulous cleanup, the crew treated the property with the same care they gave the roof.

The Results

The Results

After installing the new roofing system and upgraded ventilation, the homeowners noticed a difference inside.

"We strongly believe so. It seems like it hasn't been that cool ever up there."

The ventilation improvements helped create a more comfortable second floor while giving the home a roofing system built to perform for decades.

The finishing work, including siding repairs, fascia installation, and new gutters, completed the transformation and restored the home's exterior.

The improvements extended beyond the exterior appearance of the home.

Overall Experience

When asked to rate the experience, the homeowner didn't hesitate.

"I'd give them a 10. Really happy with it. They had to repair some vinyl siding, and all of that finishing stuff came out excellent. It looks really nice. The carpenters made cosmetic improvements, repaired the vinyl, and did fascia board installation with the gutters."

For a project involving a 120-year-old home, the homeowners appreciated both the craftsmanship and the confidence that came from working with an experienced team.

Customer Recommendation

When asked what they would tell someone considering Dalex Roofing, the answer was simple.

"I would recommend them. They did a fantastic job on the property, considering my house is 120 years old."

For homeowners with older homes, this project demonstrates the importance of choosing a contractor who values honest communication, quality workmanship, and careful attention to every detail, from structural repairs and ventilation upgrades to protecting the property throughout the installation.