What Levittown Homes Need From a Roofer
Levittown was built between 1947 and 1951 by William Levitt. The original homes were 750 sqft Cape Cods. Most have been expanded, dormered, and modified over the decades, but the roof geometry tells the original story.
Double-layer tear-offs are the norm. Almost every Levittown roof we see has two layers of shingles. The original roof was replaced in the 1980s or 1990s, and a second layer was overlaid in the 2000s. Code now requires a full tear-off before re-roofing. Budget for the extra labor.
Dormer flashing is critical. The classic Levittown cape has one or two shed dormers added during an expansion. The dormer cheek walls, where the dormer side meets the main roof, are the most leak-prone area on any cape. Proper step flashing and ice and water shield at dormer cheek walls is non-negotiable.
Low pitch sections. Many expanded Levittown capes have low-slope roof sections over additions or bump-outs. These areas need modified shingle installation or flat roof membrane, not standard shingle installation on a slope that is too shallow.
Ventilation is usually poor. Original Levittown capes had minimal attic ventilation. When we replace the roof, we convert old box vents or gable vents to a continuous ridge vent system that moves air properly and prevents ice dams.
Recent Levittown Jobs
Expanded Cape on Anvil Lane, 2024. Double-layer tear-off, 4 sheets of decking, new ridge vent, 2 dormer re-flashings. GAF HDZ in Pewter Gray. 1,800 sqft. 3 days. $16,800.
Rancher on Bobolink Lane, 2025. Single-layer, walkable pitch. GAF HDZ in Barkwood. 1,400 sqft. 1.5 days. $12,200. One of the simplest jobs of the year.
Country Clubber on Millpond Lane, 2024. Full replacement plus skylight re-flash. CertainTeed Landmark Pro. 2,000 sqft. 3 days. $17,500.
Reviews
Review 1: "Our Levittown cape had two layers of shingles and two dormers that leaked every winter. Tom stripped both layers, found the dormer flashing had never been done right, and fixed it properly. Three winters later, zero leaks. He also converted our box vents to a ridge vent and our attic is noticeably cooler in summer." — Carol S., Levittown · GAF HDZ · 2023