Guide
Slate and cedar roofs on older Tenafly colonials
Written by Ultra Power Construction. The credentials page states that this contractor is licensed and insured in New Jersey and lists GAF and Owens Corning programs. Updated 2026-09-27.
Older Tenafly colonials still carry slate or cedar that can outlast the flashing around them. The decision is repair versus relay, and it depends on the deck and the flashings, not the age alone.
- Slate fails in pieces, not all at once
- Cedar fails from moisture, not just age
- Flashing is often older than the field
Slate fails in pieces, not all at once
Cracked or slipped slates can be replaced if the surrounding field is sound and the deck holds nails. Soft spots, many broken slates on one plane, or rusted nails across a slope are relay territory. Tar smeared over slate usually makes the next repair harder.
Cedar fails from moisture, not just age
Cupped, split, or moss-held shakes mean the wood stays wet. Shade and a tight attic make that worse. Replacing a few shakes does nothing if the ventilation and the underlayment are spent.
Flashing is often older than the field
Chimney step flashing and counterflashing on these houses are frequently the leak. A scope that says “repair slate” but does not mention the chimney is incomplete. Confirm any appearance limits with Tenafly’s construction office before you change material.