Berkeley roofing, at a glance
Berkeley roofs tend to fail in three places first: the chimney, the plank decking under the shingles, and the gutters along the eaves.
We inspect for free, give you a written price, and do the work with our own crews. If water is coming in now, call (314) 429-6000. Someone answers at any hour.
Older decking needs a closer look
Many Berkeley houses were built with board sheathing, not plywood.
Board decking is solid lumber laid with small gaps between each plank. It held up fine under the original roof, but the gaps and the age of the wood make it a poor base for modern shingle nailing patterns. When we tear off a Berkeley roof we check every board. Cracked or soft planks get replaced. Where the manufacturer requires it, we sheet over the boards with new plywood or OSB so the new shingles fasten properly and keep their warranty.
We price this in the estimate as a per-sheet line so you know the number before work starts, not after.
Chimneys and gutters on post-war brick homes
Chimney flashing
Most leaks we trace in 63134 start at the chimney. We replace step flashing, cut counterflashing into the mortar joints and seal the crown if it is cracked.
Gutter overflow
Short eaves put overflowing water right against the brick and foundation. We clean, re-pitch or replace gutters so water reaches the downspout.
Airport-side wind
Open land around the runways gives storms a long run. We check the windward side for creased and missing tabs after every big front.
A chimney leak in Berkeley is rarely a reason to replace a whole roof. If the shingles around it are still in good shape, we remove a few courses, install new step flashing against the brick, cut a reglet into the mortar for the counterflashing and weave the shingles back in. The crown on top of the chimney gets checked at the same visit, since a cracked crown lets water into the brick from above and can look exactly like a flashing leak from inside the house.
Gutters get the same practical treatment. If the runs are sound we clean and re-pitch them. If they are split at the seams or pulling off the fascia, we replace them with seamless aluminum formed on site.
What you get from John Beal Roofing
- A person on the phone 24 hours a day, every day of the year
- Free inspections with photos you can keep
- Written estimates with decking and flashing priced up front
- Lifetime workmanship warranty on replacements
- Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor status
- BBB A+ rating and a spot on Roofing Contractor Magazine's Top 100
- A third-generation family business, not a franchise
After a storm, we will document damage for your insurance company and can meet the adjuster at the house. We do not sign anyone up for a claim the roof does not support.
Berkeley at a glance for homeowners
| City | Berkeley, Missouri |
|---|---|
| County | St. Louis County |
| ZIP codes | 63134, 63140 |
| Housing | 1940s to 1960s brick bungalows and ranches |
| Common repairs | Chimney flashing, plank decking, gutters |
| Contractor | John Beal Roofing, since 1947 |
| Phone | (314) 429-6000 |
Questions about berkeley roofing
Homeowners in 63134 and 63140 ask us these before almost anything else.
Will my Berkeley roof need new decking?
Why does my ceiling stain near the chimney?
Do you answer the phone after hours?
How much does an inspection cost?
Free Berkeley roof inspection
Fill this out and we'll call you back. If water is coming in right now, phone us instead so we can move faster.
Nearby areas we roof
We roof all around the airport side of the county. Close neighbors of Berkeley:
Need A Roofer In St. Louis?
One free inspection replaces a week of guessing. Photos of the real condition and a written price, no obligation.