Murray's Mature Housing Stock Is at the Heart of the Replacement Cycle

The 1950s–1970s Core: Two Replacement Generations In

Murray's residential core — the streets running east and west from State Street, the neighborhoods behind Fashion Place, and the established blocks north of the Fashion Place area — was built primarily between the early 1950s and mid-1970s. These homes have now gone through one and in some cases two full roofing cycles.

What this means practically: A Murray home built in 1965 may have had a first roof replacement in the late 1980s or early 1990s, and a second replacement in the mid-2000s to early 2010s. If the second replacement used architectural shingles, the roof may have 5–15 years remaining. If the second replacement used three-tab shingles, it's likely at or past its service life. If the home skipped a replacement and is still on original or first-replacement material, the situation requires immediate attention.

The 1980s–1990s Additions: Standard Replacement Window

Murray's residential growth continued into the 1980s — particularly in the eastern areas of the city and along some newer street extensions. These homes are now 35–45 years old and in the standard first-to-second replacement window depending on original installation timing.

The Layering Issue

Murray's age profile creates a common structural issue: many homes have accumulated the maximum allowed shingle layers. Utah building code limits asphalt shingle installation to two layers total — original installation plus one over-roof. Some Murray homes that have had work done without proper permits, or work completed before current code clarification, may have non-compliant installations. Our qualified partner specialists inspect for and document existing layer count as part of every Murray roofing assessment.

Wasatch Front Hail Exposure

Murray sits along the central Wasatch Front at approximately 4,300 feet elevation — a position that places it squarely in the path of convective storm systems that develop to the west and southwest and track toward the mountains. Hailstorms are a consistent factor in Murray's roofing landscape.

Hail damage has a cumulative effect on asphalt shingles. A single moderate hail event may not cause immediate leaking, but the impact bruising and granule displacement it causes accelerates the shingles' aging curve. Impact resistance is a meaningful consideration in Murray. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are worth evaluating for Murray homes, particularly for homeowners whose next replacement will be their long-term roof.

Winter Snow Load and Ice Dam Risk

Murray receives significant winter snowfall as storms track from the west. Ice dam formation — where snow melts near the peak of a warm roof surface and refreezes at the cold eave — is a known risk in Murray's climate, particularly for homes with insufficient attic insulation and ventilation.

Proper ventilation is non-negotiable. Every Murray roofing replacement project should include a ventilation assessment. If the existing soffit and ridge ventilation system is inadequate, new shingles over an unventilated deck will fail prematurely and remain vulnerable to ice dam damage.

Unlike the historic districts of Salt Lake City or the HOA-governed newer communities, most Murray residential neighborhoods offer a relatively uncomplicated replacement path:

• No historic district review required for the vast majority of Murray homes.
• Standard permit process: Murray City's building department processes residential roofing permits in a predictable timeline.
• Straightforward roof profiles: Murray's 1950s–1970s homes are predominantly single-story or split-level with moderate pitches and simple roof planes.
• Efficient logistics: Murray's established residential streets provide good access for delivery trucks and debris removal equipment.

*Typical Murray home: 1,200–2,000 sq ft, single-story or split-level, moderate pitch.

Areas We Serve Near Murray

• Murray (all areas — 84107, 84123)
• Midvale — 5 mins south
• Taylorsville — 5 mins west
• Cottonwood Heights — 10 mins SE
• South Salt Lake — 5 mins north
• Salt Lake City — 10 mins north
• West Jordan — 15 mins SW

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