Q&A – What the Shell?

After seeing a shell roof on AAR, this Connecticut homeowner wanted to know if it was possible for their home to have one too. 

Deneen, a homeowner from Connecticut, saw this shell roof and had some follow up questions: 

The shell roof you posted is amazing, is that something that can actually be done? I live in Connecticut near the beach, not sure if that is a good environment? Won't the shells disintegrate? Would love my roof to be made of shells who would I even get to do that?  

Our resident expert roofer, John Stout with Go Roof Tune Up™, had this to say in response:    

Thank you so much for your interesting question. Are you sure you are not an insider just making sure the AskARoofer staff is staying awake? 

It would be interesting to know about this job and what inspired it. Could it be that a roofer followed Bing Crosby around and gathered up the shells after his famous clam bakes? Must be a story here somewhere. Clam shells laid shingle fashion with proper exposure and side lap could shed water properly. However, it would be a decorative item that would require regular maintenance. And that would cost a lot of CLAMS. 

We agree with you that it would be an outstanding touch to a beach house. Wood shingles are available in round cut butt ends that make a “fish scale” appearance. Asphalt shingle manufacturers also have shingles that give the “fish scale” appearance. However, we could not find a “clam shell” appearance. 

As for your question of, “Who would I get to do it?” If you are serious about it, you could have a line form out in front of your house with roofers willing to do it. For how many clams? I don’t know. 

Roofers are noted for being innovative and very competitive. Let us know what you do. Thank you again for your question. 

Your friends at AskARoofer. 

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