Ardsley took its name in the 1880s from Cyrus W. Field's estate, Ardsley Park, and incorporated in 1896. A 1914 fire destroyed its downtown, and in the 1950s construction of the New York State Thruway forced hundreds of people to relocate and reshaped the village. The highway also brought growth. Local historians describe substantial housing development after the Thruway opened, and by 1970 Ardsley had become a suburban community.
So a good share of Ardsley's single-family houses come from that postwar build-out, on a compact 1.32 square miles between the Saw Mill River and Sprain Brook. The Saw Mill valley has flooded repeatedly, including in 1980, 1984 and 1999. That history makes drainage and attic moisture part of every roof conversation here, along with the ice-barrier membrane at the eaves the code requires.
A village rebuilt around the Thruway
Ardsley is a commuter village of mostly single-family homes. Houses from the postwar period are often on their second or third roof by now, and their attics were usually built with less ventilation than today's shingle warranties expect.
Between the 1914 downtown fire and the Thruway's construction, Ardsley has been reshaped more than once, so the age of a house can vary a lot from one block to the next. We confirm layers and deck condition on site.
What to plan for on a Ardsley roof
Ventilation in a damp valley
Homes low in the Saw Mill River valley contend with extra moisture. If an attic does not breathe, that moisture condenses on the deck in winter and shortens the life of both the wood and the shingles. During replacement, Jersey Roofing's crew balances intake at the soffits with exhaust at the ridge, which also helps prevent the ice dams that form during Westchester's 25 to 50 inches of yearly snow.
Getting roof water away from the house
In a valley that has flooded several times, the last thing you want is roof runoff pooling at the foundation. We check gutter size and pitch, and look at where each downspout discharges, as part of the inspection. Where water is dumping next to the house, we recommend extensions or rerouting along with the new roof.
The Board of Architectural Review
Ardsley's Board of Architectural Review reviews building permits for exterior design. If you are keeping the same look, the process is usually simple and adds little time, but if you plan to change roof color or material, check with the village first. Jersey Roofing prepares the permit application with product information for the board.
Roof permits in Ardsley
- Office
- Village of Ardsley Building Department
- Phone
- (914) 693-6961
- Website
- ardsleyvillage.gov
The village issues permits from 507 Ashford Avenue, with exterior design reviewed by its Board of Architectural Review; Jersey Roofing files for you.
The roof systems installed in Ardsley
Jersey Roofing installs complete GAF and Owens Corning systems: ice and water barrier at the eaves and valleys, synthetic underlayment, starter strips, architectural or designer shingles, matched ridge cap and balanced ventilation. On a qualifying GAF system it can register the Golden Pledge® warranty, and on an Owens Corning system, Platinum Protection. Both include lifetime workmanship coverage. Compare the warranties.
Neighborhoods we serve in and around Ardsley
- Ashford Avenue village center