A Dix Hills Roofing Contractor Examines the John Coltrane House's Roof Repair

When we’re not busy being your trusted Dix Hills roofing contractor, we love listening to jazz.  If you were just driving through Dix Hills, you might think it was just another quiet Long Island neighborhood. And it is, but like many quiet Long Island neighborhoods, Dix Hills has had its brush with legends.

In 1964 John Coltrane, his wife Alice, and their four children moved into a modest ranch house in Dix Hills. There Coltrane wrote a number of classic songs, including the album A Love Supreme. When we’re not busy being the best Suffolk County roofing contractors, we love listening to jazz. To bring both our interests together, let’s see how John Coltrane’s old house is doing today.

We’ve worked on many roofing projects for Long Island midcentury houses like the Coltrane Home. These older homes are showing their age after several decades of Long Island weather. New roofing installations not only save homeowners money on utility bills, they also free you from the headache of constant roof leaks.

Read on to see how dedicated jazz fans saved this historical midcentury house from destruction, and learn how a new asphalt shingle roof could save you money on your new home.

The John and Alice Coltrane Home

247 Candlewood Path, Dix Hills, NY 11746

When John and Alice Coltrane bought their Dix Hills ranch home, new tract housing was springing up all across Long Island. Many Long Island housing developments kept out Black families. But Dix Hills and surrounding areas like Wyndanch were integrated by the 1950s. The Coltranes had no difficulty purchasing a home for their growing family, and one with an upstairs bedroom for rehearsal and a basement for recording.

Only a few years after the Coltranes moved to Dix Hills, tragedy struck. On July 17, 1967, John Coltrane died of liver failure. A grief-stricken Alice stayed in the home with her family until 1972 and recorded several classic albums of her own. But in 1972 the Coltranes left Long Island and relocated to California.

After their departure, a series of owners came and went. Each owner deferred maintenance, and the Coltrane Home grew increasingly decrepit. For several years the Coltrane Home was abandoned. By 2002 the Coltrane Home had seen better days. Much of the interior had rotted and the brick exterior was crumbling.

Developers could make more money tearing down the old wreck and replacing it with a more fashionable modern home. Like many other Long Island midcentury homes, it wound up on the chopping block and was scheduled for demolition. Thanks to the efforts of many jazz fans, historians, and musicians, 247 Candlewood Path was saved.

But buying the old Coltrane Home was only the first job these fans faced. Now the Friends of the Coltrane Home were faced with the task of restoring it.

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A Dix Hills Roofing Contractor's View
of The Coltrane Home Roof

This picture of the John Coltrane Home was taken in August, 2009, not long after the Friends of the John and Alice Coltrane Home acquired the place. Looking at this picture as a Dix Hills roofing contractor, I can see that they had their work cut out for them. There are several signs of serious roof damage in this photo.

I see several shingle patches that a roofer applied to cover leaks and damaged shingles. The work isn’t just unsightly. It shows that they plugged up immediate problems while ignoring other serious issues. When you see this kind of slipshod work on a roofing project, you know that you’re going to discover many more installation errors and shortcuts.

When we look at the edge of the roof, we see that many shingles have lifted. The starter shingles which held them down have fallen off. This lets wind and rain blow under the asphalt shingles with every squall and nor’easter. If left neglected too long, this windblown rain can damage the roof deck.

As we can see from this photo, that’s exactly what happened here. The gentle curves you see on the roof are signs of roof deck rot. The waterlogged boards holding the shingles and other roofing materials sag under the roof’s weight.

The Coltrane House was built in 1952, so by 2009 roof repair was no longer enough to keep things in order. We offer a 50-year warranty on our work, but we’ll also tell you that every roof has an limited lifespan. If your roof is getting on in years, it may be time for a complete roof replacement.

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What is a Roof Deck?

The roof deck is the foundation upon which the rest of the roof is built. Learn more about roof deck issues and how to find a roofing and framing contractor
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Wind Resistance

Wind damage is a common problem for Dix Hills residents. Learn how County Roofing Systems can protect your roof from hurricane-force winds of up to 130 MPH.
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Roof Leaks and Why They Happen

Read on to learn more about some of the reasons why Long Island and New York homeowners get roof leaks, and some ways you can help keep your roof watertight

This photo was taken in 2015, after a full restoration. You can see how much better the roof looks in this photo. The shingles look great, as do the gutters, fascia, and soffits. This is a home fit to honor the greatest tenor saxophone player of all time.

The Friends of the John Coltrane Home have done a great job of bringing this once-crumbling home back to life. They continue to renovate and restore the building.

County Roofing Systems:
Your Experienced Dix Hills Roofing Contractor

County Roofing Systems workers

DIX HILLS ROOF REPAIR EXPERTS

Our trained and certified team of Dix Hills roofing contractors has extensive experience with roof issues like leaks, damaged shingles, and flashing problems. We tackle these problems with precision and use high-quality materials to restore your roof’s functionality.

When storms or high winds hit Dix Hills, roof damage can escalate fast. County Roofing responds swiftly to assess the damage, preventing further issues like water intrusion or structural problems. Our team ensures repairs are done right the first time, saving Dix Hills homeowners from future headaches and costs.

We understand that each roof has unique needs and tailor our repair solutions to fit those requirements. Whether it’s replacing damaged shingles or repairing compromised flashing, we take a customized approach for each home. Our detailed inspections identify all potential problem areas, ensuring your roof remains secure and reliable for years to come.

We communicate every step of the repair process and keep homeowners informed from inspection to completion. Our commitment to excellent craftsmanship and top-tier customer service makes County Roofing Systems the go-to choice for roof repairs. For durable, dependable roof solutions, Dix Hills residents can count on us.

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ROOF REPLACEMENTS FOR DIX HILLS HOMES

Our team has extensive experience installing new roofs for a variety of architectural styles. Whether your home is colonial, ranch, or contemporary, we know how to deliver top-quality results that match your home’s character. We use only high-quality materials, ensuring your roof performs well and enhances your home’s curb appeal for years.

We tailor our roof replacements to meet the specific needs of your Dix Hills home. Our expert installation guarantees a secure and seamless fit for your home. We construct every roof with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship for long-lasting durability in tough conditions. Whether you need a new roof for a home build or a full replacement, we deliver dependable results.

County Roofing Systems keeps homeowners informed throughout the entire roof replacement process. We prioritize clear and open communication through each phase—from initial inspection to final installation. Our team explains what to expect, answers your questions, and provides progress updates.  

Dix Hills residents appreciate our dedication to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Our focus on customer service ensures that your roof replacement experience is smooth and stress-free. With County Roofing Systems, you get a reliable partner who understands your home’s needs and delivers exceptional results that stand the test of time.

FINANCING YOUR DIX HILLS ROOF WORK

Financing roof replacement or roof repair

We have over 35 years experience as a Dix Hills roofing contractor. We’ve worked with many local lenders on roofing projects in Dix Hills and throughout Suffolk County. If you don’t have a lending agent lined up, we can introduce you to financing agents who can help. We can also work with your current lender to make sure all paperwork is in order.

You can find contractors who will offer lower bids for residential roofing services. But when you hire County Roofing Systems, you get the job done right the first time. We’ve worked with many different types of roofing materials and we have experience on residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings across the LI/NYC metro area.

Keith Schmied, CEO of County Roofing Systems

OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS A DIX HILLS ROOFING CONTRACTOR

The Best Roofing Contractor in Dix Hills, Suffolk County, and the LI/NYC Metro Area

Keith Schmied has spent over 35 years as a roofing contractor in Suffolk County. As the CEO of County Roofing Systems, a large Long Island roofing company, Keith has seen all sorts of projects. He has experience in everything from large commercial and multi-family projects to residential roof, siding and exterior repairs.

A roof replacement is one of the best home improvement projects you can invest in. A new roof saves you money on your utility bills and can make your old Dix Hills house look like a brand new home. If you’re tired of the expense and hassle of leak repairs, you can enjoy the peace of mind that a modern roof system brings.

We know that roof work can be an expensive headache. That’s why we try to make things as easy as possible throughout the whole process. We use top-quality roofing products and highly trained specialists who do the job right the first time.

Contact Information for Friends of the John & Alice Coltrane Home

If you would like to donate to the Coltrane home or learn more about a visit, here is the contact information :

FRIENDS OF THE JOHN & ALICE COLTRANE HOME
81H East Jefryn Blvd
Deer Park, NY 11729
Tel: (631) 860-9200

Email: [email protected]

People Also Ask...

County Roofing Systems offers Dix Hills a range of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and new installations. We handle common issues like leaks, damaged shingles, and flashing repairs. Our experienced team also provides thorough inspections and maintenance to extend your roof’s life. We ensure every service meets the highest standards, keeping your roof resilient against Dix Hills’ changing weather. 

You may need a roof replacement if you notice frequent leaks, missing shingles, or a roof over 20 years old. Other signs include sagging areas, water stains, and curling shingles. These issues indicate that your roof may no longer be effective in protecting your home. County Roofing Systems offers detailed inspections to assess your roof’s condition and recommend the best solution for Dix Hills homeowners.

Replacing an old roof improves your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. New roofs provide better insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. A roof replacement also prevents potential water damage and structural issues. County Roofing Systems ensures high-quality roof replacements using durable materials that withstand Long Island’s weather. This investment adds value to your Dix Hills home and offers long-term protection.

The best roof materials for Dix Hills homes include asphalt shingles for affordability and durability, and metal for energy efficiency and longevity. Asphalt shingles are popular due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability. Metal roofs offer a modern look and great weather resistance. County Roofing Systems helps homeowners choose the right material based on their budget, home style, and functional needs. Our team provides expert installation to ensure lasting performance.

Yes, County Roofing Systems offers 24/7 emergency roof leak repair services in Dix Hills. Our dedicated emergency leak response team is ready to assist with any urgent roofing issues, including leaks and storm damage. We promptly dispatch our skilled technicians to address emergencies, preventing further damage to your home. Our commitment to rapid response and quality service ensures your roof is restored efficiently and effectively.

Regular roof maintenance helps identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. It extends the life of your roof and ensures optimal performance. Maintenance services include inspections, shingle checks, and flashing assessments. County Roofing Systems offers reliable maintenance services for Dix Hills homeowners to keep roofs strong and resilient. Regular upkeep helps your roof withstand harsh weather and protects your home investment.

During a roof replacement, County Roofing Systems begins with a thorough inspection and consultation. We explain material options, timelines, and costs to keep you informed. Our skilled team removes the old roof, addresses any underlying issues, and installs the new roof with precision. We provide updates throughout the project to ensure a smooth experience. Dix Hills homeowners can trust us for efficient, high-quality replacements that meet local codes.

Dix Hills homeowners should schedule roof maintenance at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Regular maintenance helps identify issues like damaged shingles, leaks, or flashing problems before they escalate into costly repairs. These inspections extend your roof's lifespan and keep it performing well. Scheduling maintenance also ensures your roof stays protected against Long Island's changing weather, giving you peace of mind year-round.

Dix Hills homeowners should schedule roof maintenance at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Regular maintenance helps identify issues like damaged shingles, leaks, or flashing problems before they escalate into costly repairs. These inspections extend your roof's lifespan and keep it performing well. Scheduling maintenance also ensures your roof stays protected against Long Island's changing weather, giving you peace of mind year-round.

Dix Hills homes often face roof repair issues such as leaks, missing shingles, and flashing damage. Harsh weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, can cause wear and tear over time. Algae and moss growth can also be a concern, leading to shingle deterioration. Addressing these issues promptly with professional repairs prevents further damage and ensures your roof continues to protect your home effectively.

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