Last updated: June 2026 · Written by Cason Curriden, Owner — Olympus Roofing
Quick Answer
Most Murray, UT homes are now due for either their second or third roof replacement. The neighborhood’s mix of 1960s–1980s ramblers and ranches — often built with original wood shake or 3-tab asphalt — means many roofs have already been converted once. A typical 1,800–2,200 sq ft Murray asphalt replacement runs $10,000–$17,000 in 2026. Choose a contractor with experience in mid-century homes, particularly with the deck conditions common in 50+ year-old construction.
Olympus Roofing has served homeowners across Utah’s Wasatch Front since 1973. Owner Cason Curriden holds Utah DOPL license #6402827-5501, plus GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor certifications, so the guidance here reflects real Utah jobs, not national averages.
What Makes Roofing in Murray Different?
Murray sits in the central Salt Lake Valley between Holladay and Taylorsville, at roughly 4,300 feet elevation. The roofing characteristics that matter here are not climate — Murray has the same weather as the rest of the valley — but housing stock.
The vast majority of Murray homes were built between 1960 and 1990, with concentrations in the 1960s–1970s ranch boom. Many original roofs were 3-tab asphalt or cedar shake. By now, most have been re-roofed at least once. The question for most Murray homeowners is whether to repair, do a second replacement, or upgrade material entirely.
| Murray Era | Typical Build | Original Roof | What’s Common Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s post-war | Small ranchers | 3-tab asphalt or wood shake | Multiple re-roofs; underlying deck issues common |
| 1960s–1970s rambler boom | 1,400–2,000 sq ft ramblers | Wood shake or 3-tab | Most converted to architectural asphalt by 2000–2010; now due for second replacement |
| 1980s split-levels | 1,800–2,400 sq ft | Architectural asphalt (early) | First or second replacement window now active |
| 1990s–2000s infill | Larger newer builds | Architectural asphalt | Approaching first replacement |
| 2010+ teardown rebuilds | Modern luxury | Premium asphalt or metal | Original install still active |
Source: Olympus Roofing service records, Murray zip codes 84107, 84117, 84123.
Common Murray Roofing Issues
Three issues come up more often in Murray than in newer Utah subdivisions:
- Original wood shake decking compatibility. Homes that started with cedar shake often have skip-sheathing decking (boards spaced apart) rather than continuous OSB. When converting to asphalt, the decking must be sheeted over — adding cost. Some early conversions were done without proper decking, leading to sagging shingle planes you can see from the ground.
- Aged flashing on 1960s–1970s chimneys. Murray’s masonry fireplace chimneys often have flashing 50+ years old. This is the most common leak source we find — even when the shingles have been replaced once or twice, the flashing was reused.
- Inadequate attic ventilation. Mid-century homes were built with minimal venting (sometimes just gable vents). Modern code requires ridge+soffit balanced ventilation. Adding this during replacement extends shingle life by 5–10 years.
How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost in Murray?
Murray pricing aligns closely with the Salt Lake City valley baseline. Typical 2026 Murray jobs:
- 1,400 sq ft rambler — $8,500–$13,000 architectural asphalt
- 1,800–2,200 sq ft mid-century — $10,000–$17,000 architectural asphalt
- 2,400 sq ft split-level — $12,000–$19,000 architectural asphalt
- Larger 1990s+ home — $15,000–$25,000 architectural asphalt
If decking needs to be sheeted (common on shake-converted homes), add $1,500–$3,000.
Should I Upgrade to Class 4 or Metal in Murray?
Most Murray homes do well with architectural asphalt. Murray sees moderate hail exposure — less than foothill communities like Cottonwood Heights, more than Salt Lake City proper. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles become cost-effective if:
- Your insurance offers a meaningful Class 4 discount (10–30% typical)
- Your home has had a hail claim in the past 5 years
- You plan to stay 15+ years
Metal makes less sense in central Murray — there is no snow-load advantage at this elevation, and the aesthetic does not match most mid-century homes. Stone-coated steel is occasionally a good fit for ranchers with deep eaves.
How Do I Hire a Roofing Contractor in Murray?
Same framework as anywhere in Utah. The five things to verify:
- Active DOPL S280 license — verify at dopl.utah.gov
- A+ BBB accreditation
- Top-tier manufacturer certification (GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Preferred)
- 10+ years local Utah tenure
- Written labor warranty (not just manufacturer)
For Murray specifically, ask one additional question: “Have you worked with skip-sheathing decking from shake-converted homes?” Experienced Utah roofers know what to expect during tear-off; less experienced ones can be surprised by underlying conditions and try to renegotiate mid-project.
Browse our Murray service area page for local project examples.
Why Olympus Roofing for Murray?
Olympus has installed roofs in Murray since 1973 — long enough to have done first, second, and now third replacements on the same homes. We hold all five credentials above (DOPL #6402827-5501, A+ BBB since 2008, GAF Master Elite + Owens Corning Preferred, 53 years local, 5-year written labor warranty) and we know what to expect from Murray’s housing stock.
Our South Salt Lake office is 10 minutes from most Murray addresses, so response time for inspections and emergency repairs is fast. We offer free estimates with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roof replacement cost in Murray, UT?
A 1,800–2,200 sq ft Murray home with architectural asphalt costs $10,000–$17,000 in 2026. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles run $13,000–$20,000. Older shake-converted homes may need decking work that adds $1,500–$3,000.
Do I need a permit to replace a Murray roof?
Yes. Murray City requires a building permit for any roof replacement. Your contractor pulls the permit ($100–$200 typical) and schedules the post-install inspection. Avoid contractors who suggest skipping the permit.
My Murray home was built in 1968 with shake. What should I expect during replacement?
Likely skip-sheathing decking (gaps between boards). The decking will need to be sheeted with OSB before new shingles go on — typically $1,500–$3,000 added cost. A good Utah roofer will note this on the initial inspection and quote it up front.
Is wood shake still allowed in Murray?
Yes, but new wood shake installations are rare. Most Murray homes that originally had shake have converted to asphalt or metal. Wood shake lifespans in Utah are short (20–25 years), fire ratings are poor, and insurance carriers often surcharge or refuse wood shake roofs.
How do I find the original install date of my Murray roof?
Check your home purchase disclosure paperwork. If unavailable, Murray City may have permit records (call the building department). Real estate listings sometimes mention roof age; previous owner records may have receipts. Worst case, a roofer can estimate age within 2–3 years from inspection.
What’s the typical timeline for a Murray roof replacement?
1–2 days for most homes under 2,500 sq ft. Add half a day if decking needs to be sheeted. Olympus typically schedules Murray jobs 2–3 weeks out during summer peak season; faster in shoulder seasons.
What should I ask a Murray roofing contractor before signing?
Ask for DOPL license number, proof of insurance, manufacturer certification level, written labor warranty terms, permit handling process, and references from Murray homes built in the same era as yours.