Restoring a Historical Roof
Owning and restoring a historic home isn’t for everyone. No matter how well cared for a historic home is, wear and tear will eventually call for restoration. The roof is one of the most important features to focus on when restoring a historic home. Not only does it contribute to the aesthetic of the home, it is also critical to the preservation of the entire building. Ensuring your roof is watertight is critical to any home, but the potential damage that leaks can cause to historic homes is significant.
What Makes a House Historic
Just because a house is old does not mean it is classified as a historic home. A historic home must be at least 50 years old and meet one of the following criteria:
It’s connected to significant, historical events
It’s connected to the lives of significant individuals
It’s considered an embodiment of a particular master or historic style
It has provided or is likely to provide important historical information
It is also common for homes that may not meet the criteria listed above to be classified as a historic home because they are located in a historic district designated at the federal, state or local level. The National Register of Historic Places has a record of over 95,000 properties that are classified as historic. According to the National Register, there is at least one property in every country in the United States that is registered as a historic building.
Owning a historic home is a big responsibility. The historic boards or association your home falls under may require that you obtain permits before making changes to the exterior of your home and that you abide by certain requirements. Challenges to historical roof replacements include obtaining the correct material, recreating the original style, and abiding by building codes or preservation requirements.
Roof History
If a full roof replacement is deemed necessary, you will need to do proper research to ensure your new roof aligns with the original design and complies with any regulations.
Anything pertaining to the history of your roof should be included in your historical research. Common examples of useful documents include the original building plans, original insurance surveys, newspaper descriptions and even personal records or pictures. Check your records for any work done to the roof or evidence of the original design that the new roof should follow. If no documentation can be found, it is possible that a professional roofer could determine the original roofing material and style. Occasionally, if your home has had a prior roof replacement that did not uphold the appearance of the original roof, evidence will be layered beneath the current roof. Knowledgeable roofers can interpret the signs of an older roof and determine the history of your roof based on material, nails, scraps of metal, etc.
Historical Organizations
Even though it is your roof, you may face some restrictions concerning the changes that you are allowed to make. Consult the necessary organizations in your area and ensure your plans are in accordance with their limitations. In some instances, your historic home may be restricted by building codes. However some exceptions may occur to historic homes or those located in historic neighborhoods. Be sure to do your research and make sure you won’t run into any complications during the replacement process.
In the event of an emergency, you may require an immediate patch or repair done to your roof before you can obtain permission from the necessary groups. Be sure to hire a professional that has experience working with historic homes so they do not remove any evidence of the original roof that may come in handy when you are replacing it and lack physical documentation.
Historic Roofing Materials
Wood shingles are among the oldest and most reliable roofing materials. From colonial to modern homes, wood shingles provide a rustic aesthetic. They are a popular choice due to the variety of shapes and styles. When installed professionally and properly maintained, wood shingles can last up to 30 years. However, they are susceptible to decay from water damage and buckling. On a positive note, wood shingles are typically easy to repair or replace when damaged.
Slate roofing tile is known for its quality and durability. Evidence shows that slate roofing material was used in colonial settlements dating back to the 17th century, however it wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that slate was a prominent roofing material. Consisting of natural stone (sedimentary rock and volcanic ash) slate is resistant to fire, inclement weather, and other harsh conditions which contributes to its long lifespan. Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and gives your home a timeless appearance.
Metal roofing was common in the 19th century and many historical homes can still be seen with their original metal roof. Metal roofs are very durable and provide protection from inclement weather or fire, all factors that benefit historic homes. While modern metal roofs have a variety of materials to choose from, the most popular material used on historic homes was copper. Metal roofs are known for their longevity but the biggest challenge can be combating corrosion. Luckily, modern solutions reduce the risk of corrosion and rust that affect metal roofs.
Clay tiles date back to 17th century Spanish style homes and come in a variety of styles and colors. They are an impressive roofing material because of their long lifespan, durability with sun exposure, and visual appearance. While clay tiles are fire resistant, fierce weather including high winds can cause damage. However, clay tiles are easy to replace and match the existing color and style.
Repairs and Replacement
Restoring a historic roof is not a simple task. Matching the correct material and style of your home is a task best left to the professionals. That means DIY roofing is not recommended for any home, especially historic homes. Make sure you work with industry professionals to ensure anything from an emergency patch to a complete replacement is done by people who can maintain your home’s integrity. Elite Roofing and Restoration is prepared to help with all of your restoration needs, after all, it’s in our name! Contact us today to get started!
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
