Roofing Materials for Historic Homes: Preserving the Past

Historic home owners value originality. Roofs may greatly impact curb appeal and character. Historic preservation requires proper roofing materials.Historic restoration roofing firms like www.ortegaroofing.com know what materials and installation methods suit your home’s design and age. DIY roof replacements on antique homes may detract.

Factors to Consider

Several key factors go into selecting the best roofing materials for vintage houses:

• Age of the house – Older homes used roofing materials common to the period like wood shakes, slate, clay tile, and even thatch. Matching the original or era-appropriate materials preserves authenticity. Roofing styles also differed by architectural styles like Victorian, Craftsman bungalow, etc.
• Historic designations – If your property has historic registrations or is part of a heritage conservation area, there may be material restrictions or codes to adhere to.
• Climate conditions – Historic roofing materials have varying durability and weather resistance. Assessing your area’s temperature shifts, precipitation, wind, and sun exposure helps select materials that will endure.
• Budget – Some traditional roofing materials can be premium-priced. However, investing in high quality, long-lasting materials that retain your home’s period details is recommended despite potentially higher upfront costs.

• Maintenance requirements – Some historic roofing materials like wood shakes require more frequent inspections, repairs and treatment to ensure their longevity. Assessing your ability to properly maintain the roof is important.
• Sustainability – Incorporating recycled or reclaimed historic roofing materials can provide environmental benefits. Options like recycled slate shingles are now available.

Traditional Material Options

Fortunately, there are roofing material choices that allow historic homes to preserve their old-world charm while still providing modern performance and protection:

Slate

• Has been used for centuries across Europe and North America
• Available in different grades, quality levels, and dimensional cuts
• Offers extreme durability with expected lifespans exceeding 100 years
• Has a classic, prestigious look befitting historic homes
• Can be expensive and requires specialized installation

Clay Tiles

• Used for thousands of years dating back to ancient Rome
• Distinctive shapes like Roman tiles, Mission tiles, French tiles
• Provide visual interest with wave patterns and terra cotta colors
• Durable, naturally fire-resistant, and grooved for drainage
• Can add significant weight load requiring structural evaluation

Cedar Shingles/Shakes

• Used since colonial times in early American folk houses
• Offer rustic, organic texture with natural grain and color variances
• Untreated western red cedar has good longevity if properly maintained
• Installation allows for ventilation to extend roof’s lifespan
• Grades vary thickness for durability; premium for historic homes

Modern Material Considerations

Sometimes using modern roofing alternatives makes the most sense for vintage homes. There are options which can closely replicate traditional materials:

Synthetic Slate/Tiles

• Mimic visual properties of natural slate and clay tiles
• Made from recycled materials like rubber, plastics, etc.
• Comparable durability and performance to natural versions
• Much more cost-effective and lighter-weight
• Enable greater customization of shapes, sizes and colors

Architectural Shingles

• Asphalt shingles made to emulate wood shake appearance
• Two-layer laminated construction with thicker base mat
• Rated for higher winds compared to standard 3-tab shingles
• Offer built-in algae resistance and UL fire rating
• Available in different colors with dimensional shape and shadow lines

Metal Roofing

• Replicates look of historic tin and terne metal roofing
• Modern metal alloys have greater longevity and weather-proofing
• Can be formed into custom tiles, shakes or panels
• Long-term cost savings from extended lifespan (60+ years)
• Large variety of colors and finishes (matte, patina, etc.)

When evaluating roofing contractors for your classic home, be sure to ask for portfolio examples of completed historical re-roofing jobs confirming their skills and experience. As specialists in historical roof replacement and restoration, Ortega has helped numerous vintage homeowners maintain the enduring beauty of their properties’ exteriors. Consult their experts so your beloved home’s original craftsmanship can continue being admired by future generations.