Preserving a historic landmark isn’t just about making sure the structure stays upright over the years—it’s also about keeping the original character and elements of the structure alive and well. One of the ways to do this is to make careful roofing choices that both respect the building’s historic design and protect it from harsh weather conditions that could compromise it over time.
To guide you through everything you need to know about preserving historic properties and choosing the right roofing systems, Maupin Roofing is here to offer expert advice for your historic roofing project!
What Is Historic Preservation?
Historic preservation of buildings and properties means properly taking care of older buildings and ensuring their careful maintenance through the years. This can include historic building restoration processes that preserve the property’s traditional materials, architectural style, and design. This way, the historical and cultural significance of these places are conserved and their structural support is strengthened simultaneously, allowing future generations to experience and appreciate them for a longer time.
Considerations When Preserving the Roofs of Historic Buildings
Finding Specific Materials
Historic preservation requires professionals to use the same materials originally used in historic buildings. As a result, it can be challenging to find specific natural resources and natural materials (including roofing materials) for historic preservation projects. It’s especially difficult to find and purchase various materials if they’re no longer in production, which leads many people to source rare or custom-made materials which tend to be pricier.
Maintaining Structural Integrity
Another challenge in roofing historic buildings is that you have to uphold the structural integrity of the historic building itself along with the roofing. That’s why it’s essential to use the right materials, tools, and techniques, as these help prevent damage. Additionally, it avoids additional weight that could lead to strain on the old structure and potential issues in the future. Ultimately, historic buildings require more careful consideration to ensure that the efforts to maintain and preserve the structure won’t negatively impact its overall stability.
Following Guidelines and Regulations
The National Park Service (NPS), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) implement the proper preservation processes of historic places throughout the US. There are certain standards for preservation that detail how a historic building should be restored and maintained. These guidelines are also often incorporated into local and federal laws or regulations, and complying with them is typically required to qualify for specific benefits.
Ensuring Design Uniformity
Aside from choosing the right roofing material for the preservation or restoration project, it’s also important that the newly installed or repaired roof matches the appearance and architectural style of the rest of the historic building. Professionals ensure that every square foot of the roof maintains the building’s original quality and design in order to preserve its historical appearance and integrity.
Higher Costs
It’s also expected that the initial cost to restore or maintain a historic building is significantly more expensive. This is because the preservation processes typically involve the use of original, custom, or specialized materials that match that of the historic property. Additionally, there are usually extra costs when it comes to complying with preservation guidelines.
However, if your historic house is part of the National Register of Historic Places, it means your property is officially considered a historically significant building in the US. Being part of the National Register of Historic Places list allows you to apply for financial assistance or gain access to restoration funds which can help cover the expenses to ensure the building is preserved correctly.
Alternatively, you can also look into requesting private funding from philanthropic trusts, donations from individuals, and applying for various state grants to cover the restoration costs.
External Elements and Climate Consideration
When it comes to preserving a historic building, external elements and climate conditions like high winds, heavy rainfall, snow, and hail should also be taken into consideration. These elements can damage the roofs of historic buildings, especially those in wet climates and fire-prone areas. When damaged, it will require additional structural reinforcement to make sure the property remains stable and safe. Proper installation, well-chosen roofing materials, and features like fire resistance can help keep the historic building in good shape for years to come.
Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for a Historic Structure
Many homeowners are aware that the right roofing material can boost their home’s curb appeal and market value. Roofing systems are an initial investment that is just as important as a home’s architectural style in terms of structural soundness and appearance. The same applies to historic buildings and choosing roofing materials: selecting the most suitable roofing materials is one of the secrets to successfully preserving the building’s architectural style and overall integrity.
Depending on the historic building’s original design and roofing materials, here are some of the most commonly used roofing systems for historic structures:
1. Slate Roofing
Slate roofs have been around for centuries and have a traditional look to them that makes them perfect for many types of historic buildings. Aside from their appearance, slate roofing materials are also strong, durable, and can handle harsh weather. Ultimately, slate roofing can be the right roofing material for your historic preservation as long as it matches the building’s original materials.
2. Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes
Another roofing material with a traditional charm to it is wood roofing. Wood shingles appear smooth and uniform, while wood shakes tend to be thicker with various textures, which give them a rustic look. While wood roofing materials fit the appearance of many historic buildings, these materials do need to be properly treated to be able to withstand the elements and protect the building’s structure.
3. Asphalt Shingles
Some of the most popular roofing materials, like standard asphalt shingles, are often used for residential and commercial roofing, but they can also be used for historic buildings. Asphalt shingles don’t have the same traditional look as other roofing materials do, but there are cases when asphalt shingles can be used to replicate the traditional style and color of the historic building.
4. Metal Roofing
Historically, materials like tin or copper were used in many kinds of structures. Metal roofing is generally cost-effective and promotes energy efficiency as metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat. In turn, this helps regulate temperature better, which lowers heating and cooling costs and leads to significant savings. Aside from that, metal roofs are also incredibly lightweight, meaning you don’t have to worry about extra weight adding pressure to the existing structure.
These features can be beneficial to historic buildings because they help maintain the property’s comfort without affecting the structure’s integrity. Other useful features of metal roofing include fire safety or fire resistance, making it a safe choice for historic preservation.
5. Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay tile roofs are often used for historic building roofing because of their classic, earthy appearance. Slate and clay tiles are both made from natural materials; clay tiles, specifically, are made from natural clay, making them durable and fire-resistant. Aside from aesthetics, clay tiles also keep buildings cool as they happen to absorb less heat.
Concrete tiles are made of cement, water, and sand. They’re heavier than clay tiles but they’re versatile as the material can be molded and shaped to imitate other types of traditional roofing materials, including clay tiles.
6. Thatched Roof
Similar to modern green roofs, thatched roofs are eco-friendly and provide natural insulation. Thatched roofs are made of materials like reeds, straw, or grasses, that are bundled together and laid out in layers to create a roof. These types of roofs are especially common in rural areas, though they are also used for historic buildings. With regular maintenance thatched roofing can be kept in great condition, maintaining the historic character of the property.
Hire the Right Professionals
The preservation and restoration of historic buildings require a proper installation process or repair procedure carried out by experienced professionals with specialized skills. Improper installation may lead to various issues like structural damage, leaks, and other problems that can affect the historic building’s overall structure and historical value.
With professional installation and specialized labor, you can ensure the home’s architectural style is retained while protecting the building’s existing materials and structure. When you choose the right professionals for a historic preservation project, you can rest assured that they’ll follow preservation guidelines to effectively conserve the building and its historical significance.
Maupin Roofing: Where Quality Meets Expertise
Maupin Roofing’s roofing contractors are the most reliable and dependable in Oklahoma City. Bringing years of experience to every project, they deliver nothing less than high-quality services and professionalism.
Contact us today and let our expert roofing contractors help you preserve your historic building!
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