Historic homes have a cozy, personal touch that, for many, is preferred to the sleek, modern style. These homes come with a built-in story to tell and a feeling of connection to your area, especially here in Richmond, where you’ll find signs of colonial settlements, Civil War battles, and homes once lived in by the people you read about in history books.
There are many special considerations that must be taken into account when your home is historic, and roof repair or replacement is one of them. Older roofs, or roofs made with older materials, often require more frequent repairs, which sometimes must be approved by historical societies. Preserving the aesthetic of your home may be of the utmost importance to you, requiring a roofing contractor who knows how to replicate the look of a historic roof with updated, durable materials.
SlopePro is your expert roofing contractor for the Richmond area and Southern Atlanta, Georgia area, adept at handling the challenges faced by historic homes, no matter if you need roof replacement, roof repair, or storm damage roof repair.
The Importance of Preserving Historic Roofs
Central Virginia is one of the best-preserved historic areas of the country, with some buildings dating back to the very inception of America. Continuing to honor that legacy by upholding the historical value and architectural integrity of your home, even as it undergoes roof repair or replacement, is a priority for most homeowners. A quality, long-lasting roof is essential to maintaining the overall structure of your home, as holes, water damage, or leaks in your roof can lead to issues with your gutters, windows, and even foundation down the line.
SlopePro understands the need for a careful hand when it comes to historic homes and is also an expert in the legal and regulatory considerations that may need to be made if your home is under the jurisdiction of a historical board or association. If permission is needed to repair or replace your roof, we’ll handle everything, from creating the detailed plan to present to the board to carrying out repairs exactly as approved.
Roof Repair for Historic Homes
If you notice leaks, water damage, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear on your roof, especially after a storm, you should call a roofing expert immediately. After completing a roof inspection and determining the best course of action for your roof repair, we’ll discuss your options for maintaining its beautiful, classic style.
Choosing materials that match the original design of your home is critical to both preserving the look you love and receiving approval from your historical board. Many materials used to build roofs centuries ago are still available today, from metal roofs preferred in the 1800s to clay tiles used in many of America’s very first homes. We’ll source materials that align perfectly with your home’s design and provide an accurate, reliable estimate of their cost to you.
There are also many techniques and best practices for preserving the authenticity of your roof. For example, historic roofing materials like clay tiles may be too delicate to walk on, which requires scaffolding and other specialized tools to properly repair without sustaining further damage.
Roof Replacement for Historic Homes
Roof replacement becomes necessary when 30–50% of your roof is damaged and simple repairs will not sustain its life. The age of your roof is another factor that may cause your roofing contractor to recommend replacement over repair.
While roof replacement is more costly than repair, it can also extend the life of your roof for decades to come. Selecting materials that suit your home’s style, while also being reliably high-quality, is the first step to a proper replacement. Metal roofing, for example, is just as durable today as it was in the 19th century. Working with experienced roofing professionals is important, as only they will know the scope of materials available to you and which ones are suited to your budget and historical needs.
Addressing Roof Storm Damage in Historic Homes
Storm damage is not always visible to the naked or untrained eye. Damage can be sustained to your gutters, pipes, shingles, and more, all of which may require storm damage roof repair.
Before you even contact your insurance company for roof repairs, you should have a roofing expert come to inspect the damage. SlopePro uses a 12-point Forensic Inspection to comprehensively examine all potential damage to your roof, inside and out.
There are certain strategies you can employ to prevent storm damage and preserve your current roof, such as cleaning downspouts, trimming trees, and securing loose items outside your house. But in the case of hail or strong winds, you may not be able to prevent damage from occurring. In those cases, it’s important to hire a professional roofing company that offers specialized care for historic structures.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
You chose a historic home for a reason. Don’t hire an inexperienced roofing contractor who won’t understand how special it is. If your contractor is proposing materials that would clash with your home’s style or seems unaware of the board approval process, you should look elsewhere.
SlopePro is a third-generation roofing company that has been expertly serving Richmond, Virginia, and Southern Atlanta, Georgia for many years. The roof repair or replacement process will be smooth and stress-free with SlopePro.
Richmond’s Historic Home Roofing Expert
When you notice signs of damage to your roof, or the time has come for a complete replacement, SlopePro can handle all the details required of a historic home. We’ll create a plan using materials and practices that preserve your home’s structure and aesthetic, present it to your historical board, and complete the project to the highest standards.
Your historic home is worth the very best. Call (804) 251-3006 to schedule an inspection with SlopePro Roofing, Richmond’s trusted experts in historic home roofing.
