Roofs

General Tips

♦ No roofing material is maintenance free.
♦ If completely replacing your roof, replace with the same material or what was historically on the roof.
♦ A properly vented attic can reduce heating and cooling costs and extend the life of roofing materials.
♦ Gutter and downspout maintenance is part of roof maintenance. Water must be moved away from the building.
- ◊ Non-functioning gutters can cause ice damming in the winter.
♦ Repair any visible damage detected between inspections as soon as possible—missing shingles, snow guards, faulty flashing, etc.
- ◊ These are opportunities for water to enter and cause larger problems, deterioration, and rotting.
- ◊ Proper installation of flashing is very important. It should be stepped and folded into brick mortar joints and conservatively sealed.

♦ Depending on the slate, the lifespan can be 75-150 years.
- ◊ Though expensive, the lifetime of a slate roof is worth the investment.
♦ Must be properly maintained. Have inspected regularly. (Every 3 to 5 years.)
- ◊ Small repairs caught early will cost much less than large repairs for problems that have been let go.
♦ If you see a piece of slate missing, repair ASAP to prevent further damage.
♦ Ridges need to be resealed (approximately every 5 years).
♦ When making repairs to a slate roof, be sure to find a roofer with substantial experience repairing or replacing slate roofs. Not many roofers have this skill.
♦ Faux slate—not a good option, made from low-quality rubber.
- ◊ Within 1 to 2 years it starts to curl and not retain its original appearance.

♦ Lifespan if painted, 70+ years.
♦ The ridge of the roof should have a rolled ridge, not a cap, to create a more historically accurate appearance.
- ◊ For hipped roofs, this will apply to all ridges.
- ◊ Will need to vent the roof in another manner.
♦ Choose a matte finish on the metal, not glossy.
♦ Often a good choice for historic buildings.
♦ Comes with a Kynar or powder coat finish—should not need to paint for 20 to 30 years (still inspect every 3 to 5 years for damage).
♦ A well-maintained coat of paint will keep metal from rusting.

♦ Lifespan if painted, 70+ years.
♦ Come with a Kynar or powder coat finish—should not need to paint for 20 to 30 years (still inspect every 3 to 5 years for damage).
♦ A well-maintained coat of paint will keep metal from rusting.

♦ Depends on exposure to UV, but a quality roof will have a lifespan of 30 years.
- ◊ Less expensive choices will have a lifespan of about 20 years.
♦ Depending on the age of your home, this may be the appropriate material.
- Be wary of salesman trying to convince you that this material will be adequate, due to it being the only roofing material they offer.
♦ It is not appropriate to replace your slate roof with fiberglass composite shingles (nor does it make sense, slate has a dramatically longer life-span than fiberglass shingles).
♦ Fiberglass shingle warranties can be voided if there is a lack of roof ventilation.

Preservation Brief 4—Roofing for Historic Buildings by Sarah M. Sweetser
http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/4-roofing.htm

Preservation Brief 19—The Repair and Replacement of Historic Wooden Shingle Roofs by Sharon C. Park, AIA
http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/19-wooden-shingle-roofs.htm

Preservation Brief 29—The Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs by Jeffrey S. Levine
http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/29-slate-roofs.htm

Preservation Brief 30—The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs by Anne E. Grimmer and Paul K. Williams
http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/30-clay-tile-roofs.htm