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.

Material Specifics

Slate roofs

  • ♦  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.

Standing seam metal roofing

    • ♦  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.

    Metal shingles

    • ♦  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.

    Fiberglass shingles

    • ♦  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.

    References

    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

    Ice Damn Article—Home Partners
    http://home-partners.com/articles/ice-dams-quick-fixes-cure

    Metal Shingles—Berridge Manufacturing Co.
    http://www.berridge.com/products/berridge-metal-shingles/berridge-victorian-classic-metal-shingles/