Living inside a carefully preserved piece of history and Americana can be very rewarding and surprisingly expensive. Older homes, particularly those labeled historic, have extra maintenance costs on any exterior repairs. Your historic roof is a big concern because older roofs are more expensive to fix and sometimes nearly impossible to replace.
But, nearly impossible is what the right roofer can do for your home. From sourcing hard-to-find roof materials to maintaining structural integrity and architectural significance, the right roofer keeps your home modern in function and retro in style. Let’s take a look at the challenges and rewards of restoring historical roofs and how you can stay on top of maintenance for an older building.
What Makes a Roof ‘Historic’?
Age. The age of your roof and home are the biggest determining factors for whether or not a roof is historic. A home built circa 1750 that still has all-original detailing is a historic building, even if it isn’t a listed one. Listed historic buildings have legal regulations that require owners to use repair materials close to the originals and to maintain the look and function of a historic building.
Other factors might include architectural significance, craftsmanship, and roofing material. Architectural significance is a big part of getting a property listed and eligible for government tax programs that may help offset the cost of a historic roof renovation.
Representing an Era
In the U.S., different architectural design eras define the roofing styles and materials used. Here are some of the most common:
- Colonial (1600-1780) – These homes often featured wooden shingles or clay tiles, reflecting European influences.
- Victorian (1840-1900) – Highly ornate, steeply pitched roofs with slate shingles or wood shakes were common.
- Craftsman (1900-1930) – Low-pitched gabled roofs with deep eaves, often featuring wood or asphalt shingles.
- Mid-Century Modern (1940-1970) – Flat or low-slope roofs with asphalt or metal materials, designed for practicality and efficiency.
Each era represents unique craftsmanship and materials, which must be carefully preserved during restoration.
Historic Materials and Craftsmanship
Historic roofs were built using materials that were both durable and locally sourced. Some of the most common materials found on historic roofs include:
- Wood Shingles and Shakes – Common in Colonial and Craftsman homes, made from cedar, cypress, or oak.
- Slate Tiles – Used in Victorian and Gothic Revival architecture and were known for their durability.
- Clay Tiles – Often seen in Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival homes, offering longevity and fire resistance.
- Metal Roofs – Popular in 19th-century industrial buildings and farmhouses, typically made from tin, copper, or zinc.
The craftsmanship involved in these materials was significantly different from today’s mass-produced roofing. For example, wood shingles were hand-split rather than machine-cut, and slate tiles were meticulously quarried and laid by skilled masons. Restoration specialists must replicate these techniques whenever possible to maintain authenticity. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find hand-split wood shingles, a historic roof restoration expert can find modern manufacturers that produce reasonable alternatives. When done well, some historic roof restorations can last for more than a century with minimal need for repairs. They really don’t make things the way they used to.
The Benefits of Buying Into Historic Restoration
Restoring a historic roof isn’t just about preserving history—it also comes with potential financial incentives. There are several different state and federal programs that offer tax credits or grants to homeowners who undertake historic preservation efforts.
- Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives – The National Park Service (NPS) provides a 20% tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic properties that are income-producing (NPS.gov).
- State Historic Tax Credits – Many states offer additional incentives for historic preservation. Homeowners should check with their state’s historic preservation office for eligibility. Tax credit amounts may vary, but with 38 states offering possible incentives, it’s worth putting in an application. For example, in Maryland, homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in tax credits over 24 months for historic restoration expenses related to a primary residence.
- Local Grants and Assistance – Some cities and counties provide funding or reduced property taxes for restoring historic homes.
Functional Improvements from Blending Modern Methods with Historic Material
While preserving historic materials is essential, blending modern techniques can enhance durability and energy efficiency. Some modern adaptations include:
- Synthetic Slate and Wood – Advances in manufacturing allow for historically accurate-looking materials that are more durable and fire-resistant.
- Improved Underlayment – Modern waterproofing materials can be used under traditional roofing to prevent leaks and prolong lifespan. Most historic restoration is more concerned with the appearance, not the support structures, giving you more leeway to select options that enhance roof performance.
- Energy-Efficient Coatings – Reflective coatings on metal roofs can maintain historic aesthetics while improving energy efficiency. You get the unique look of a tin roof without the extra heating and cooling costs with these coatings.
Conclusion
Historic roof restoration is a delicate balance of preservation and modernization. Whether you are maintaining a Colonial-era wooden shingle roof or a Victorian slate masterpiece, working with an experienced roofing specialist ensures that your home retains its historical charm while benefiting from modern advancements. And with potential financial incentives available, preserving history may be more affordable than you think.
You might also be interested in: Top 5 Indicators for When to Patch vs. Replace Your Roof
