Historic homes have unique charm and beauty. Of course, they also have special upkeep requirements, including historic preservation guidelines that must be followed to protect their value. With that in mind—investing in replacement roofing means selecting a material that looks authentic, performs well, and meets local regulations.
To simplify this process, we’ve put together this practical guide for roofing materials that work well with historic homes. Read on to learn what to keep in mind as you choose your new roof.
Types of Roofing for Different Historic Home Styles
It’s a good idea to match roofing materials with specific historic architectures. Here’s a look at the most common roofing materials and which houses they’re most often used for:
Slate
Natural stone roofing is popular on elegant architectural styles such as Arts & Crafts homes. Slate is durable and fire-resistant, and it comes in lovely colors and textures. However, it’s costly. It’s also heavy, and it requires expertise for a proper installation. Synthetic designer roofing shingles that mimic slate may be a good alternative if you crave this look.
Clay Tile
Clay tiles are common for a variety of historic styles—including Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Victorian, Tudor, and Mission houses. They’re strong, fire-resistant, and come in attractive earthy colors—but they are pricey and heavy, so you’ll want to ensure your home’s structure can handle the weight. Concrete tiles may be an alternative if you want this look.
Shakes and Shingles
This might surprise you, but asphalt roofing has been used for over 100 years. If your home is from the 1920s or later, asphalt roofing may be historically authentic as well as practical. It’s adaptable, lightweight, and easy to install. It can also be made to mimic older materials, such as wood shingles and shakes—which were commonly used on Craftsman, Bungalow, Colonial, and Victorian homes. Wood, of course, looks attractive—but it’s also flammable and needs regular treatments to resist fire, rot, and pests. Asphalt designs that mimic wood are a good alternative.
Metal
While you might think of metal roofing as modern, it has been used for centuries. Copper in particular develops an attractive patina that makes a historic home draw the eye. Old metal roofing styles were noisy, but today’s metal roofs are designed to be quieter during rainstorms. They’re also energy-efficient, and can be made to resemble historic designs.
Key Considerations for Replacing a Historic Roof
It’s essential to decide which roofing material protects your house’s historical status as well as meets your goals for efficiency, performance, and appearance. These 7 factors should weigh into your selection:
1. Architectural Accuracy
It’s important to bring out the beauty in your house’s original architectural design. Research your home’s architecture, talk with your local historical society, and get guidance from historic renovation experts (like us) to determine what type of roofing will maintain an authentic look for your property.
2. Durability and Performance
Appearance is not the only question to consider. Your roof also has to do its primary job—protecting your house against sun, rain, snow and hail. You’ll benefit from low-maintenance, long-lasting roofing that is proven to deliver high performance. This ensures your home stays free of costly moisture damage and retains its value—so don’t compromise. Choose roofing that gives you the results you deserve.
3. Affordability and Budget
In practical terms, any home improvement project should fit into a budget. With historic houses, some give and take may be necessary. Authentic roofing from past time periods, such as natural slate and copper, tend to be costly—yet some modern materials may not complement your architecture. Find a balance between budget and style so that your home retains its charm.
4. Climate and Energy-Efficiency
The weather in St. Paul and Minneapolis is known for strong thunderstorms with high winds in spring, snowy winters, and humid summers—which means your roofing should withstand those extremes. Options that are durable, such as designer asphalt roofing, may be worth investigating. And if energy efficiency is one of your goals, metal roofing or synthetic slate can provide insulation.
5. Historic Guidelines and Local Regulations
If your home is designated as historic, then there are likely to be specific rules you must respect while updating your roof. You may need to reach out to the local preservation society, neighborhood association, and municipal authorities to find out what you can and cannot do as you renovate. These regulations may limit what roofing materials you’re able to use.
6. Weight of Roofing Material
Depending on your historic house’s age and structure, you will likely need roofing that is lightweight. Many older homes were not built to bear hefty weight. Before choosing a heavy material such as natural slate or tile, find out from your roofer or a structural engineer what your home can handle.
7. Roofing Contractor’s Expertise
Because historic homes have structural concerns and preservation requirements to account for, it’s worth finding a roofer with years of experience in updating historic homes. Look for a team that knows intimately how to help you preserve your home’s historic status. Not all roofers have that expertise—so get references, ask around, and check out examples of other historic homes like yours to see the quality of the work that’s been done before you hire someone.
Gain Peace of Mind in Your Historic Home’s Roof Replacement with Guidance from Our Local Experts
Updating your historic home’s roof may mean being more mindful of the regulations you must meet, but it certainly doesn’t have to be difficult. Working with an experienced roofing team that’s well versed in local preservation requirements will help make your roof replacement a streamlined, stress-free process.
At Iron River Construction, we take pride in our craftsmanship approach to historic home upgrades. See for yourself what we can do for your historic home by checking out our recent 1930s cabin remodel.
