New Roofs on Old Houses – You’ve Got Options

If your house was built before 1900, you know how challenging it can be to maintain—but you also know the joys of preserving a piece of history.  Roofing is a great way to make a statement about that kind of value, too.  Here are the four most common roofing materials:

Slate:  Slate is attractive, dramatic, and since it’s a type of rock, extremely durable.  It’s also very expensive.  A 4,000 sq.ft. roof can cost as much as $160,000.   If you like the look but not the expense, you might consider cement tiles or metal roofing, which can mimic the appearance of slate at a fraction of the price.

 

Metal: Depending on the profile, metal roofing can be harsh in appearance and difficult to install.  However, metal roofing offers excellent protection from the elements and can contribute to the aesthetics of a structure that will change with time—metal takes on beautiful patinas with age.  Like slate, metal roofing is expensive.  But it is also extremely durable.

 

Shake: It’s the look of the wild west, the pioneers, or the first New England settlers—or at least it seems to be. Shake looks old.  Authentic shake roofing, however, has a major drawback: it’s made of wood, and wood dries, rots, and admits leaks. If you still like the look, imitation shake products are available that look like the real thing (from a distance) and don’t discolor and warp. If you choose real wood shakes, keep an eye on the weight and make sure your roof’s structure can support it.

 

Composite Shingles: It’s the cheapest and most common type of roofing available, made of fiberglass and asphalt.  It can quickly make your old house look like all the others in the new gated community across town, if that’s what you really want.  Manufacturers are also offering composite roofing in different shapes and colors, which could be a way of saving money and giving the roof a special appearance, too.

The best way to find out more about roofing for your old house is to ask others what they’ve done.  You can walk around town looking at houses or even visit your local city planning commission. It’ll also help you figure out how to blend in—or stick out—among all the other houses on the block.  If you’re not sure about what type of roofing material would work best for your home, seek the advice of an experienced roofing contractor.