Beautiful historic Florida homes are the gems of their neighborhoods; however, they demand special care to keep them looking authentic.

This applies especially to roofing, as the wrong roof can destroy a home’s historic value.

When hiring a roofing company for a new roof, owners of historic homes must do their homework.

A roof company that is familiar with the historic homes of the area will know to consider these points for picking a roof that will protect well while maintaining the historic significance of the home as well as meet the requirements of the local historic conversation group!

1. Research Historic Roof Details

Roofing is a characteristic trait that is unique to different styles of historic homes.

To replace or repair these structures, roofers recommend that homeowners learn what type of roof is standard for their specific home style and era before assuming any standard, modern system will be acceptable.

Research building plans, old photos, documentation on the roofing process used for the home in the past, and anything else that can help to ensure the correct choices are made.

Then discuss the project with a roofing company that understands the goal of maintaining the historic value of the home and is willing to undertake the project.

If upgrades or restoration is needed as part of the new installation, original construction documentation will offer the most value for getting the roof right.

2. Hire A Roofer With The Right Experience

When seeking a qualified roof company to install a new roof on a historic home, look for contractors who have worked on others like it in the past.

Ask for references, look at their work, and then discuss with them their knowledge of the specific home type.

Make sure the roofer is detail-oriented and appreciates the historical element of older homes and that they have experience working with the specific materials required for an authentic roofing installation.

3. Inspect The Existing Roof Structure

An important part of the process of installing a new roof on a historic home is a detailed inspection of the existing installation.

During this inspection, a roof company with knowledge of historic buildings must assess the condition of the roofing structure and then determine whether it requires repairs and if it meets current building code standards.

Although some historic homes may not be subject to all modern building code requirements, Florida homeowners and their contractors should address the best options for repairing existing damage and whether updating the support design to modern standards is recommended considering the continuous increase in extreme weather.

4. Choose the Right Roofing Materials

After addressing roofing structure, repairs, and other concerns for keeping the roof true to its historic nature, homeowners and their roofing company must then decide on which exterior materials to use.

Clay tile and slate were commonly used on historic buildings and to this day, they make attractive, durable, and authentic options that can withstand some of Florida’s worst weather.

In cases where the cost of these materials or their weight are prohibitive, seek recommendations from roofers experienced with historic homes on alternative materials like metal shingles designed to mimic original slate or clay.

Historic Homes Require Extra Attention

One of the most characteristic and beautiful parts of a historic home is an authentic roof that has stood the test of time.

To retain that character when a new roof becomes necessary, as well as the historic value of the home, roofing companies should be chosen with care.

An experienced and knowledgeable roof company that specializes in historic homes is the contractor of choice for homeowners looking for the best and most appropriate new roof to protect their valuable home!