Historic Roof Series: Roof Design On The East Coast- What Makes It Different?

The East Coast boasts many historic homes. Virginia alone is home to priceless landmarks like Bacon’s Castle and The John Marshall House. If you own a historic home, here’s some good news: you can improve its aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance through historic roof restoration.  

We know how confusing roof restoration can be, especially when picking the best material. To help you make the right choice, here are some roofing designs popular on the East Coast. They will work wonders on your historic home.

1. Slate Roofs

Many historic homes on the East Coast have slate roofs. Homeowners in the region love this roofing material because it has incredible lasting power and can withstand the test of time.

Slate tiles, the primary components in slate roofing systems, come from metamorphic rocks. Their origin and composition lend them optimum durability and make them resistant to fire, mildew, mold, and rust. Besides, slate roofing components can retain historic roof design aesthetics over the years.

2. Metal Roofs

Most East Coast regions are humid, including the larger Virginia area. And as you may know, high humidity levels encourage fast corrosion in metals. However, this fact hasn’t and shouldn’t discourage homeowners from installing metal roofs. Why?

Some metal roofing materials are excellent choices for historic homes in coastal areas. These include stainless steel and copper. Stainless steel has chromium which reacts with oxygen and forms a protective layer that staves off rust and corrosion. On the other hand, copper is rust-proof because it doesn’t contain iron.

With the above in mind, copper is the most popular metal roofing option for historic homes. Most property owners prefer this material because its reddish-brown luster radiates beauty. Plus, it can last centuries.

3. Cedar Shingle and Shake Roofs

Cedar shingles and shakes are made from high-quality wood. They are popular in coastal areas because they can withstand the elements. Remember, most coastal regions are susceptible to issues like tropical storms and torrential rains, able to cause premature damage in most other roofing alternatives.

But cedar shingles and shakes have superior wind and storm resistance properties. In fact, they can withstand wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. Homeowners can also choose cedar roofing components treated with preservatives to prevent mold. This is an indispensable feature because the humid conditions in coastal areas encourage fungal colonies.

More importantly, if you take a closer peek at a historic building with cedar roofing, you may notice an enchanting, outdoorsy beauty.

Need Historic Roof Design Services?

If you own a historic home on the East Coast and need a roof designed to match its beauty and charm, try slate, metal, or cedar roofing components. Don’t know the material to choose? Worry not; we can help.

At Steven’s Roofing, we offer exceptional roofing services for historic buildings in Norfolk, VA, and surrounding areas. Our team is experienced in handling different materials, including copper, wood, and slate. Contact us now to find out more.