The preservation of historic buildings is important to many people across the country. If you live in a historic home, then you probably understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the structure.
Repairing a historic home can be tricky, especially when it comes to fixing problems with a historic roofing system.
Historic roof repair and restoration is a highly specialized niche that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. Learn more about the unique aspects of historic roofing so that you will be able to see the value of investing in an experienced contractor for your own repairs and restoration in the future.
1. Meticulous Assessment and Inspection
All historic roof restoration projects start with a meticulous assessment of the structure as a whole. A roofing contractor will identify the type of roofing materials that have been used, as well as the technique used to install these materials.
Once the contractor has an overview of the roofing system, he or she will conduct an inspection to pinpoint the source of any leaks or damage.
Contractors will typically use a thermal device to complete their inspection since they are unable to disturb any existing roofing materials to see beneath a historic roof's surface.
2. Scaffolding Access
The materials that are used in historic roofing systems can be extremely delicate. It doesn't matter whether these roofing materials are original to the structure or reproductions of original materials, contractors will avoid walking on the roof of a historic home.
The inability to walk across a roof's surface means that contractors must get creative when completing a historic roof restoration.
Specialized scaffolding systems that protect historic roofing materials against damage will be used throughout the restoration process to provide access to various parts of the roof.
3. Quality Craftsmanship
When it comes to replacing any roofing materials that cannot be restored, it's important that a contractor be able to source new materials that will blend seamlessly with the remaining roof materials.
Contractors that specialize in historic roof restoration typically maintain a network of craftsmen who are able to recreate historic roofing materials using the same techniques that were prominent when the roof was originally constructed.
The quality craftsmanship of these materials ensures that roofing repairs will be compatible with a historic roof and not cause any corrosion or damage over time.
Don't leave your historic roof in the hands of an inexperienced contractor. Work with a professional that understands the unique aspects of historic roof restoration to preserve and protect your historic home.
For more information about historic building roof repair, contact a local company.