Planning a roof replacement for your historic home? Before you begin, it’s important to understand what makes this process different from a standard roof replacement. A carefully executed historic roof replacement not only preserves the unique character and charm of your home but also upgrades its performance in critical ways.
Historic homes in suburban Philadelphia reflect diverse architectural styles—Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman, and more. Each style has its own roofing challenges and requirements, meaning a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.
Since a new roof can cover up to 60% of your home’s visible exterior, getting the materials and appearance just right is essential for maintaining its historic integrity and curb appeal. With expert planning and skilled installation, your historic home’s roof can remain both beautiful and functional for decades to come, staying true to its original design while standing up to the elements.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure a successful roof replacement on your historic home.
Where Tradition Meets Lasting Protection
Replacing the roof on a historic home is a careful balance between preservation and protection. In Philadelphia counties, many historic homes were built using original framing and construction methods that weren’t designed to support today’s heavier or more complex roofing materials.
Over time, structural elements may have weakened, become undersized, or suffered from age-related issues like rot or poor ventilation. That’s why it’s important to assess and reinforce these components to make sure your new roof will stand strong for years to come.
Adding to the challenge are strict preservation guidelines. At Porter Family Exteriors, we understand that working within the requirements of historical commissions takes time, patience, and thorough documentation. Material choices, and even color selections, often require official approval, so there’s no room for quick changes or shortcuts. Matching your home’s historic aesthetic requires careful attention to detail.
Roof replacement for historic homes is never a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about finding a lasting solution that honors your home’s history while protecting it for the future.
Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Historic Home
Replacing the roof on a historic home involves more than choosing a material that simply looks old. It requires thoughtful consideration of aesthetics, structural demands, local climate, and historical accuracy. With so many options available, understanding the pros and cons of each material is key to making a smart, lasting choice.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common roofing materials used in historic home replacements—both traditional and modern alternatives:
Slate
A classic roofing material often found on Colonial and Victorian homes, slate is prized for its beauty and exceptional lifespan.
- Pros: Incredibly durable (can last over 100 years), highly fire-resistant, and architecturally authentic.
- Cons: Extremely heavy, expensive, and requires strong structural support and skilled installation.
- Best for: Homes that originally used slate or have reinforced framing to support its weight.
Clay Tile
Another traditional choice, especially for homes influenced by Spanish or Mediterranean styles, clay tile adds rich color and texture.
- Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance, and excellent in hot climates.
- Cons: Heavy, brittle, and often unsuitable for older structures in colder climates due to freeze-thaw cracking.
- Best for: Homes with strong framing and appropriate architectural styles.
Wood Shake or Shingle
Used on early American and Craftsman-style homes, wood offers warmth and authenticity.
- Pros: Natural look, historically accurate, and good insulation value.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance, vulnerable to rot, insects, and fire (unless treated).
- Best for: Homeowners prioritizing historical fidelity and willing to commit to upkeep.
Ceramic Tile
A newer option that mimics clay but offers better performance in freeze-prone regions.
- Pros: More durable in cold weather, lower maintenance than traditional clay.
- Cons: Still heavy, can be costly, and may require structural evaluation.
- Best for: Homes where clay is historically accurate but a more climate-tolerant alternative is needed.
Asphalt Shingles (Modern Composite)
A surprisingly smart option for many historic homes, especially in Philadelphia counties where original framing may not support heavier materials.
- Pros: Lightweight, cost-effective, available in styles that replicate slate, wood, and tile. With products like GAF architectural shingles, you get durability and curb appeal.
- Cons: Less authentic than natural materials, but many historic districts accept high-quality replicas.
- Best for: Homes needing a balance of appearance, performance, and affordability.
As a GAF-certified contractor, Porter Family Exteriors specializes in installing high-quality asphalt shingles that preserve the look of historic architecture while offering modern protection.
Why Certification and Experience Matter in Historic Roof Replacement
Historic roof replacements require a unique blend of craftsmanship, architectural sensitivity, and up-to-date technical knowledge to ensure your home is both protected and preserved. Certified contractors have proven training, skill, and access to premium materials. These qualifications allow them to offer roofing systems that combine historical authenticity with modern performance.
Working with a certified roofing professional ensures:
- Proper assessment of structural integrity
- Accurate replication of period-specific styles
- Compliance with building codes and preservation guidelines
- Use of materials suited to both your home’s needs and local climate
Whether your home features a Queen Anne turret, a Colonial roofline, or a Craftsman gable, certified roofing experts understand how to preserve the character that defines your home, while upgrading the protection it needs for the decades ahead.
Protect the History of Your Home by Investing in the Future
Replacing the roof on a historic home isn’t just another upgrade—it’s a commitment to preserving the architectural story of your home while ensuring it can stand strong through decades of weather, wear, and time.
From navigating preservation guidelines to choosing the right roofing system, a successful historic roof replacement depends on expertise, precision, and a deep respect for the past.
Certified contractors with experience in historic properties understand how to maintain authenticity while applying modern performance standards, resulting in a roof that’s both beautiful and resilient.
At Porter Family Exteriors, we specialize in helping homeowners across Philadelphia counties make thoughtful, lasting updates to their historic homes. Our team brings together industry certifications, premium materials, and a passion for architectural integrity to deliver exceptional results every time.
Your historic home deserves more than a standard solution. It deserves a roof that protects what matters most. Request a quote today!
