A New Roof for Your Historic Home: How to Keep that Old-World Look

POSTED ON: February 1, 2020

Louisiana has historic homes in abundance, ranging from small Acadian-style cottages to spacious Southern estates. For people who own and live in these storied homes, keeping up with the historic look is important while updating the home to modern energy standards and quality. What kind of roofing works for historic homes? There is a variety of roofing systems that will do. Speaking to your roofing contractor in Lafayette, LA can help you come up with the right roof for your home in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Wood Shingle Roof

Wood shingle roofs were once commonly used in rural areas. Fire wasn’t a concern like it was in the cities and towns, and wood was abundant. In the South, woods like cedar or cypress were used for wood shingle roofs as they are less susceptible to damage from the hot and humid weather. They can still be used today, but will be higher maintenance than modern material roofing and most roofing contractors will recommend switching them out for modern materials that provide a similar curb appeal.

Clay Tile Roof

In Louisiana, clay tile roofs are commonly seen on stately Spanish style architecture in New Orleans. Clay tile roofs are fire resistant and stylish, and were common in the tight spaces of Southern cities. Clay tiles are durable against severe weather, resist fading from the sun, and can be easily repaired or replaced. Their durability and long lifespan make them ideal for any historic or modern home.

Slate Roof

Slate roofs were a popular choice for homes in the 19th and 20th centuries. They offer charm and character, as well as durability and timeless elegance. Like clay tiles, slate roofs are resistant to fire, severe weather, and other hazards a roof is susceptible to.

Metal Roof

When historic homes are thought of in Acadiana, the first roof that comes to mind is tin. Many people will tell you the sound of rain on a tin roof is one of their favorite sounds, and metal roofs are common today throughout the area. Energy efficiency, durability, and long lifespan are just a few benefits of metal roofing. Modern metal roofs are galvanized to prevent rust, and they are relatively easy to maintain.

No matter what style is appropriate for your historic home, the first step in preserving your piece of history is an adequate roof. Roofs protect the structure underneath, and without adequate roofing a historic home will fall apart and be forgotten.

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