Historic Home Roofing Challenges: What to Know When Hiring a Roofing Company in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its architectural diversity—sprawling farmhouses, stone colonials, 19th-century rowhomes, and historic Victorians dot the landscape from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. While these properties bring character and charm, they also pose unique challenges when it comes to roofing. For homeowners preserving the integrity of their historic property, choosing the right roofing company in Pennsylvania is critical—not just for aesthetics but for structural preservation and code compliance.
Understanding the Complexity of Roofing Historic Structures
Roofing a historic home is never a one-size-fits-all project. Unlike modern buildings, historic homes were constructed with materials, layouts, and design principles that can be difficult to replicate or retrofit with today’s technology. Common materials used on these roofs include slate, cedar shake, copper, and clay tile—each of which requires specialized knowledge to repair or replace properly.
Moreover, historic roofs are often steeply pitched, contain intricate dormers or gables, and are tied into outdated drainage systems that must be evaluated carefully during any repair or replacement project. Attempting to update these roofs with improper techniques can result in damage to original architectural elements and reduced property value.
The Importance of Period-Appropriate Materials
Many Pennsylvania towns and neighborhoods have preservation ordinances in place that regulate how historic homes can be repaired or updated—including the roof. Some of these regulations require homeowners to use period-appropriate materials when replacing roofing components. In some cases, this might mean sourcing reclaimed slate or using new materials that mimic the look of original ones while offering improved durability.
A qualified roofing company in Pennsylvania will understand local preservation codes and have access to specialty suppliers. They’ll also have experience with installation techniques that maintain the integrity of heritage structures while enhancing weather resistance.
Structural Sensitivities and Reinforcement
Many historic homes were not built with today’s roofing loads in mind. For example, slate and tile roofs are significantly heavier than asphalt shingles, and the underlying framework of the home must be able to support that weight. Before any work begins, a thorough inspection of the framing and attic structure is necessary.
Skilled roofing contractors will often collaborate with structural engineers or perform reinforcement work as part of the roofing project, especially when the material is being restored rather than replaced with a lighter alternative. Proper load distribution, hidden fasteners, and custom flashing work are often part of the process.
Insulation and Energy Considerations
One of the biggest drawbacks of older roofs is their lack of insulation and energy efficiency. Many historic homes were built long before modern HVAC systems, so retrofitting proper ventilation and insulation without disrupting original materials becomes a balancing act.
Roofers familiar with Pennsylvania’s climate and older home construction will know how to integrate underlayment, insulation layers, and radiant barriers where possible. These improvements can drastically reduce heating and cooling costs without sacrificing the home’s historical integrity.
Trusting Local Expertise for Lasting Results
Restoring or replacing the roof on a historic property requires a blend of craftsmanship, code knowledge, and architectural sensitivity. Homeowners should seek out contractors who have a documented history of working with older properties and who can provide references for similar projects.
JP Construction Services is a well-respected roofing company in Pennsylvania that understands the challenges and responsibilities of working on historically significant structures. With a deep appreciation for architectural heritage and a commitment to precision, JP Construction Services has helped preserve countless roofs across the state—combining old-world craftsmanship with modern performance standards.
