Historic Roof Restoration: What Makes It So Specialized?

Historic roofs are more than shelter—they’re part of a property’s architectural story and community heritage. Preserving them means protecting not only the building itself but also the history of the neighborhood and the culture it represents.

Restoring these roofs requires far more than just replacing shingles. It demands specialized materials, skilled craftsmanship, and strict adherence to preservation guidelines. 

At Pickard Roofing, we’ve restored some of the Triangle’s most notable historic homes and landmarks, bringing together traditional methods and modern protection.

A historic roof isn’t just replaced—it’s restored with care, precision, and a commitment to its original character.

Why Historic Roof Restoration Requires Special Expertise

Historic roof projects are complex because they blend preservation, architecture, and modern roofing science.

Architectural Preservation

• Many properties in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill fall under historic district or preservation society oversight.
• These rules require period-accurate materials, designs, and details to maintain architectural integrity.

Material Matching

• Authentic or replicated materials, slate, clay tile, copper, or wood shake, must be sourced carefully to blend seamlessly with existing sections.
• A mismatched material can compromise both appearance and preservation standards.

Craftsmanship Skills

• Restoring a slate roof in North Carolina or installing copper flashing on a 19th-century home requires techniques that aren’t common in modern roofing.
• Experienced roofers use specialized hand tools and old-world methods to achieve both authenticity and performance.

Learn more about our approach to preserving North Carolina’s historic roofs.

Common Historic Roofing Materials in North Carolina

Different eras of construction brought different roofing choices—and each requires unique expertise to repair or replace properly.

• Slate: Known for its longevity and fire resistance, slate can last over 100 years. However, it requires skilled cutting and fastening to prevent cracking.
• Wood Shake/Shingle: Popular in early North Carolina architecture, wood roofs add charm but require proper sealing and careful maintenance.
• Clay Tile: Heavy, durable, and distinctive, clay tile is often found on early 20th-century homes and mission-style buildings.
• Metal Roofing: Copper and tin roofs, especially common in historic districts, develop a patina over time that restorers must replicate when replacing sections.

Our in-house sheet metal fabrication allows us to recreate authentic flashing and detailing for historic projects.

For material-specific preservation standards, the National Park Service’s “Preservation by Topic” briefs provide detailed guidance followed by restorers nationwide.

Challenges Unique to Historic Roof Projects

Unlike modern roof replacements, historic roof restoration comes with added obstacles that demand expertise and patience:

• Fragile structures: Roof decks and framing in older homes may need reinforcement before new materials can be safely installed.
• Aging patinas: Matching the look of weathered slate, copper, or clay requires custom treatments and skilled blending.
• Site access: Many historic neighborhoods have limited space for equipment, requiring careful planning and hand labor instead of heavy machinery.

View our past restoration projects to see examples of our past work.

Navigating Preservation Guidelines in the Triangle

When working on historic homes, homeowners can’t simply hire a roofer and start tearing off shingles.

• In Durham and Raleigh’s historic districts, projects must be reviewed by preservation commissions.
• Property owners often need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before any work begins.
• Choosing a roofing team experienced in navigating local codes and approval processes can save significant time and avoid costly missteps.

The City of Raleigh’s COA page explains what types of exterior changes require formal approval.

Balancing Historic Integrity with Modern Protection

Restoring a historic roof doesn’t mean ignoring modern advances. Many updates can be made discreetly to improve performance without altering the roof’s appearance.

• Underlayments and waterproofing can be upgraded for better leak protection.
• Ventilation improvements help regulate attic temperatures and prevent moisture buildup.
• Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce heating and cooling costs while preserving the home’s historic character.

At Pickard Roofing, we believe in finding the balance between preserving history and ensuring durability. We bring the same precision to historic roof projects as we do to modern residential roofing systems.

Homeowners and income‑producing properties may qualify for North Carolina’s historic rehabilitation tax credits, see the current North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office page.

A Craft Rooted in Respect for the Past

Historic roof restoration in North Carolina is about more than repairs. It’s about honoring the architecture, preserving community heritage, and ensuring the roof performs for generations to come.

In Durham, Raleigh, and across the Triangle, Pickard Roofing delivers restoration services that respect your home’s history while protecting its future.

Have a historic home in need of roof repair or slate roof restoration in North Carolina? Schedule a historic roofing consultation in the Triangle today.