The Best Contractor for Historic Roof Restoration and Preservation

Roof repairs in Colorado are pretty complicated, even in the most ordinary circumstances, let alone the architecturally, culturally, and historically significant ones. Historical roofs hold immense value and character, and these are worth protecting.

Historical roofs are not like any random old structures; they are an integral part of a building’s past and personality. To repair or replace these requires a keen eye and expert techniques, so the building retains its appeal, and everything is tackled with utmost responsibility. At Horn Brothers Roofing, we specialize in historic roof restoration and preservation, which allows us to increase your roof’s lifespan safely and considerably.

WHAT MAKES A PROPERTY HISTORIC?

Three essential factors label a property as historic:

Age – The property must be at least 50 years old to meet the criteria of being historic.

Integrity – Besides sufficient age, the property’s integrity or character-defining aspects must be relatively unaffected.

Significance – The property’s significance is defined in three distinct ways:

• Direct association with developments or activities that reflect the aspects of history
• Embracing distinguished characteristics of architecture and style
• Potential to provide crucial information through architectural, archaeological, or physical investigations

Besides residential buildings, some good examples of historical structures may include association buildings, churches, courthouses, government buildings, historical sites, libraries, museums, national park buildings, plantations, and more.

CHALLENGES OF HISTORICAL ROOF REPLACEMENT & RESTORATION

When it comes to roof replacements of historical buildings, the project goes beyond average considerations. The job requires a team of qualified professionals who are well aware of the critical challenges they can face on their way and retain the capability to turn constraints into opportunities. Here is a closer look at how historic roof replacements can be complex without the expertise of Horn Brothers Roofing experts:

1. DETERMINING WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH

During a roof replacement, the mere age and location of the property can present several challenges. Next, materials such as asphalt, copper, iron, metal, slate, tin, wood, or zinc used to construct the building must also be considered. The techniques of roof removal and roof replacement can further vary based on the property’s structure and its era, making it an even more delicate process. Therefore it takes a proficient team to deploy the necessary skills and fix the damage, preserving all historical details.

2. DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE

Determining the cause of failure or damage with historic roofs is another major hurdle with the project. However, it is a crucial step, and the team would ensure not to use any techniques or materials during the replacement that may not hold up to the specific complications.

3. DOCUMENTATION

Besides any physical difficulties, historic roof restoration and replacement may present challenges of what documents may be necessary to initiate and complete the process. Ideally, the roof must have its original condition details documented in terms of how it was constructed, the materials used, how old it is, any newer additions, different rooflines, and other intricacies.

4. EXPERIENCE

Historic roof replacements must never be carried out by an amateur or someone with the least know-how of serving such older structures. Rely on a skilled team’s expertise to uphold the structure’s original style, materials, and time-tested techniques. Finding veterans may be difficult, but if you are looking to get your historic roof replaced anywhere in Colorado, Horn Brothers Roofing specialists can help you with their quality workmanship and value. You can indeed count on us.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR A ROOF REPLACEMENT

Your house is going to be shaking and vibrating during the roof replacement. The outcome will make the process appear exciting. Kids may be in awe seeing the experts tearing, ripping, hauling, and nailing the roof. Pets may want to sneak in closer to the action and observe the things. But once the roofers you hire for the project arrive at your property, your home will not be less than a war zone. The circumstances are dangerous, and anything can pose unexpected hazards.

Horn Brothers prioritize making historic roof replacements seamless and stress-free. But we also always suggest our customers take the necessary safety precautions and prep their home for a roof replacement.

1. THINK ABOUT YOUR KIDS, PETS, OR VULNERABLE ADULTS

While interesting to watch from a safe distance, roof replacements can also add to one’s anxiety, especially with kids, pets, or any vulnerable adults at home. So, make sure you talk to them, tell them about the necessary safety measures they must take, and restrict free movement to certain areas until the project completes.

2. TAKE THINGS OFF THE WALLS

When replacing the roof, vibrations travel heavily through some walls. So remove anything that may be on the walls and is easily breakable, including light fixtures, decorations, wall hangings, or anything that is not screwed permanently.

3. MOVE YOUR VEHICLE

Keep all your vehicles away from the garage. The contractors on duty need easy and quick access to their tools and materials. The garage can be an accessible space for them throughout the project where they can store all their stuff, plus relocating the vehicle also saves it from any unforeseen destruction.

4. MOVE FURNITURE AWAY FROM THE WORK ZONE

If you have high-value furniture, décor, BBQ, trampoline, grills, lawn ornaments, potted plants, and other items susceptible to damage inside or around the property, the best is to have these moved away from the site before the roofing team arrives. You can do it all by yourself or hire a moving company to take care of your valuables. The aim is to allow as much room for the work zone and roofing materials as possible, so the process goes smoothly, and you do not lose any of your belongings.

5. PRUNE YOUR TREES

Before the replacement process begins, cut long grass and trim any trees going haywire around the roof’s perimeter to allow more space. The workers on site will definitely protect anything in the immediate perimeter with drop cloths. But whatever needs trimming, address those issues at least a day before the team arrives. Not only will it be safer for the team to work around the project site, but even the landscape will remain intact and accumulate less debris.

6. COVER ITEMS IN THE ATTIC

During a historic roof restoration or replacement, the process may reveal several uncertainties, most of which the contractors may know about. However, surprises can always make the situation tricky. Therefore it is best to cover all your belongings in the attic as well till the project finishes. Use old sheets or drop cloths and be prepared for some amount of cleaning post-completion.

7. TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

Let them know about your plans and an anticipated time frame for the project to conclude. It will allow your neighbors to adjust their situations and schedules according to your construction. They will thank you for keeping them informed, plus it also saves you from any liabilities that may arise during the project due to miscommunication or mismanagement.

INTERESTED IN A HISTORIC ROOF REPLACEMENT? HORN BROTHERS ROOFING SPECIALIST CAN HELP.

Every roofing project offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities to transform the space. Understanding the complications and identifying the solutions necessitates discovery, exploring options, consistent testing, and continuous discussions. The Horn Brothers team knows what is best for different homeowners and their specific requirements. We stay focused and committed to ethical and updated practices. With our long-standing track record and quality craftsmanship, we are the go-to contractors for thousands of homeowners in Colorado. If you are interested in historic roof restoration, repair, or replacement, we are capable of doing that. Please request a quote or schedule a consultation with our roofing experts today to ascertain your options and know the ones that are 100% suitable for your needs. Get in touch with us.