Let’s talk about historic metal roofing. Did you know that metal roofing has been utilized on buildings since the 1800s? Once the French developed the ability to protect metal from rust by galvanizing it with zinc, this kind of roofing began to be employed to protect structures.
In fact, according to the National Park Service, by the middle of the 19th century, metal “was used on post offices and customhouses, as well as on train sheds and factories.”
The Park Service continues: “In 1857 one of the first metal roofs in the South was installed on the U.S. Mint in New Orleans. The Mint was thereby ‘fireproofed’ with a 20-gauge galvanized, corrugated iron roof on iron trusses.”
Now let’s talk about historic buildings with updated roofing (in other words, not necessarily original roofing).
Historic homes and buildings have a story to tell. Their character, their unique design, and the people that lived or worked in them make these structures something that is simply unlike the buildings today.
There have obviously been a great number of roofing styles and materials throughout human history: from wood and thatch to rocks and clay. Historic roofing materials provide a glimpse into humanity’s approach to protecting families and providing shelter.
Just in the United States, historic preservation societies have documented tin roofing, sheet metal, lead and copper roofs, slate roofing, tile roofs, and more. Architectural styles change, of course, and into the 20th century, we’ve moved to asphalt shingles and aluminum standing seams!
Here are some historic homes and buildings — with some historic metal roofing — that have been updated or have had a roof restoration to include durable metal roofing.
Victorian Home
This beautiful Victorian-era home with an updated roofing system. Notice that the roof has been customized to fit the cone or turret portion of the home. Metal can be ordered in various sizes and shapes, making it a great option for homes of all different styles.
1700s Home
This 18th-century home made of stone has been nicely updated with a secure roof that will stand the test of time. Metal roofs are known to last for 50 or more years when installed properly by an experienced team of roofing professionals.
1936 Home
A simple historic home from the 1930s with a bright red metal roof gives it a pop of color, making it stand out from other homes near it. Metal roofing comes in all types of different colors. So, no matter what color option suits your home best, we can customize it for you.
Old Church
A beautiful old church has been updated with a modern metal roof to keep its patrons protected from the elements, no matter what the weather does outside.
Did you know that aluminum roofing can reflect ultraviolet light from the sun, which helps reduce surface heat? This can ultimately help reduce energy costs and save commercial building owners or homeowners money on their monthly utility bills.
This type of roofing has a variety of benefits and can be beautifully matched to your historic home or building so it doesn’t lose its character.
At Mountaintop Metal Roofing, we are experienced in installing interlocking aluminum roofing systems on structures of all ages and styles. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
Metal Roofing Warranty
We’re proud to offer a world-class warranty for our growing list of customers who want metal roofing in Portland and Seattle. We mean what we say when we say: This is lifetime roofing — and our warranty reflects our belief in that saying.
Many products define “lifetime” as 10 years of full coverage before prorating.
Mountaintop Metal Roofing, on the other hand, installs products that keep your roof fully covered for as long as you own the home.
Warranty Highlights
- Will not chip, peel or crack
- 120 mph to 165 mph wind warranty
- 30-year chalk and fade resistance
- Non-prorated
- Transferrable
We believe homeowners should only ever have to replace their roof once. When it’s done right — and Mountaintop Metal Roofing always does it right — our customers will never have to worry about their roof again.
It’s just one of the reasons why our business continues to grow and expand into more and more of the Pacific Northwest.
For the absolute best in metal roofing — even historic metal roofing — we hope the choice is clear: Mountaintop Metal Roofing.