Historical Homes, Modern Roofs: Preservation Tips from Philadelphia Roofers
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- 12 Dec 2025
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With 30 years of experience with all types of roofs and materials, Discounted Roofing LLC is proud to offer quality roofing services in Philadelphia. Get a free quote today.
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in America, boasting a rich tapestry of historic architecture. From the Federal-style townhomes of Society Hill to the Victorian mansions of Germantown, these buildings are national treasures. However, putting a roof on a 150-year-old house is not the same as roofing a modern subdivision. It requires a delicate balance of preservation and modernization. Expert roofers in Philadelphia, such as the team at Discounted Roofing, act as the custodians of this history, ensuring these homes stand for another century.
The Slate Challenge Many of Philadelphia's historic homes were originally roofed with slate. Slate is beautiful, fireproof, and incredibly durable, often lasting over 100 years. However, it is heavy, brittle, and expensive to repair. When a slate roof starts to fail, homeowners face a dilemma. Replacing it with genuine slate is a massive investment. Replacing it with standard asphalt shingles can ruin the historic aesthetic and lower the property value. Experienced roofers offer solutions. They can perform "slate restoration," replacing only the broken tiles and re-flashing the valleys with copper. Alternatively, they can install "synthetic slate"—a modern composite material that looks exactly like stone but is lighter, cheaper, and more durable.
Cornices and Box Gutters A defining feature of the Philly row home is the decorative cornice at the roofline. Behind these ornate wooden or metal facades often lie "box gutters" (or built-in gutters). Unlike modern aluminum gutters that hang off the edge, box gutters are built into the roof structure itself. These are notorious leak points. If the lining of a box gutter fails, water rots the cornice and flows into the walls. Many inexperienced contractors will suggest cutting them off and installing standard gutters—a tragedy for the home's curb appeal. Specialized roofers in Philadelphia know how to reline these box gutters using modern rubber membranes or soldered copper, preserving the architectural lines while ensuring they are watertight.
Ventilation in Old Structures Modern homes are built with soffit and ridge vents to keep air moving. Historic homes were not. They were designed to "breathe" through drafty windows and uninsulated attics. When we add modern insulation and air-sealing to these old houses to save energy, we trap moisture. Without proper roof ventilation, this moisture rots the ancient timber framing. A skilled roofer understands how to retrofit ventilation systems into historic roofs without adding unsightly metal mushrooms that disrupt the silhouette of the house. They might use low-profile vents or specialized ridge systems that blend in invisibly.
Navigating Historic Commissions If your home is in a designated historic district (like Old City or Rittenhouse), you cannot just do whatever you want. The Philadelphia Historical Commission has strict guidelines on what materials can be used. You might be required to use specific colors or materials that match the original construction. This is where hiring local roofers in Philadelphia pays off. They are familiar with these regulations. They can help you submit the necessary permit applications and provide samples to the commission for approval, saving you from costly fines or being forced to redo the work.
Structural Integrity Old timber is strong, but it sags over time. Before installing a new roof, especially if switching materials, the deck must be inspected. A roofer used to working on historic properties knows what to look for—termite damage from the 1950s, fire damage from a coal stove, or rot from a long-forgotten leak. They can reinforce the rafters to ensure the roof is structurally sound enough to hold the snow load and the new roofing system.
Conclusion Owning a historic home is a stewardship. You are preserving a piece of the city. But preservation doesn't mean living with leaks. By working with knowledgeable roofers in Philadelphia like Discounted Roofing, you can leverage modern waterproofing technology to protect your historic gem, ensuring it remains a proud part of the Philadelphia skyline.
