Not all homeowners have the luxury of building a new home or buying the newest one on the market. Older historic homes will also need roof repairs just like any other home, but they may need a little extra attention. Repairing a roof on an older home will need to be done by a highly skilled professional. Kanga Roof offers repairs for homes of all ages and can help provide tips for maintenance and repairs on a roof on an older home.
1- Ventilation Issues
A common problem for roofs is having proper ventilation that will control the temperature of your home. Ventilation prevents moisture and heat from being trapped in your attic space which can affect the energy efficiency of your home. If you notice higher energy bills or mold growth in your older home, repairing the ventilation is the solution.
Repairing a roof on an older home requires precision, so hiring a professional roofing company will help you have a good balance of ventilation and insulation for your roof. The right amount will depend on the structure of your house, which will come from working with a professional roofer like Kanga Roof.
2- Flashing
The term flashing refers to the material used to keep water away from other materials in your roof. Moisture from rain, snow, sleet, and other sources can cause rotting or mold around your roof. This can lead to deterioration over many years. Repairing a roof on an older home will usually require you to improve the flashing element.
Some signs that your older or historic home needs better flashing are:
- Leaks in corners of the home
- Leaks and rotting around chimneys
- Mold around skylights, chimneys, and vents
- Rusted or broken roofing materials or flashing
Improving the flashing in your home will help stop accelerated deterioration, especially in historic homes. Repairing roofs on older homes takes the skills and knowledge that come with a professional. Our technicians with Kanga Roof work to patiently and safely remedy your roofing issues.
3- Leaks
If you have problems with flashing, you are bound to see leaking. There can be many causes and sources for leaks, but when they are not dealt with, they start to build up and deteriorate any roofing material. If you start to notice water stains or occasional dripping, you should repair the roof. When purchasing an older home, repairing the roofing may just be part of the process.
4- What Historic Material Is Best For You?
Repairing a roof on an older home may not be the best option if it has experienced major deterioration. Replacing parts of the roof or the whole roof may make the situation better. Kanga Roof has multiple options for roofing materials that can help homeowners have a more solid roof.
Wood Shingles
This popular material is America’s oldest natural material. White pine, oak, and redwood are popular for historic homes. When these shingles were applied, many needed a protective coating to provide durability, which can help them last up to 30 years. Repairing these shingles will depend on the supply of wood and the cost to purchase them.
The disadvantage of natural wood is that upgraded fire restrictions may prevent you from replacing them. If this is the case for your home, you may find yourself replacing the entire roof with a new material.
Slate
The durable slate became more accessible during the 19th century and was in a variety of colors. Durability and aesthetics were combined with slate roofing and the design was popular among European, and French chateaus, and Colonial homes.
Just like any other material, slate is prone to deterioration and erosion, especially by water. These roofs are prone to ice dams and may need to be replaced in an older home in a cooler climate.
Metal
In the 1700s metals like lead and copper were used for roofing material. Sheets of metal were used on bungalow-style roofs and may need to be repaired or replaced if the corrosion is severe. Copper roofs are the most expensive, but also have the longest lifespan of around 100 years.
Clay Tiles
Terra cotta tiles or other clay substance tiles were used by European settlers in the 1700s. Spanish colonial-style homes are where you see these tiles most and can last from 40 years to 50 years. Even though they are heavy and noncombustible, they can crack when walked on improperly or hit with a heavy object. Repairing a roof on an older home with clay tiles may be hard to repair in patches, but it can be done.
5- Choosing The Right Roofer
When you need roofing repair or replacement, you need to research a company that will do the job right. Especially when you are repairing a roof on an older home. If a company has great reviews, that may not be enough to handle your older home. When choosing a roofing company, ensure that they have insurance to cover damages, injuries, and other problems. This will save you from paying these costs or having the roofing company sue you.
Do your research on a company and ask questions about repairing a roof on an older home. A good roofing company will have detailed answers to your questions and will help you understand what the reroofing process will look like. Our team at Kanga Roof will walk you through our process and help improve the quality of your home with quality materials.
Our team has been awarded the Technician Seal of Safety and has instilled hard work and safety into each of our employees. Giving you high-quality roofing for your historic home starts with Kanga Roof.
