blog
Axiom Roofing Insights
Historic Home Roofing Restoration: Preserving the Charm of Older Homes
The Pacific Northwest is rich in history, and our communities in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties—particularly places like Bellingham, La Conner, and Friday Harbor—boast some of the region’s most charming historic homes. These residences tell stories of the past with their timeless architecture, original craftsmanship, and unique materials. But when it comes time to restore or reroof a historic home, preserving its character while ensuring modern protection presents a distinct challenge.
At Axiom Roofing, we understand that reroofing historic homes requires more than technical skill—it demands an appreciation for heritage and an unwavering commitment to quality. With over 20 years of experience as a leading residential roofing contractor in Northwest Washington, we specialize in historic home roofing restoration, blending traditional aesthetics with durable, modern solutions.
The Challenges of Reroofing Historic Homes
Reroofing historic homes isn’t as simple as replacing shingles and calling it a day. These structures often feature architectural elements and materials no longer in widespread use, and they require a delicate touch to maintain their integrity.
Here are a few of the key challenges homeowners face when considering a roofing restoration:
1. Matching Original Materials and Style
Many historic homes in Whatcom County were originally roofed with cedar shakes, slate tiles, or even hand-split wooden shingles. Modern roofing materials may not replicate the texture, color, or dimension of these older products.
2. Structural Limitations
Older homes may have framing that wasn’t designed to handle the weight of modern roofing materials. Adding heavier roofing without proper evaluation and reinforcement can compromise structural safety.
3. Preserving Architectural Details
Historic homes often include intricate cornices, dormers, and overhangs. These details are part of the home’s character and can easily be damaged or altered by inexperienced roofing crews.
4. Meeting Modern Building Codes
Balancing historic authenticity with current building codes and energy efficiency standards can be tricky. Many historic homes were built before today’s code requirements existed, requiring thoughtful solutions to bring them up to modern standards without losing their historic appeal.
Axiom Roofing’s Expert Solutions for Historic Homeowners
At Axiom Roofing, we believe your home’s roof should protect your family while preserving the beauty that makes your historic home unique. Our team has extensive experience in residential roofing reroofing, specifically tailored to historic homes throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties.
Here’s how we help homeowners navigate these challenges:
1. Custom Material Sourcing
We work closely with top manufacturers and local mills to source or replicate historically appropriate materials. Whether it’s premium-grade cedar shakes reminiscent of the original roof or modern composite shingles designed to mimic slate, we ensure your new roof honors the home’s original style.
2. Handnailing for Precision and Longevity
One of the hallmarks of Axiom Roofing is our commitment to hand nailing shingles. Unlike crews that rely on pneumatic nail guns, our handnail approach ensures each shingle is installed with exacting precision, securing it properly without damaging delicate materials. Hand nailing allows us to adjust for the quirks and irregularities often found in historic roof decks, providing a longer-lasting and higher-quality installation.
3. Structural Assessments and Reinforcements
Our team begins each historic restoration with a thorough structural evaluation. We identify areas that may need reinforcement to support the new roofing system and make recommendations to preserve the integrity of the home while meeting modern safety standards.
4. Respecting Historic Details
Our experienced roofing professionals take the time to protect and restore architectural details. We design custom flashing and trim solutions that maintain the aesthetic of historic features, ensuring they remain a focal point rather than an afterthought.
5. Navigating Permitting and Compliance
In many communities, particularly historic districts like Fairhaven in Bellingham or Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, homeowners must adhere to strict guidelines when renovating. We’re familiar with these requirements and work with local preservation boards to make sure your new roof aligns with both code and conservation standards.
Why Choose Axiom Roofing for Your Historic Home Restoration?
For over two decades, Axiom Roofing has been the trusted residential roofing company for homeowners who expect craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep respect for historic architecture. We bring a full-service approach to every project, managing everything from material sourcing to cleanup with care and professionalism.
Our expertise in residential roofing new construction and residential roofing reroofing has made us the preferred choice for homeowners in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties. And with our hand nailing craftsmanship, we ensure your historic home’s roof isn’t just beautiful—it’s built to stand the test of time.
Preserve the Past, Protect Your Future
If you’re fortunate enough to own a historic home in Northwest Washington, trust Axiom Roofing to help you protect its legacy. Whether you need a full roof replacement, structural reinforcement, or expert consultation on restoring your roof to its former glory, we’re here to help.
Contact Axiom Roofing today to schedule a consultation. Let’s preserve the charm of your historic home—together.
