What Is Historical Restoration?
What Is Historical Restoration?
Historical roof restoration is the specialized process of repairing and preserving original roofing systems on older and historically significant buildings. Unlike standard commercial roof repairs, restoration work focuses on maintaining the architectural integrity of structures while upgrading them with modern roofing materials for long-term performance.
At RTG Solutions, we understand the unique challenges of working on historic properties across Lock Haven, Williamsport, State College, and the surrounding Central Pennsylvania region. From slate and copper roofs to aged flat systems, our team carefully repairs, replaces, or reinforces materials in a way that protects the building’s character while meeting today’s performance standards.
Whether it’s stopping water intrusion, replacing missing or deteriorated materials, or extending the service life of a historically important structure, we deliver restoration solutions that balance tradition with technology.
Historical roof restoration preserves the original character of older and landmark buildings while improving their long-term performance. Unlike standard repairs, it focuses on protecting architectural integrity with modern materials that blend strength and authenticity.
Serving Central Pennsylvania, including Lock Haven, Williamsport, State College and more, RTG Solutions restores slate, copper, and flat roofing systems with precision and care. Our goal is to stop leaks, replace worn materials, and extend the life of historic structures without compromising their heritage.
Common Challenges in Historical Roof Restoration
Common Challenges in Historical Roof Restoration
Restoring historic roofs requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail. Over decades, materials deteriorate, designs become outdated, and structural issues arise. These are some of the most common challenges property owners face when repairing or restoring historic roofing systems.
Restoring historic roofs requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail. Over decades, materials deteriorate, designs become outdated, and structural issues arise. Below are some of the most common challenges property owners face when repairing or restoring historic roofing systems.
Deterioration of slate, clay tile, or copper roofs over decades
Slate, clay tile, and copper roofs are known for their durability, but even these materials wear down after decades of exposure. Cracking, spalling, or corrosion can compromise the roof’s integrity and threaten the building’s preservation.
Structural issues with old decking or support systems
Many historic roofs rely on wood decking and support structures that weaken over time. Moisture infiltration, rot, or shifting foundations can cause sagging or unsafe conditions that must be addressed during restoration.
Water damage from outdated flashing or drainage designs
Early drainage systems were not designed for today’s climate conditions. Outdated flashing and drainage lead to ponding water, leaks, and interior damage, making upgrades essential in any restoration project.
Matching replacement materials to the original
One of the biggest challenges is sourcing materials that replicate the original roof design. Using slate, copper, or terracotta tiles that match the color, texture, and profile of historic materials ensures the restoration is both functional and authentic.
Slate, copper, and tile restoration
Restoring slate, copper, and terracotta tiles involves careful removal, repair, or replacement of damaged sections while preserving as much of the original roof as possible. These materials provide unmatched longevity and aesthetic value to historic structures.
Flat roof systems on older buildings
Many historic commercial buildings feature flat or low-slope roofs. Restoration may involve replacing outdated membranes with durable EPDM or TPO systems while reinforcing the original structure to handle modern demands.
Use of modern underlayments or roof coatings
Advanced underlayments and protective roof coatings add an extra layer of defense against moisture and UV damage. These modern products extend the lifespan of historic roofs without altering their appearance.
Compliance with historic preservation standards
Every project must meet local and federal historic preservation standards. This means balancing modern roofing performance with architectural integrity, ensuring safety, energy efficiency, and compliance with all preservation guidelines.
Materials & Techniques for Historic Roofing Projects
Materials & Techniques for Historic Roofing Projects
Successful historic roof restoration blends traditional craftsmanship with modern protective measures. Here are some of the key materials and methods roofing experts use to preserve the past while meeting today’s performance standards.
Successful historic roof restoration blends traditional craftsmanship with modern protective measures. Below are some of the key materials and methods roofing experts use to preserve the past while meeting today’s performance standards.
Benefits of Professional Historical Roof Restoration
Benefits of Professional Historical Roof Restoration
Historic buildings are more than structures, they are part of a community’s identity. Professional roof restoration ensures these properties are protected for the future while meeting preservation standards and providing long-lasting performance.
Historic buildings are more than structures, they are part of a community’s identity. Professional roof restoration ensures these properties are protected for the future while meeting preservation standards and providing long-lasting performance.
Protects architectural and community heritage
Professional restoration preserves original materials and craftsmanship, helping maintain the unique architectural identity of historic buildings while safeguarding community heritage.
Extends service life and prevents costly repairs
By addressing hidden damage and reinforcing aging roof systems, restoration extends the lifespan of historic roofs and reduces the need for expensive emergency repairs or full replacements.
Increases property value and compliance with preservation laws
Certified restoration work increases the market value of historic properties while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local historic preservation regulations.
Enhances energy efficiency with proper sealing and insulation
Modern restoration techniques improve insulation and reduce air leaks without altering the roof’s historic character, lowering long-term energy costs for building owners.
Our Historic Roof Restoration Projects
Our Historic Roof Restoration Projects
Maxwell Building Historic Resotration Project
The County proposed demolishing the historic building, the community advocated for its preservation. RTG price came in under $200k less than the next bidder allowing the project to be funded and additional monies to be used for future projects.
Immaculate Conception Church Project
Customers wanted to reroof the entire building, so we were able to preserve this historical Ludowici Terracotta Tiles and save the church the financial burden.
Maxwell Building Historic Resotration Project
The County proposed demolishing the historic building, the community advocated for its preservation. RTG price came in under $200k less than the next bidder allowing the project to be funded and additional monies to be used for future projects.
Immaculate Conception Church Project
Customers wanted to reroof the entire building, so we were able to preserve this historical Ludowici Terracotta Tiles and save the church the financial burden.
Historic Roof Replacement FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Historical roof restoration involves more than simply replacing old materials, it requires preserving the architectural integrity and original craftsmanship of the building.
At RTG Solutions, this means repairing or replicating features such as Ludowici terracotta tiles, slate roofing, copper flashing, and masonry parapets. Our restoration specialists carefully assess each roof to determine which elements must be preserved, repaired, or replaced while ensuring the roof system meets modern performance and warranty standards.
Yes. One of the most common concerns property owners have is whether historic roof restorations can comply with modern safety standards and roofing warranties.
Our team uses specialized techniques to reinforce existing structures, install new support systems, and integrate materials like EPDM or modified roofing without altering the building’s original appearance. This allows property owners to preserve history while enjoying the peace of mind of a modern warranty.
Not every roofing contractor has the expertise to handle historic buildings. Choosing a contractor without restoration experience risks damaging irreplaceable architectural features and can even disqualify a property from certain preservation grants or tax credits. RTG Solutions has successfully restored churches, government buildings, and other historic landmarks across Pennsylvania, combining technical skill with a deep respect for heritage. Our work often balances budget, preservation, and long-term performance, a critical combination for historical projects.
The materials chosen depend on the building’s age, original construction, and current condition. Common historic roofing materials include slate, terracotta tiles, copper, and wood framing. At RTG Solutions, we source historically accurate materials whenever possible and pair them with advanced underlayments, insulation, and flashing systems. For example, in our Maxwell Building restoration, we installed a new EPDM roof system while carefully repointing masonry and integrating new copper flashing, blending modern performance with timeless craftsmanship.
Historical roof restorations generally cost more than standard commercial roofing because of the level of care, materials sourcing, and craftsmanship involved. However, RTG Solutions frequently helps organizations reduce costs by finding efficient methods of preservation and leveraging our cooperative purchasing agreements (such as Omnia Partners). In some cases, our pricing has come in hundreds of thousands of dollars lower than competing bids, making restoration financially viable while preserving community heritage.