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How Do I Choose the Right Roof for Historic Georgia Homes?

by Dalton Kelly Marketing
It's important to do your research when it comes to re-roofing an older Georgia home or making repairs to an older Georgia home. It's important to balance the look of a historic home with the functionality of the space. The building and its contents should be protected from sun and water exposure while retaining its period aesthetic.

A home's roof protects it from the elements, making it the most important part of the building. Despite this, finding roofing materials that match the historical period and provide good protection can be challenging. In addition to providing protection, some shingle alternatives can help you achieve the look you want.

Wood shingles, slate tile, and clay are the most common traditional roofing materials.

Wood

Cedar, oak, pine, and cypress are the most common woods used for wood shingles. American history has witnessed the use of these weapons in all parts of the country. The average lifespan of these devices is 25 to 30 years. Rain and ultraviolet light cause erosion of these structures. As a result, moss or fungus can grow on them, which can further hold moisture and cause rotting.

It is traditional to use wood shingles on roofs in the United States, as they are natural materials, they look rustic, and they are compatible with virtually every architectural style.

Despite their benefits, wood shingles may not be allowed by fire codes. Choosing your roof material should always be based on local codes. A protective coating is applied to some wood shingles to improve their fire resistance. There may be places where coated shingles are allowed but not where conventional wood shingles are allowed.

The appearance of wood can be mimicked with some alternative roofing materials. It is possible to get a similar look with all the protection of an asphalt roof by using custom asphalt shingles, called dimensional shingles. It is typical for asphalt roofs to last between 20 and 50 years.

Slate

As far as slate roofs are concerned, they were popular in the US during the 1700s and were usually imported from Wales. The cost of replacing them is high although they are extremely durable and can last over 100 years. Various colors were used on the roofs of Victorian homes to create patterns. In addition to red, green, and purple slate, there is a blue-gray slate as well.

With slate, you get the benefits of durability, fire resistance, recycling, and a long lifespan.

Due to its heavy weight and high cost, slate has some disadvantages. Adding a slate roof to an existing house may require additional framing and reinforcement.
Slate tiles made from synthetic materials or ceramic tiles can be substituted for natural slate. They give a natural slate appearance at a lower cost.

Clay

The US used clay in areas influenced by Spanish culture in the 1700s. In Spanish Colonial and Mission-style homes, it is often used. Generally, it lasts 40 to 50 years and is made from terracotta clay. There are flat tiles and curved tiles. Tree branches and other debris can damage clay tiles, along with walking on them improperly. It is also possible for them to break down if they haven't been properly fired during freeze and thaw cycles.

For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.

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About Dalton Kelly Freshman   Marketing

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Joined APSense since, May 27th, 2020, From Mississippi, United States.

Created on Jan 22nd 2023 23:46. Viewed 161 times.

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