Protecting Historic Buildings from New England Weather

Few building components work harder than a roof in New England. From scorching summer sun to freezing winter nights—sometimes all in the same day—roofing materials must endure dramatic temperature swings, heavy snow, ice loads, wind-driven rain, and rapid freeze–thaw cycles. A well-designed and properly installed roof is essential to protecting a building’s structure, interiors, and long-term performance.

Heritage Restoration works with trusted roofing subcontractors who understand the unique demands of historic buildings and traditional construction. Together, we take a building-science approach to ensure the roof functions as a complete system—not just a surface.

Roofing in Historic Buildings

Historic roofs are more than coverings; they are defining architectural features. Slate, wood shingles, metal roofing, copper details, and early asphalt systems each tell part of a building’s story. Because older structures breathe, expand, and drain differently than modern homes, roofing solutions must respect how the original building envelope works.

We evaluate:

• Condition and lifespan of existing roofing materials

• Structural support and load considerations

• Airflow and ventilation patterns

• Flashing condition at critical transitions

• Gutters, fascia, and drainage interactions

• Past repairs that may affect performance

This whole-building perspective helps prevent future moisture problems and extends the life of both the roof and the building beneath it.