Role of Metal Roof Tiles and Shingles in Historic Building Preservation

As an architect, you want to preserve the beauty and character of your historic building. At first, metal roofs may seem like a stretch for pre-modern buildings. However, there is a historical precedent for metal roofing dating back to the 1800s. Additionally, you can now purchase metal roofing that looks like shingles. 

Metal shingles and tiles make an excellent replacement for cedar shakes and shingles. Unlike these wooden materials, a new metal roof would make the building more fire-resistant. Plus, it's lightweight and rot-proof, so it can protect the underlying structure without placing stress on load-bearing walls.

From steep-pitched roofs in colder climates to flat roofs in sunny locales, metal shingles can last from 50 to 100 years and breathe new life into your historic remodel.

Want to make metal roofs even safer?

• Make sure they are grounded against lightning strikes.
• Insulate the roof to maintain comfortable temperatures.
• Provide a solid deck material to soften loud noises when it rains.

Need inspiration for your new roof? 

Consider these examples of historic public buildings that still have metal shingles and tiles:

• Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria 
• Berlin Cathedral Church, Berlin, Germany
• Wales Millennium Centre, Wales, UK
• Minneapolis City Hall, Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Are Metal Shingles and Tiles for Historic Buildings?

Sheet metal roofs come in a variety of materials with characteristic styles, textures, and colours. The most popular metal shingles include those made of zinc, copper, galvanized iron, and terne metal made of tin (15%) and lead (85%).

Metal roofs date back to the Victorian era when metal shingles became very elaborate to impress the growing populations of Europe and North America.

There are three ways you can use metal roofing to preserve, protect, and beautify a historic building:

• Replace or repair existing metal roofs to give the building added curb appeal.
• Replace less durable materials such as wood and asphalt to protect the building for decades to come.
• Use metal shingles from trusted metal roofing suppliers to add charm to your new build, replicating period charm.

Benefits of Metal Roofs on Historical Buildings or Replications

With modern advances in roofing material, it's possible to purchase metal roofing that looks like shingles made of asphalt, wood, or other roofing materials. This gives you the look you want with the benefits of metal roofs, including the following:

• Metal roofs, when well-maintained, can last from 50 to 100 years.
• Buildings made of steel roofing shingles and other metals resist corrosion.
• Metal shingles also help insulate the building and promote indoor ventilation.
• Their strength and lightweight characteristics can improve the structural integrity of your historic building.

Plus, you can add a protective coating to prevent rust which can damage your metal roof and all the precious things beneath it.

I Love the Concept, But My Historic Building Never Had a Metal Roof

If your heritage building comes with a wood or asphalt roof, you may not want to make any dramatic changes. However, chances are metal shingles can imitate the look and character of your original roofing system.

Interested to know more? Have questions about metal roof tiles and metal roof shingles? Feel free to contact us online or call us toll-free at 1.866.674.3153.