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Historic Commercial Roof Restoration

Preserving a historic building means protecting more than just bricks and mortar — it means safeguarding a piece of shared heritage. One of the most important elements of that preservation is the roof. A failing roof can quickly lead to structural damage, interior deterioration, and the loss of irreplaceable architectural details.

Choosing the right partner is critical for historical commercial roof restoration. GSM Roofing will honor the original character of your building while providing modern performance. We have the expertise needed to either replicate original roofs or perform delicate, intricate repairs on a wide range of historic structures.

We Care About Your Historic Building

Our skilled craftsmen have experience working with materials that are often used in historic roof renovation projects. This range includes roofing systems, such as slate, tile, metal, cedar, and more.

Having worked on many large commercial roof restoration projects, we fully understand that this can be a complex process, particularly when preserving a precious building is at stake. We need to deliver high-performing, long-lasting roofing, but we also need to protect the building while we work.

At GSM Roofing, we never take these responsibilities lightly. We know how vital your historic building is to you and the community. Get in touch with us today! We want to hear all about your building’s history and how we can help take it into the future.

Who This Service is For

The Restoration Process for a Historic Commercial Roof

Whether a leak is detected, or you’d like to know the condition of your historic roof, get in touch with GSM Roofing. We’ll send an experienced professional out to assess your roof’s condition.

Whenever possible, we’ll prescribe repairs before historic roof replacement. If, however, the only course of action is to replace your roof, we will walk you through all your options. You may choose to replace it with the same material on the roof now. You may also wish to modernize the building or make it more authentic with a different type of roofing material.

After you decide on a roofing material, we’ll schedule your restoration. Next, you can expect us to arrive on time, deal with you and any other contractors with complete professionalism, finish the job on time and within budget, and do it all with strict attention to safety standards.

Preventive Maintenance for Your Historic Roof

Before discussing historic roof restoration and replacement, we must mention preventative maintenance. The sooner you begin a preventive maintenance program, the better your chances of extending your roof’s life.

You will directly contribute to its long life when you allow our company to examine your historic roof, document any findings, and repair minor problems before they become significant.

Historical Slate Roof Restoration

Wheatland, the historic 1828 home of President James Buchanan in Lancaster, PA, has been preserved by the James Buchanan Foundation and LancasterHistory since 1936. GSM Roofing began its relationship with the property years ago through general maintenance and roof repairs, and has continued to serve its evolving roofing needs.

GSM Roofing replaced the failing Lehigh Valley slate roof on the mansion. The project required a thoughtful blend of modern durability and historical authenticity. North Country slate, known for its hard vein and 100+ year lifespan, was selected and specially cut to match the original appearance. In addition to the slate, new custom-fabricated metal flashings, trim, and gutters were installed, with work completed in collaboration with GSM Industrial.

Historic roof restoration at the home of President James Buchanan

Trust Your Roof to the Historic Commercial Roof Restoration Specialists

Historic buildings are loved by their inhabitants, patrons, and the surrounding community. The roof on your historic building is its first line of defense against the elements, keeping out the wind and rain that can be detrimental to its overall condition.

That’s a lot of responsibility, but we are ready to take it on — just like we handle every dirty, dangerous, or difficult roofing job.
Let us combine our extensive knowledge of historic roofing materials with our love for unique projects and attention to detail. We proudly serve historic properties throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. Give us a call today!

Historic Roof Restoration FAQ

How is Historic Roof Restoration different from a Standard Commercial Roof Restoration?

In a historic roof renovation, the focus is on preserving the building’s original materials, design, and architectural character.

While a standard restoration often prioritizes durability and efficiency, historic restoration may involve sourcing authentic or period-appropriate materials, producing custom pieces, performing delicate repairs, and following preservation guidelines to maintain the building’s historic integrity. This type of project requires specialized knowledge of old construction techniques and historic materials.

Can a Historic Roof be Restored to Meet Modern Building Codes?

Yes. Experienced roofing professionals carefully integrate structural reinforcements, safety upgrades, and modern materials as needed, ensuring the roof complies with current codes without compromising its historic design.

How do you Determine whether a Roof should be Repaired or Fully Replaced?

This starts with a thorough inspection of its condition. Roofing experts assess factors, like the extent of damage, structural integrity, age, and the performance of existing materials. Preservation requirements are also a factor.

If issues are localized, and the roof’s structure is sound – targeted repairs may be sufficient. However, if there is widespread deterioration, water damage, or compromised structural elements, a full replacement may be the most effective and long-lasting solution.

How much does Historic Commercial Roof Restoration Cost?

Historic roof restoration tends to cost significantly more than standard roof replacement because it involves specialized labor, careful material sourcing, and preservation techniques. There are several factors that influence the cost of a project:

Thanks Delores. Also, it was a pleasure dealing with Jeff on this. He was great on the phone in explaining the issues and was very proactive.

Nate Sorenson Director of Commercial Property Management