Westbrook, CT is famous for its gorgeous coastal architecture and long history. A lot of the homes in town are old, some of which were built more than a century ago. These houses are charming and have personality, but they also come with a lot of work. One of the most important things those homeowners need to do is to keep the roof in good shape. Historic homes sometimes have materials that are older, designs that are one-of-a-kind, and features that need special maintenance. Local specialists like Nor’East Exteriors say that keeping these roofs in good shape entails finding a balance between preserving them and protecting them in a modern way. A reliable roofing contractor Westbrook residents trust can help, but there are also things you can do as a homeowner.
Know what kind of material you’re working with
Materials used in historic homes are often different from those used in modern homes. Some contain slate tiles, which can last for a hundred years but break easily if you stomp on them. Some people have cedar shakes, which look traditional but need to be treated to keep mold and decay at bay. Some people may still have old asphalt shingles that are no longer made. You need to take care of each material in a different way. A roofer who knows about historic homes can assist you figure out what you have and how well it is doing.
Check After Every Big Storm
The weather along the shore of Westbrook is hard on older dwellings. Winds can pull shingles off, rain can get through weak flashing, and salt in the air speeds up the process of breaking things down. After a big storm, check your home for missing shingles, fractured tiles, or anything else that seems out of place. A roofer may see early symptoms of danger that will save you money later, even if the roof looks OK from below.
Keep Gutters and Drains Safe
Older homes sometimes feature more complicated rooflines with dormers, valleys, and ornate trim. These features are attractive, but they also make it easier for water to become stuck. When gutters are clogged, water pours back onto wood trim or into roof valleys, which makes things worse. Cleaning your gutters often, or putting up guards, keeps water from getting in and protects fragile parts.
Keep moss and algae from growing
Older roofs are more likely to get moss and algae because of the materials they are made of and how long they have been around. Cedar and slate are extremely weak. Moss may seem nice, but it holds in moisture, which can cause damage or fissures. Algae streaks don’t normally hurt anything, but they can make the roof look older than it is. Professionals say that the best way to clean is using gentle ways. Power washing might do more harm than good.
Look at the Flashing and Seams
Most of the time, leaks in old homes don’t occur from the middle of the roof. More frequently than not, they come from seams, which are places surrounding chimneys, dormers, and skylights. Older homes may have flashing that was put up using materials that aren’t up to modern requirements. affecting or adding to your flashing is a clever approach to keep your home safe without affecting its look.
Keep things in balance while protecting them.
Keeping the integrity of a historic property doesn’t imply you can’t make modern upgrades. For instance, putting a layer of waterproof underlayment on during a repair helps safeguard the building while retaining its original look. Experienced roofers can help you find a balance between historical accuracy and practical protection.
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Get Help from Experts
Not all roofing companies know how to work on old properties. Nor’East Exteriors is a roofing contractor that Westbrook households trust. They know how to save historical characteristics while making sure the roof is safe for current use. They also know the rules and weather that influence older homes in a certain way.
Last Thoughts
Westbrook has historic homes that are worth saving. You can maintain your roof sturdy and your home looking nice by knowing what materials you have, keeping your gutters clear, looking for moss, and calling in professionals after storms. Call Nor’East Exteriors, the roofing contractor Westbrook homeowners trust to take care of their most valuable assets, for advice and repairs that are specific to historic houses.
