The roof over your head should echo your home’s character, but when it comes to roof repairs, there will always be a small contingency advocating for homeowners to continue to use original materials.
Historic preservation boards have traditionally put on the pressure on homeowners for good reason; historic homes should preserve the architect's vision and the structure's charm. No question about it! But even historic building restoration specialists will remind you that material design has come a long way.
Alternatives That Look Like the Real Thing
Composite Roofing
Composite tile blends stone and polymer to create a strong, lightweight roof. And visually, composite roofing materials are strikingly similar.
“Brava roofing products offer a timeless, authentic look that homeowners love, without the upkeep," shares Brian Davis AIA, LEED AP, GRP, Technical Support Director at BRAVA Roof Tile. "Unlike wood, slate, or clay, composite roofing resists weathering, cracking, and decay, while maintaining architectural authenticity and long‑term performance.”
That means fewer repairs, less rot, and reliable performance on older frames. Composite is lighter, easier to install, and won’t bog down historic roofing structures.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs—be they standing seam, copper, or painted steel—offer long life and fire resistance. They're often allowed by preservation boards when styled with subtle ribbing, aged finishes, or copper patinas.
Modern metal roofing offers strong weather protection, low maintenance, and energy savings. Plus, metal’s reflectivity also helps reduce cooling costs. It’s a smart pick when targeting historic roof replacement, for both its lifespan and looks.
Concrete Tile
Picking modern roofing isn’t just about the material, it’s also about the profile. Just as composite shingle systems mimic asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or historic tile, concrete tile (known for its durability and fire resistance) can also be textured to look like wood or slate.
Concrete tile fits well on steeper pitches. Flat roof options like EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) or TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) can’t mimic historical shapes, but metal or composite panels can reflect low-slope heritage forms.
Protecting Historic Status
Some homeowners wonder if changing roofing materials will affect historic-designation status or grants. The answer depends on your local landmark guidelines.
Many boards allow modern roofing alternatives when they match the appearance and form of original roofs.
Metal, composite, and tile systems are often approved, especially when historical texture and color are maintained.
Is maintenance easy after replacement?
Older roof types need frequent care. We all know that wood shingles rot, slate breaks, and clay tiles can crack. Composite, metal, and concrete tiles resist issues, reduce the likelihood of water intrusion, and consequently, help the interior of an older or historic home retain its character.
“Composite roofing is much lighter and requires less maintenance than traditional materials like asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, as it’s resistant to rot, pests, algae growth, and UV damage," notes Davis. That said, most companies (Brava included) recommend annual roof inspections, or a quick once-over if you had extreme weather.
FAQ
What about Energy Efficiency and Costs?
Modern roofing materials often come with better R‑value or reflective coatings. Metal and some composites reflect heat, cutting cooling costs. While asphalt shingles are cheap, they wear out faster and can warp or lose granules on older homes. Composite and concrete tile cost more upfront, yet many come with long warranties and low maintenance—often a better long-term deal for historic home owners.
How Do I Choose the Right Contractor?
It starts with planning. Finding a roofing contractor who understands old home needs matters. You want someone who can match historical styles but knows modern roofing systems. Ask about their experience with composite tile, historic roof replacement, and metal roofing on heritage homes. A good contractor will help you negotiate building codes and preservation board reviews.
Can I mix modern and original roofing materials for a historic look?
Modern exterior roofing materials can be blended to complement original sections—like metal flashings with wood-look composites—but check with your preservation society first.
Does composite roofing hold up on steep or low-slope roofs?
Composite systems work best on standard and steep pitches; for low-slope roofs, consider specialized panels or metal roofing designed for shallow slopes.
