Historic Building Restoration 101: Roofing That Honors the Past and Protects the Future

Restoring a historic building is more than a construction project — it’s an act of preservation. Restoring a century-old farmhouse, a Victorian cottage, or a civic landmark—every detail counts, and the roof plays a key role in preserving the structure’s character and integrity. Roofing isn't just about aesthetics; it's one of the most important components in protecting and preserving the structure beneath.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of historic building restoration, the unique roofing challenges involved, and why CeDUR’s composite roofing materials are becoming a top choice for projects where tradition meets modern performance.

What Is Historic Building Restoration?

Historic restoration involves returning a structure to its original form by carefully preserving key architectural details. It’s different from renovation or remodeling, where modern upgrades may take precedence over historical accuracy. In a restoration project, authenticity is the priority — but modern code requirements, energy efficiency standards, and long-term durability must still be addressed.

This is where roofing becomes both a visual and functional focal point. Many older buildings were roofed with wood shakes, slate, or clay tiles — materials prized for their appearance but often problematic in terms of weather resistance, weight, fire safety, and longevity.

The Roofing Challenges of Restoring Historic Buildings

Restoring a historic property in full requires navigating several roofing-specific hurdles:

• Material Decay: Original cedar shakes may have deteriorated or rotted after decades of exposure.

• Code Compliance: Modern standards for fire resistance, wind uplift, and insulation must be met — especially in wildfire-prone or storm-vulnerable areas.

• Weight Issues: Slate and clay tile roofs are extremely heavy and often require structural reinforcement, increasing project costs.

• Moisture and Mold: Humid climates accelerate rot and moss growth, particularly on traditional wood roofs.

• Aesthetic Fidelity: Restoration committees and preservation guidelines often require that materials look historically accurate — even when modern alternatives are used.

Fortunately, there's a solution that bridges historic integrity with modern protection.

Why CeDUR Is Ideal for Historic Roof Restoration

CeDUR’s synthetic roofing shakes are designed with historic projects in mind. They replicate the authentic look of hand-split cedar shakes — grain, texture, and all — while solving the durability and code challenges traditional materials often fail to meet.

Here’s how CeDUR supports both preservation and performance:

Aesthetic Accuracy

CeDUR shakes provide the rich texture and dimension of real cedar without visual compromise. Available in colors like Shiloh, Walden, Golden Cedar, and Live Oak, these options complement a variety of architectural styles from Colonial to Craftsman.

Lightweight Design

Unlike slate or concrete tile, CeDUR’s roofing is lightweight and doesn’t require additional structural reinforcement — ideal for fragile historic buildings.

Class A Fire Resistance & Class 4 Impact Rating

CeDUR is engineered to meet modern safety codes with the highest ratings for fire and impact resistance, a must for restoring buildings in areas susceptible to wildfires, storms, or hail.

Low Maintenance & Mold Resistance

Unlike natural cedar, CeDUR doesn’t attract moss, mold, or rot — especially important when restoring buildings in damp or shaded areas.

Long-Term Durability

With a lifespan of 50+ years and resistance to fading, warping, and splitting, CeDUR gives historic buildings a roof that can stand the test of time.

Case Study: The East Farmington Schoolhouse

A perfect example of historic preservation done right is the East Farmington Schoolhouse in Farmington, Montana. Built in 1898, this schoolhouse is a beloved community landmark and one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses in the area.

When it came time to replace the aging roof, the goal was to preserve the historic appearance while updating the structure with materials that could withstand modern weather conditions.

CeDUR’s synthetic shakes in “Walden” were selected for their authentic look and exceptional durability. The result? A historically accurate roof that meets today’s safety and performance standards without compromising the building’s character.

Historic Roofing That Respects the Past and Protects the Future

Restoring a historic home or public building doesn’t mean sacrificing modern performance. With the right historic roofing materials — like CeDUR synthetic roofing shakes — you can maintain architectural integrity and meet today’s standards for safety, efficiency, and durability.

Working with a landmark preservation board or restoring a cherished family home, CeDUR provides a roofing solution that respects historical style while avoiding the issues of traditional materials.

Ready to restore with confidence? Contact us today or request a sample to see how CeDUR can bring your historic project to life — beautifully and securely.