[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/blog\/challenges-replacing-roofs-historic-buildings#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/blog\/challenges-replacing-roofs-historic-buildings","headline":"Challenges of Replacing Roofs on Historic Buildings","name":"Challenges of Replacing Roofs on Historic Buildings","description":"Learn the key challenges of replacing roofs on historic buildings, from material matching to documentation and structural concerns.","datePublished":"2020-01-15","dateModified":"2026-04-13","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/author\/mcdonaldandwetle\/#Person","name":"McDonald & Wetle","url":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/author\/mcdonaldandwetle\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/99051564b38eabb45182d683017f0df9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/99051564b38eabb45182d683017f0df9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Mcdonald & Weltle Inc","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/590\/2017\/05\/Layer-12.png","url":"http:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/590\/2017\/05\/Layer-12.png","width":390,"height":79}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/590\/2020\/01\/Historic-Brick-Buildings-In-A-Small-Town-300x194.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/590\/2020\/01\/Historic-Brick-Buildings-In-A-Small-Town-300x194.jpg","height":194,"width":300},"url":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/blog\/challenges-replacing-roofs-historic-buildings","about":["Blog"],"wordCount":539,"articleBody":"On most buildings, replacing the roof means a fairly routine removal and installation process will take place. But when it comes to roof replacement on historic buildings, the project goes far beyond the average. Many additional considerations must be made, and the job requires a team with the experience to handle any challenges that may come. Here\u2019s a closer look at how historic roof replacement can be difficult without the expertise of McDonald & Wetle.Determining What You\u2019re Working WithTo qualify for the designation of a historic building, the structure must be a minimum of 50 years old and considered significant to the area where it\u2019s located. From the start, the building\u2019s mere age and location can present challenges during replacement, as different materials were utilized in different locations to construct roofs. These materials may include:SlateWoodMetalTileCopperIronTinAsphaltZincAnd many more..Aside from the roof\u2019s materials, the way it was originally constructed must also be taken into consideration. Depending on its era, an array of techniques could have been utilized, which make removing and replacing the roof an even more delicate process. For instance, rusting handmade shingles from the early 20th century are tough to match, as the closest product on the market today are hand-split wooden shingles. Therefore, it takes a company like McDonald & Wetle to deploy the skills needed to preserve the historical details of each project.Figuring Out the Cause of FailureMore times than not, historic roof replacement is required when something goes wrong with the original roof. With these aged structures, determining the cause of failure can also be a challenging aspect of the project. However, it\u2019s an important step in the process, as you\u2019ll want to avoid using materials or techniques during replacement that can\u2019t hold up to specific problems.Take materials, for example. If wood shingles rot or metal rusts in your environment, you may want to consider a material that is resistant to weather and other factors. But the cause for roof replacement could also come down to the positioning and materials of various components, including:GuttersFlashingRoof fastenersRoof clipsAnd many moreCompleting Proper DocumentationAside from any challenges the historic roof replacement removal and installation process may present, it can also be difficult to navigate what documentation must be completed alongside the project. Typically, historical buildings must have their original roof condition documented in terms of how it was constructed, the materials that were used, and how old it is. Also documented is if the building had any additions, varying rooflines, and other intricate details. This allows McDonald & Wetle to replace the roof without comprising the rest of the building\u2019s historical significance and value.Experience MattersWhen it comes to historic buildings, roof replacement should never be completed by amateurs or contractors with little experience in these older structures. With 98 years of experience and counting, McDonald & Wetle relies on the expertise of our skilled team to uphold the building\u2019s original style, help you choose the best materials, and install your roof with time-tested techniques. For more information, contact us today for service in the Portland metro area."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Challenges of Replacing Roofs on Historic Buildings","item":"https:\/\/www.mcdonaldwetle.com\/blog\/challenges-replacing-roofs-historic-buildings#breadcrumbitem"}]}]