Roof Replacement Case Studies: Shingles Needed Replacing on 17th Century House and Barn

Challenge

Here was a Colchester, Connecticut property dating all the way back to the early 1800s. It had three layers of wood shakes, with a badly disintegrated top layer that was no longer overlapping where it should. 

Solution

In order to maintain the historical integrity of the home, ice and water shields could not be used, as these could not be removed once it came time to replace the roof again. Instead, the roof was replaced exactly the same way it was originally installed in the 18^th Century, using 24" long, ¾" thick hand-split red cedar shakes, all nailed by hand. Even the dog house was finished with the same traditional craftsmanship and care.

The barn on the same property also had its roof replaced exactly like it was originally done. One unique aspect of both these roofs is that a copper strip was installed every third row of shakes. This helps to keep the roof from getting covered with moss, lichen and algae, which can lead to the gradual deterioration of the shakes. The badly deteriorated cupola on the barn was also restored, with new copper flashing added to the molding.

At the request of the homeowner, all of the old shingles were ingeniously recycled by Klaus. He removed all debris and nails, leaving only shingles, and ran them through a wood chipper. This created mulch that was used for landscaping.