Phase 1: Roof Replacement in Central Village, CT
Challenge
Wayne’s home in Central Village, CT, is a stunning property with a very distinctive roof design that made this project especially unique. The existing roof, shown in the before photo, was made entirely of a flat roof that covered both the flat and pitched sections. Over the years, that surface began to fail, leading to leaks and visible deterioration. Water had started pooling in several low spots, and the aging material was no longer sealing properly around critical areas like the chimney, plumbing vents, and skylights. These issues made the roof vulnerable to further water damage, and with the home’s age and structure, it was clear that a full roof replacement would require a careful balance of function and preservation. Because the house had a mix of steep and flat sections, finding the right system that would protect the roof without altering its historic look was one of the biggest challenges.
History Of Home:
This home is the historic Fenner-Matthewson Mansion, built in 1855 in Plainfield’s Central Village. It stands as one of the most significant and recognizable homes in the area, showcasing a distinct Italian Villa architectural style that was popular in the mid-1800s. The mansion was constructed by Arnold Fenner, a well-known builder responsible for several of Plainfield’s landmark structures, including the local church and town hall. It was later home to Philip Matthewson, both men being prominent mill owners in the community. The design reflects the Italian Renaissance Villa influence of the era. Elegant, exotic, and rich with detailed Victorian craftsmanship.
Solution
To solve the problems with Wayne’s roof, our team at Klaus Larsen Roofing completely rebuilt the roofing system to give this historic home lasting protection. For this first phase, we worked on the flat roof sections and the shingles sections. We installed JM .060 Black EPDM Membrane using the fully adhered system for a seamless, watertight finish. JM seam tape was applied along all perimeters and seams to prevent leaks, and the EPDM was bonded with Adhesive for strong adhesion and long-term durability. Around the outer edges, we installed white aluminum edge metal to protect the roof’s perimeter and provide a clean, finished look. For the pitched areas, we installed IKO Dynasty shingles in Matte Black, giving the home a sharp look while adding durable protection. Together, these upgrades solved the issue the roof was facing before, with the whole roof being a flat roof. Now, with the mixture of shingles on the slopes and the EPDM membrane on the flat sections, this roof will be able to handle the harsh New England weather easily.
Follow along the gallery to watch the process!
In Phase 2, we’ll explain how we improved the roof’s drainage system to prevent water from pooling and causing future leaks.
