Historic building restoration is one of the toughest jobs that a roofing contractor will undertake. Not only does it require special care and attention to detail, but there are special laws surrounding the restoration of historical buildings that must be upheld. Moreover, these buildings are usually full of surprises, and these can often fly under the radar if proper care is not taken.
That said, if the restoration is done right with the help of experts, the building gets several years added to its lifespan, allowing the new generation to visualise the beauty of timeless architecture. Here, we take a look at some of the most important things to consider during historical building restoration.
Factors to consider when restoring historical buildings
- Maintaining the building’s character
One of the first, and most important things you need to consider is the importance of the property to the local and national communities surrounding it. Historical buildings preserve a unique style of architecture and history that might very well have been lost over the years. Determining the building’s historical, cultural, and architectural importance not only helps in raising awareness about the properties, but also sometimes helps you in applying for grants, planning permits, and funds. Avoid working around historical fabrics, if any, as these materials are extremely difficult to source, and replicating the original design, colour, and texture is challenging.
- Ensure the building can handle modern amenities
Occasionally, historical buildings might have complications that can directly impact their structural and foundational integrity. So, while you may be tempted to pick out modern amenities like new cabinets, appliances, etc., the approach to historic restoration must always be pragmatic rather than aesthetic. It is preferable if you retain and repair the building as close to the first build as possible. In some cases, you might have to add extra structural supports to ensure that the building can handle any upgrades and modern amenities.
- Conserve as much as possible
Restoring historic buildings provide you with an opportunity to preserve craftsmanship and local history for future generations. No matter how big the changes are required, special care must be taken to ensure that the building retains its originality and integrity as much as possible. Any changes you are considering should align with the design language and intent of the original architect. Source products like roofing slates, bricks, etc., of the same fit and finish while avoiding damage to the character-defining finishes.
Enlisting the help of experts is a smart move!
It is always wiser to assemble a team of experts or contact a roofing repair specialist for assistance. An experienced contractor and inspector can provide an estimate for the amount of work required, the cost to complete the restoration, and where to source the materials from. If you are looking for an expert roofing contractor in Australia, particularly the Southern Highlands or the South Coast of NSW, get in touch with the professional team at The Slate Roofing Company for more information on the matter.
