Metal is more than just mettle

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Many buildings must balance aesthetics with protection against the elements, which is why metal is one the best options on the market. 

Metal is a strong choice for many reasons, most recognized for its endurance and lifespan. For example, DECRA products are noncombustible and have a Class 4 fire rating, meaning they offer more fire protection. Their metal roofs also meet high-velocity hurricane zone requirements meaning they are strong in all kinds of weather conditions. Other benefits that come with metal roofing include reinforcing buildings against earthquakes, resisting rust and oxidation dues to salt and moisture in the air, withstanding fluctuating temperatures and, for non-porous metal roofs, removing the risk of ice dams.  

But the high standards of metal are not purely logistical. DECRA’s line of stone-coated metal roofing products can match whatever aesthetic a building maintains, whether it be clay tiles, asphalt shingles, wood shake or something else. This adaptability in combination with their strength is the foundation of why metal is often employed for historical projects. A great example of this is the story of the reroofing of the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. 

Preserving history: the Hearthstone Historic House Museum   

In 1882, the Hearthstone House became the first private residence to turn on a light using Thomas Edison's hydroelectric power system. Today, the house is known as the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. As mentioned on their website: 

“The residence still contains the original Edison electroliers, original light switches and some of the world's only examples of original Edison wiring in situ. Hearthstone is on the National Register of Historic Places for its technological, historic, architectural and artistic significance. 

However, this beautifully restored house and museum is much more. It’s an excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian Style architecture, designed by a leading architect of the day, with breathtaking interiors. It’s hard-wired into local history as its story is the story of the history of Wisconsin, of the founding of the paper industry, of the Gilded Age and of fortunes won and lost.” 

The exterior of the mansion is equally ornate with intricate roof designs that result in a complexity rarely seen in modern architecture. 

The challenge: replacing a deteriorating roof on a historic building 

When the Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s roof (a mix of asphalt shingles and wood shakes) began to deteriorate, a more durable roofing solution was sought. Absolute exterior integrity was required to shield the irreplaceable historic treasures beneath the Victorian roof, including intricately hand-carved wood doors, paneled wainscoting lining the walls and extravagant parquet floors made from native Wisconsin hardwoods, such as maple, white oak and cherry. 

If ever there was a case where “nothing less than the best roof will do,” the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a perfect example. 

The mansion’s new roof needed to be able to:  

• Replicate the original style of the roof to preserve its historic aesthetics. 
• Accommodate the elaborate roof design of the classic Queen Anne Victorian architecture. 
• Protect the interior and original Edison electroliers, light switches and wiring system. 
• Endure the Wisconsin weather, which includes heavy snow, high winds and hail. 
• Meet Department of Interior (DOI) standards for historic landmark preservation. 
• Exceed the restoration team’s longevity goal of at least 70 years for roof durability.  

Modern endurance and classic elegance with metal roofing 

Without a doubt, the Hearthstone House challenge would require the best, both in roofing products and contractor expertise. This is why George Schroeder, executive director of the museum, sought professional advice from JF Lopez Roofing, one of Wisconsin’s most reputable roofing contractors. 

The JF Lopez team provided two quotes; one for metal roofing and another for conventional asphalt shingles. Since the priorities for the Hearthstone House project were longevity, quality, protection and preservation, JF Lopez Roofing recommended DECRA Metal Roofing’s line of metal shingle roofing profile.  

Schroeder agreed and tear-off work on the Victorian mansion commenced in the summer of 2019. The complex Victorian roof would require lifts, ladders and extensive experience to deal with the challenges of steep pitches, multiple chimneys and skylights. 

Once installation began, the JF Lopez crew noticed parts of the underlying roof deck so deteriorated that the wood shakes and shingles could no longer protect the roof deck from the elements. Had the roofing project taken place much later, the damage could have been much more extensive and expensive. 

After the job was complete, visitors to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum would find that the new DECRA Shingle XD roof in Classic Cobblestone replicated the home’s original color perfectly. 

“This was a masterful job. The roof is practically indistinguishable from our previous cedar and asphalt shingle roof,” praised Shroeder. “Visitors are quite surprised when they learn that the Victorian-era roof is actually made of modern high-grade metal shingles.” 

Original article source: DECRA Metal Roofing