(Read the 2010 roof shingle project summary in Durham, NC, below.  Then jump down for the 2017 update.  Our work in 2017 illustrates a new advance in saving a shingle roof.)

In 2010, Denise Harrison offered us the chance to save the tin shingle roof in Durham. As a result, Denise preserved another historical site.  The rare Victorian design shingles from Cortright Mgf Company provide the crown for the home.   Cortright established itself as the leader of tin shingles during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Durham honors Denise’s efforts

In North Carolina, “Preservation Durham’s mission is to protect Durham’s historic assets through Action, Advocacy, and Education.”  This organization recognizes those individuals who save Durham’s history for future generations.

In 2002, the Neighborhood Conservation Award began honoring projects that contribute to Durham neighborhoods’ historic fabric and renaissance.

Denise Harrison will be honored on October 18th with an award for her efforts to preserve three vintage homes (1814 Vale Street, 1909 Carden Lane, 1907 Carden Lane)

Congratulations, Denise.

Roof edges posed a challenge

A few contractors could handle a shingle roof project of a Cortright roof; we are one of them.  First, the work required extensive repairs around the edges. Edges are worn and damaged due to inside gutter removal  Previous painters, window washers, and children caused the damage.

Second, the original inside gutter had been “hacked” off. We provided a solid surface for modern half-round gutters attached to Denise’s tin shingle roof.

Third, on the significant leaking area, worn wood was the cause; the solution was a fully reinforced repair.

Drip edge work

After priming the tin shingle roof, a drip edge is flashed to the main area

Update 2017: Durham’s Vale St project

After 7 years, Denise and I discussed her options as related to her financial and decor plans. She decided to add five more years to her 2010 traditional red application PLUS improve the appearance by authorizing the application of a modern clearcoat.

This recent clearcoat improvement causes the Victorian design of the shingle roof to “pop.”  In contrast the usual acrylic coatings mutes the embossed tin shingle design.

This recent clearcoat improvement causes the Victorian design of the shingle roof to “pop.”  In contrast the usual acrylic coatings mutes the embossed tin shingle design.

Above are photos illustrating the clearcoat treatment we applied in 2010.

Update in 2023

I drove by to observe the wear of the clearcoat after seven additional years.  Thirteen years after our original work, the roof still possessed a sheen that accented the design of the embossed tin shingle design.  No acrylic or elastomeric could compare.

Summary

The shingle roof demonstrates repair along the roof edges and the beauty of a newer coating treatment.  Most tin shingle roofs in Durham and other towns in the Carolinas are candidates for restoration.
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