HISTORIC BUILDING RESTORATION IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

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Russell Roofing & Exteriors has a storied history in the Philadelphia historical restoration space and beyond. In the realm of historic renovation awards, we have won
the 2008 Robert Levy Award for Historic Preservation, the 2009 Grand Jury Award for Historic Preservation at Arcadia University, and the 2013 Grand Jury Award for Historic Preservation – Overbrook School for the Blind Roof Restoration. Along with these awards, we have been nominated for 5 Gold Circle Awards; a national award from the National Roofing Contractors Association, which is highly prestigious, and the GAF Presidents award five years in a row.

What is Historic Building Restoration?

Historic building restoration is the process of restoring a much older building to its original glory without making noticeable changes. The goal is the preservation and not “updating” the look of the building. If the job is done correctly, the building will look as if it is unchanged (besides using newer materials).

A variety of services can go into the restoration of a building. These include carpentry, masonry, painting, and roofing.

It’s crucial when restoring an older building for the components to match the aesthetic and be structurally sound. For instance, a new roof needs to protect the structure from the elements and provide the same level of support as any modern roof. If damage occurs during restoration, it risks damaging other historical features of the building—some of which may not be able to be restored.

What Are the Challenges of Historic Building Restoration?

There are quite a few challenges that come with restoring a historic building. It isn’t the same as simply building new construction from the ground up.

One major challenge is working within the parameters of the historic building’s aesthetic. An “update” to a building may include cosmetic changes that can change the
overall appearance of the structure. On the other hand, a historic restoration must look very similar in appearance to the original.

As this is the case, finding the right materials can be difficult. Many historic roofs have materials that are no longer in production or don’t generally look the same as their modern counterparts. If this is the case, the restoration company needs to find replacement parts that look very similar and blend well with the original aspects of the building that aren’t being restored.

Not only do the new materials have to match in cosmetic appearance, but they also need to be compatible with the existing building. The new materials can’t cause
any damage to the existing structure and will need to account for the historic building’s current materials.

What Could Go Wrong?

Quite a few things could go wrong during a historic building restoration.
These include:

Damage to the existing structure.
Inaccuracies in the restoration.
High costs.
Long waits and delays.

The right building restoration company in Philadelphia will be able to address these concerns and ensure the job gets done correctly within a reasonable time frame. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Russell Roofing and Exteriors. We are happy to answer any questions about the restoration process.

Why Hire a Company with Expertise in Historic Building Restoration in Philadelphia, PA?

Not just any roofing or construction company can handle the restoration of a historic building; it’s a skill in and of itself. Those specializing in this form of restoration have the experience and the know-how it takes to restore a building to its former beauty properly. This includes not only being able to capture the likeness but also sourcing and using the appropriate materials to get the job done correctly.

Remember, the materials used need to look similar to the traditional materials used. If they don’t, the building won’t look as it should. These materials may include slate, copper, clay, and more.

To preserve a historic building, the right company needs to be getting the job done; that

company is Russell Roofing and Exteriors.

Russell Roofing and Exteriors has been in business for over 31 years, and in this time, we have worked on all types of buildings—including historic buildings. We have the specific expertise and know-how required to restore any building. We are able to source the correct materials and install them in a way that maintains both the cosmetic and the structural integrity of the building.

For a company that cares about your restoration and guarantees our work, look no further than Russell Roofing and Exteriors.

About this Process:

When doing historical restoration work, we send out one of our estimators to
evaluate your project and begin discussing the design and scope of work you would like to have done. After we have an idea of how you wish to proceed, we will work with your local permitting office to ensure that this work will not violate any historic codes in your neighborhood, if there are some. If your project is approved, we can add you to our schedule and begin the restoration process!

Reach out to Russell Roofing if you have questions about the process of historic building restoration in Philadelphia. We’re happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

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