Landmark and Historical Restoration

Preserving the past, protecting the future.

Restoring a historic or landmark building is more than just a construction project—it’s a commitment to preserving history, craftsmanship, and architectural integrity. At Conrad Roofing, we specialize in artisan roofing restorations that honor the past while ensuring modern durability and protection. Whether you’re restoring a nationally recognized landmark or a century-old residence, our skilled craftsmen and preservation specialists bring the expertise, materials, and passion needed to do the job right.

Historical and landmark roofing restoration differs from traditional roofing

While a standard roofing project focuses primarily on efficiency, durability, and aesthetics, historical and landmark restorations require a specialized approach that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern protective techniques. Here’s what sets these projects apart:

Authentic materials and custom fabrication

Historic roofs often feature unique materials that are no longer widely used in modern construction, such as hand-cut slate, clay tiles, wood shakes, or ornate copper work. To maintain historical accuracy, we:

Source

Source period-appropriate materials or custom fabricate replacements

Install

Use traditional installation methods that match the original design

Integrate

Integrate modern enhancements, such as improved underlayment, without compromising authenticity

Strict preservation standards and compliance

Unlike modern roofing, historical restorations are often subject to regulations from local, state, and federal preservation boards. Working within these guidelines requires:

Knowing the regulations

Navigating National Register of Historic Places and local landmark commission regulations

Keeping to the standards

Adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

Obtaining permits

Obtaining special permits and approvals before work begins

Specialized repair and restoration techniques

Historic roofs aren’t simply replaced. They are meticulously restored. We employ specialized techniques to:

Remediate

Address hidden damage caused by decades of wear, leaks, and improper past repairs

Reinforce

Reinforce aging roof structures while preserving original materials

Match

Match or repair intricate details, such as ornamental ridge cresting and decorative metalwork

Take a look at our landmark jobs

  • Alta Vista Terrace District

    Lake View, IL

    See more

  • Arlington-Deming District

    Lincoln Park, IL

    See more

  • Arlington & Roslyn Place District

    Lincoln Park, IL

    See more

  • Armitage-Halsted District

    Lincoln Park, IL

    See more

  • Astor Street District

    Gold Coast/Old Town, IL

    See more

What to consider when dealing with city codes and historic preservation laws

Restoring a landmark roof requires more than just skilled craftsmanship—it requires extensive knowledge of local regulations and historic preservation laws. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

Understand local and federal regulations

Many historic properties fall under the jurisdiction of a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) or local landmark boards that dictate what materials, colors, and methods can be used. Failure to comply can lead to costly fines or project delays.

Prioritize long-term preservation

Historic roofing projects aren’t just about making a building look like it once did—they’re about ensuring it lasts for future generations. This means investing in:

Craftsmanship

Investing in high-quality craftsmanship to extend the roof’s life

Modern protection

Using modern waterproofing and protective coatings that don’t alter the roof’s original appearance

A maintenance plan

Establishing a maintenance plan to prevent deterioration over time

Plan for extended timelines

Because historic restorations often require custom materials and regulatory approvals, the timeline may be longer than that of a standard roof replacement. Be prepared for:

Material sourcing

Extended material sourcing times, especially for rare or custom-fabricated materials

Approvals

Additional review and approval steps from historical boards

Unexpected repairs

Unexpected structural issues requiring additional repairs

Secure the proper permits

Standard roofing permits may not be sufficient for historical restorations. Be sure to:

Check requirements

Check if your project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness

Permits first

Obtain permits before ordering materials to avoid unnecessary costs

Find an experienced contractor

Work with a contractor who has experience navigating local permitting offices

Conrad Roofing’s expertise in historical roofing restoration

With decades of experience in restoring and preserving historic roofs, we bring a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship combined with modern protective solutions. Our services include:

Slate, tile, and wood roof restoration

Replacing damaged or missing pieces while maintaining historical accuracy

Ornamental metalwork replication

Custom copper and zinc detailing, gutters, and finials to match original designs

Structural reinforcement

Strengthening aging roof structures without compromising historical integrity

Compliance consultation

Navigating regulations and working with preservation boards to streamline approvals

Whether you’re restoring a grand historic estate, a city landmark, or a historically significant church, our team is committed to preserving the past while protecting the future.

Start your restoration project today.