Roofing
Enduring Roofs
Dayton Roman Barrel Custom Blend
Choosing the correct roofing material is crucial to the authentic appearance of a historic or traditional-style house. The age-old options—ranging from slate and tile to wood shingles—were designed to endure; some structures can go decades, even a century or more, without requiring replacement.
Today, a select group of companies specializes in producing, replicating, and sourcing historic-style roofing materials for homes and landmark buildings in a wide range of classic architectural styles.
The Durable Slate Company
traditional-style roofs, such as that of the Maryland
State House in Annapolis. The company’s
work on the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln,
Illinois, included its clock. Their clients include the
Basilica of St. Andrew in Roanoke, Virginia.
Photos by The Durable Slate Co.
Working exclusively with traditional roofing and historic exteriors, The Durable Slate Company installs, restores, repairs, and replaces roofing systems, as well as historic roof drainage systems.
“Our work is focused on the technical design and execution of historically appropriate roofing assemblies developed for each building,” says Julie Butler, the company’s preservation director. “We view the building itself as our primary client, focusing on what is in the building’s best interest—an approach that makes us responsible and effective stewards of the structures entrusted to our care.”
Custom projects are executed in-house by master slaters, metal craftsmen, preservation masons, and restoration managers. Projects often include the replication of historic roof patterns and styles; custom-fabricated copper and ornamental metal components; historically appropriate fastening methods; and compatible underlayment and ventilation strategies.
“We approach each roof as a historic document, respecting the craftsmanship, materials, and intent of its original builders,” Butler says, noting that teams collaborate closely with architects and engineers. “We study archival records, analyze material performance, and apply traditional methods alongside modern building science to ensure authenticity and longevity.”
Founded in 1986, The Durable Slate Company has offices in the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic and has expanded to include sister company The Durable Restoration Company, as well as Bain & Irvine, a fifth-generation Scottish roofing firm.
The company has supplied roofing systems to landmark buildings, churches, courthouses, universities, museums, and institutions throughout the United States.
“We view every project as an opportunity to safeguard cultural heritage through informed, hands-on conservation,” Butler says. “Our passion lies in understanding how historic roofs were originally conceived, constructed, and expected to perform—and in designing interventions that extend their service life while retaining as much original fabric as possible.”
Ludowici
State Capitol. Photo by Ludowic
New Orleans is clad in Ludowici’s French tile profile.
Established in the United States in 1888, Ludowici is a master of terra-cotta tile creation and replication. The Ohio-based company traces its roots back hundreds of years to a studio in Rome, Italy, owned by the Ludovisi family.
Ludowici offers more than thirty standard roof-tile profiles—including flat tiles, stone looks, and shake and slate alternatives—along with matching accessories and more than fifty designer glaze colors. The company also offers bespoke options.
“Our tiles can be infinitely customized and handcrafted to the finest detail to match any color or fit any architectural style,” says Lauren Bock, director of marketing.
Using samples from an existing roof or an architect’s drawings, Ludowici’s 120 craftsmen create custom molds to press tiles with hand-finished textures. Each tile is ASTM C1167 Grade 1 certified and Class A fire rated.
The tiles carry a seventy-five-year warranty that includes color and, according to Bock, “last a lifetime, even in the harshest environments.” She adds, “Many times, we see 100- to 130-year-old structures with wonderfully performing original roof tile.”
Ludowici works on new construction as well as historic projects around the world.
“Aiding in historic preservation allows us to protect the beauty, craftsmanship, and stories of the past—many of which we participated in the first time around,” Bock says. “For us, it’s about honoring what came before and making sure those buildings continue to be appreciated for generations.”
Northern Roof Tiles
Gabarre blend, which has an aged, weathered look,
replicates the warmth and variation of traditional roofs.
Photo by Edilians
Dreadnought ornamental tiles, supplied by Northern
Roof Tiles, bring an artistic look to a wall.
Photo courtesy of Dreadnought
These English shingle tiles from Northern Roof Tiles are
a blend of traditional red and brown.
Photo by Steve Blewitt
Working with established European and South American factories, the thirty-five-year-old Northern Roof Tiles sources high-quality European clay tiles used on luxury historic architectural projects. The company also operates Roof Tile Solutions, which specializes in reclaimed-tile sourcing and roof-tile matching.
“We specialize in identification, sourcing, and matching,” says Adam Matthews, director of operations for the family-owned company founded by his father, Stuart Matthews. “Through our extensive network and deep product knowledge, we can often locate exact or near-exact matches for roofs, whether using new-production tiles or reclaimed materials.”
Based in Delaware, with operations in Ontario, the three-person company provides hands-on service to clients across the United States and Canada. The team works closely with international manufacturers, freight partners, and roofing professionals.
“We guide clients through tile identification, compatibility, quantities, logistics, and long-term performance considerations,” Matthews says. “Whether it’s a historic restoration or a new custom home, we act as a consultant as much as a supplier—helping avoid costly mistakes and ensuring the finished roof looks right and performs for decades.”
Education, he adds, is a core component of the company’s approach.
“We spend a great deal of time helping clients understand why certain tiles, details, and installation approaches matter—even when that guidance doesn’t directly benefit us in the short term,” he says. TB
Supplier of molding: Stock & custom moldings for residential & commercial projects; embossed moldings, custom millwork, mantels, entrances, cabinet & panel work, custom doors.
