Owning a historic home in Lawrence, Kansas, is a point of pride. From the beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes in Old West Lawrence to the classic bungalows in East Lawrence and the stately houses around the University of Kansas, these properties represent our city’s rich architectural heritage. But with that character comes responsibility — especially when it comes to the roof.
Historic homes weren’t built with modern asphalt shingles or high-wind-rated materials in mind. Many still have original wood shingles, slate, or even early composition roofing that has been patched and layered for decades. While charming, these aging systems often hide serious problems: rot, poor ventilation, outdated flashing, and hidden water damage that can threaten both the structure and the historic integrity of the home.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice historic charm to get modern protection. At Summit Roofing, we specialize in helping Lawrence historic homeowners replace or restore their roofs in ways that honor the original architecture while delivering 21st-century durability and energy efficiency.
Why Historic Roofs in Lawrence Are Unique (and Challenging)
Older homes in Lawrence face a specific set of roofing challenges:
- Steeper pitches and complex designs — Turrets, dormers, widow’s walks, and multi-gabled rooflines make replacement far more complicated than a simple ranch house. We’ve written about the extra care required when working with unique-shaped roofs, because one wrong move can change the entire look of your home.
- Original or layered materials — Many historic roofs still have cedar shakes, slate, or multiple layers of old shingles weighing down the structure.
- Delicate decorative elements — Copper gutters, finials, cresting, and ornate flashing are common and must be preserved or faithfully replicated.
- Wood rot and pest damage — Decades of moisture exposure often lead to hidden rot in roof decking, fascia, and soffits. We frequently see fascia boards that are in serious trouble on historic homes — and catching it early can save the entire roofing system.
- Strict historic district guidelines — Whether you’re in the Old West Lawrence, Pinckney, or Rhode Island historic districts, the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission often requires review and approval before major exterior work.
Preservation-First Roofing Options for Historic Lawrence Homes
Modern materials have come a long way, and many now replicate historic appearances perfectly while offering superior performance:
- Synthetic Slate & Shake Today’s composite slate and cedar-shake alternatives look indistinguishable from the real thing but weigh less, resist moss and algae, and carry 50-year or lifetime warranties. Perfect when the Historic Resources Commission requires the original look.
- Real Slate & Cedar with Modern Underlayment If you want authentic materials, we can reinstall genuine slate or hand-split cedar shakes over modern ice & water shield and synthetic underlayment for dramatically better leak protection.
- Standing-Seam or Architectural Metal Roofing Metal roofs have been used on historic homes for over a century (especially on porches and low-slope sections). Modern standing-seam metal in traditional colors or copper can last 70+ years and actually enhances historic character. Learn more about the benefits of installing a metal roof here.
- Custom Copper Work & Ornamental Replication We work with local metal artisans to recreate or restore original copper valleys, finials, gutters, and decorative flashing so nothing is lost.
The Hidden Dangers Lurking Above Your Plaster Ceilings
Historic homes often hide decades of deferred maintenance:
- Multiple roof layers adding dangerous weight
- Inadequate or blocked attic ventilation leading to premature decking rot
- Pest infestations (squirrels, raccoons, carpenter ants) that destroy insulation and wood structure — we recommend a roof inspection after a pest infestation if you’ve had animals in the attic
- Mold growth from long-term leaks — and no, mold doesn’t always mean the entire roof needs replaced, but it does need professional assessment
A professional roof inspection is non-negotiable on a historic home. DIY or “discount” inspectors often miss the subtle signs that matter most on century-old structures. Here’s why you should let the professionals handle your roof inspection.
Protect Your Piece of Lawrence History
Your historic home is more than shelter — it’s part of what makes Lawrence special. But a failing roof threatens everything from ornate plaster ceilings to original hardwood floors.
Don’t wait for the next big storm or a leaking turret to take action. A small investment in professional assessment today can prevent tens of thousands in interior restoration tomorrow.
Contact Summit Roofing today for your free historic home roof inspection. We’ll evaluate your roof with the care it deserves, explain preservation-friendly options that meet historic guidelines, and help you protect your home for the next 100 years — without sacrificing a single ounce of character.
Lawrence’s historic homes deserve roofing experts who understand both preservation and performance. That’s Summit Roofing.
Ready to protect your historic treasure? Call or message us today — your home’s story isn’t over yet.
