A family in Westford, Massachusetts teamed up with This Old House to lovingly restore an historic 1893 Colonial Revival home that suffered a devastating fire. As part of their quest to be historically accurate but also low-maintenance and energy-efficient, the GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system was selected to deliver the ultimate rooftop protection.
Westford is a town with a rich history and has many grand homes that line Main Street. When the beloved "yellow house" burned in 2016, destroying its roof and causing significant damage to the upper story, many locals wanted to restore it to its original grandeur.
Preserving Architectural Heritage
New owners purchased the home after the fire and were committed to restoring it. They wanted to honor the architectural significance of the home and also bring it up to today's standards for energy efficiency.
Since the home's roof and attic were burned in the fire, reframing and an entire new roofing system was required. The original roof material was slate but as This Old House general contractor Charlie Silva explains in the episode where the roof is installed, "The owners did not want to go back to slate because of the cost, and believe it or not, the maintenance also. You really have to take care of a slate roof over time."
Timeless Meets Durable
Being an historic home, the owners needed to ensure that the materials selected for the project met the approval of the town's historical commission. The TimberSteel™ metal roofing system was able to deliver a timeless look in a similar color to the original slate roof, while also providing the durability that only metal can offer.
The TimberSteel™ system was easy to install for local roofing contractor Tommy Santos of Robert L. Green Inc. One of the standout features of the GALVALUME® steel shingle is its design, which makes it easy for contractors to transition from installing traditional asphalt roofing systems. It also can be installed in approximately half the time of a traditional standing seam metal roof.1
Another reason the TimberSteel™ system is well-suited for historic homes is its lightweight design. Made from 24-gauge GALVALUME® steel, the shingles are much lighter than slate. They also deliver enhanced performance, including and enhanced warranty available for purchase, with unlimited wind-speed coverage and 15-years of coverage against leaks caused by hail and 30-years of paint finish coverage. The reduced weight is especially beneficial for historic preservation, as it typically eliminates the need for structural reinforcement that slate roofing would require.
Ready-to-Install the TimberSteel™ system in Westford
The TimberSteel™ system arrived at the home in Westford with everything needed for installation. The metal shingles are pre-fabricated and feature butyl sealant on one side. They interlock with both the drip edge and the shingle just below it for secure, watertight protection.
The installation process uses many of the same tools and techniques as asphalt shingle installation, making it easy for any asphalt contractor to make the transition to metal roofing. No expensive installation equipment is required as the metal shingles are ready to install and can be easily cut with power shears and tin snips.
The TimberSteel™ system is metal roofing reimagined, and it gives both contractors and homeowners a new modern alternative to enjoy the benefits of a metal roof without the complicated installation and high costs associated with traditional metal roof systems.
The eight color options and beautiful embossed finish complement any home style-from traditional to historic. For the home in Westford, the TimberSteel™ system honored the home's historic character while delivering modern performance and protection.
Learn more about why homeowners and contractors choose the TimberSteel™ system.
1Results based on a test commissioned by GAF and conducted by Home Innovations Research Lab, an independent third party comparing installation of GAF TimberSteel roofing system to on-site roll-formed standing seam metal roofing system with mechanical double lock seams on 16 square model roof under controlled laboratory conditions. Actual installation times may vary.
