When it comes to home improvement projects, few can match the challenge of renovating a century-old property. That’s exactly what we faced when we took on the task of replacing the roof, siding, trim, and gutters of a historic Dutch Colonial house in Lincoln Park, NJ. Despite the obstacles, our team successfully transformed the home, restoring its original beauty while upgrading it with modern, low-maintenance materials.
The Challenge: Replacing a Nearly Century-Old Cement Tile Roof Safely
One of the most unique aspects of this project was the age of the house and its roof. The original cement tile roof, which was nearly a century old, had to be replaced due to a leak and the presence of asbestos. Our team had to take special care during the removal process to ensure the safety of both the crew and the homeowners. To replace the roof, we used Owens Corning TruDefinition shingles in Colonial slate, which complemented the classic style of the home while providing long-lasting protection.
The Solution: Recreating Original Trim with Modern, Low-Maintenance Materials
In addition to the roof, the homeowners wanted to replace the siding, trim, and gutters of the home while retaining its historic charm. To achieve this, we used a combination of Norandex Deep Water cedar shakes for the siding and Azek PVC vinyl for the trim. The Azek material was chosen for its rot and pest resistance, as well as its low-maintenance qualities, eliminating the need for painting in the future. We used a variety of shapes and sizes to recreate the original design with modern materials. For the gutters, we installed 6″ seamless gutters with ShurFlo white leaf guards and matched the downspouts to the siding, roof, and brick for a cohesive look. Revamping multiple elements of a home can pose challenges in achieving a cohesive look. To ensure a flawless design, we generated a 3D rendering of the property and collaborated closely with the homeowner to achieve the desired outcome.
The Outcome: A Safe and Beautiful Home for Another Century
Despite the challenges presented by this project, we completed the job in just three weeks. The homeowners were pleased with the results and loved the new look of their homes. They were also a delight to work with, providing refreshments and even baking cookies for our crew. We’re proud to have played a part in restoring this beautiful home to its former glory and to have done so in a way that will ensure it remains a safe and low-maintenance haven for another century to come. Contact Ballantine Home Improvement today!
