Restore your historic tile roof with confidence. Learn how to protect architectural value, meet code, and extend your roof’s life in Colorado and Georgia.

Historic Tile Roof Restoration: What Homeowners in Colorado and Georgia Need to Know

October 12, 20253 min read

Tile roofing is a signature feature of many historic homes across Colorado and Georgia. From Spanish-style estates in Denver to mission-style properties in Savannah, these roofs tell a story—and preserving them takes more than patchwork.

If you’re a homeowner or property manager dealing with a historic tile roof, here’s what you need to know about proper restoration and how Roof Nuts can help.


Why Restoring Historic Tile Roofs Takes Expertise

Historic tile roofs aren’t just old—they’re unique in materials, patterns, and installation methods. Here’s why they require careful attention:

  • Obsolete tile profiles: Many tiles used decades ago—like Entegra, Pioneer, and Bender—are no longer manufactured.

  • Matching color and profile: New tiles rarely match historic ones. Custom fabrication or color-blending is often needed.

  • Underlayment may be failing: Older felt underlayments can dry out, crack, or rot, leading to leaks under otherwise good tiles.

  • Flashing and structural issues: Historic roofs often lack modern flashing and venting, creating moisture traps and code violations.


Our Restoration Process

At Roof Nuts, we follow industry-backed standards to restore tile roofs without compromising their historic value:

1. Full Inspection

We evaluate your tile roof based on:

  • Underlayment condition

  • Flashing and ventilation

  • Structural deck issues

  • Cracked, slipped, or missing tiles

2. Salvage & Reuse

Original tiles are often salvageable. We clean, sort, and reinstall wherever possible to preserve authenticity.

3. Sourcing Replacement Tiles

When originals can’t be reused, we search salvage yards or source custom-made matches. While color and profile matches aren’t perfect, we blend carefully for a consistent finish.

4. Updated Waterproofing

We install high-performance underlayment—often double-layered ice and water shield or synthetic membrane—to prevent future leaks.

5. Modern Flashing, Discreetly Installed

Chimneys, valleys, and skylights are upgraded with code-compliant flashings in copper or painted metal to match the aesthetic while improving function.


Common Questions

How long does a tile roof restoration take?

Most restorations take 2–4 weeks, depending on roof size and tile availability.

Can I just replace the broken tiles?

If your underlayment is older than 20 years, a full restoration is likely needed. Swapping out tiles alone won’t stop leaks long-term.

What if my tile is no longer made?

We work with nationwide salvage suppliers and manufacturers who replicate discontinued tiles. We also blend existing tiles to minimize contrast.

Will I need to upgrade ventilation?

Yes. Most older tile roofs lack proper intake and exhaust ventilation. We install ridge and soffit vents to meet today’s standards and prevent moisture buildup.


Why Choose Roof Nuts

  • We work with historic preservation boards. We understand the approvals needed for restoration in landmark districts.

  • We preserve what can’t be replaced. Our crews salvage, not scrap.

  • We know tile. Backed by the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance and best practices from the National Roofing Contractors Association.

  • Local expertise. We serve Colorado (Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs) and Georgia (Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta) with dedicated crews and regional tile knowledge.


Call for a Historic Roof Evaluation

Whether you’re restoring a 1920s mission-style home or a mid-century bungalow, Roof Nuts brings unmatched tile roofing expertise to Colorado and Georgia.

📞 Colorado: 303-276-2403
📞 Georgia: 404-476-6851
🌐 Visit RoofNutsCO.com | Visit RoofNutsGA.com


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