June 26, 2025
Preserving Historic Charm: The Best Roofing Materials for Kirkwood Homes
Kirkwood, MO (ZIP 63122) – a suburb renowned for its beautiful historic homes, community spirit, and lush, tree-lined streets. From grand Victorian manors to charming Craftsman bungalows, the architectural integrity of Kirkwood is one of its greatest assets. But protecting these treasures requires more than just a standard roof—it demands a deep understanding of historic preservation, modern durability, and the right materials for the job.
If you own a historic home in Kirkwood, you know that any renovation, especially a roof replacement, is a balancing act. How do you protect your home from St. Louis’s harsh weather while honoring its original character? The answer lies in choosing the right roofing material.
At Family First Exteriors, we specialize in historic roof restoration. This guide will walk you through the best roofing materials for Kirkwood homes, ensuring your roof is both beautiful and built to last.
Understanding the Challenge: Roofing for Historic Kirkwood Homes
Homes in Kirkwood’s historic districts, such as the Central Place or Meramec Highlands, aren’t just old—they’re pieces of history. When replacing a roof, several factors come into play:
- Architectural Style: A roofing material that suits a Tudor Revival home might look out of place on a Colonial Revival. The goal is to match the original aesthetic.
- Weight and Structure: Older homes may not be engineered to support the heavy weight of materials like natural slate or clay tile without structural reinforcement.
- Local Regulations: The Kirkwood Landmarks Commission has specific design guidelines. Any exterior work must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness to ensure it aligns with the neighborhood’s historic character.
- Modern Performance: Your new roof must withstand St. Louis’s freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, and intense summer sun—something original materials weren’t always designed for.
The Best Roofing Materials for Preserving Kirkwood’s Charm
Choosing the right material is the most critical decision you’ll make. Here are the top options that balance historical accuracy with modern performance.
1. Natural Slate Tile
Best for: Victorian, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, and Colonial Revival homes.
Slate is the gold standard for historic roofing. Its natural, layered appearance is unmatched, and its lifespan can exceed 100 years. For many of Kirkwood’s most distinguished homes, slate is the only material that does justice to the original design.
- Pros: Unparalleled beauty, extreme longevity, fireproof, and resistant to rot and insects.
- Cons: Very heavy (may require structural assessment), high upfront cost, and requires specialized installation.
2. Synthetic Slate & Shake
Best for: Homes where natural slate is too heavy or costly; Craftsman and Tudor styles where wood shake was original.
Modern technology has created composite materials that flawlessly mimic the look of natural slate and cedar shake. These are lightweight, durable, and increasingly approved by historic commissions.
- Pros: Authentic appearance, significantly lighter than slate, lower cost, Class 4 impact resistance, and minimal maintenance.
- Cons: While excellent, they are still a substitute for the natural material.
3. Luxury & Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Best for: Craftsman, Bungalow, and Colonial Revival homes where a textured, dimensional look is desired without the cost of slate.
Forget basic 3-tab shingles. High-end architectural shingles are designed with multiple layers to create depth and shadow lines that mimic wood shake or slate. They come in a wide range of colors that can complement historic brick and siding.
- Pros: Cost-effective, versatile, excellent performance, and available in algae-resistant and cool-roof varieties.
- Cons: Lifespan is shorter than slate or metal (typically 25-40 years).
4. Standing Seam Metal
Best for: Greek Revival, Farmhouse styles, and historic homes with low-slope additions or porch roofs.
While it can look modern, standing seam metal has been used for centuries. Its clean, vertical lines can be historically appropriate, and its performance is outstanding. It’s a fantastic choice for durability and energy efficiency.
- Pros: Extremely durable (50+ year lifespan), energy-efficient (reflects heat), low maintenance, and excellent at shedding snow and ice.
- Cons: Requires expert installation to look right on a historic home; can be noisier during rain without proper insulation.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Historic Roof Replacement in Kirkwood
Step 1: Professional Assessment & Structural Review
The journey begins with a detailed inspection by a contractor who specializes in historic homes. We assess not only the roof’s surface but also the underlying deck and structural supports to ensure they can handle the chosen material.
Step 2: Navigating Kirkwood’s Historic Guidelines
We work with you to prepare and submit the necessary application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission. This critical step ensures your project is approved and compliant.
Step 3: Material Selection & Detailed Proposal
Together, we select the perfect material that honors your home’s architecture and fits your budget. You’ll receive a transparent, detailed proposal with no hidden costs.
Step 4: Meticulous Installation & Restoration
Our expert crew carefully removes the old roof, performs any necessary repairs to the decking, and installs the new roofing system with meticulous attention to historic detail, including custom flashing and proper ventilation.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough & Warranty Assurance
After a thorough cleanup, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure absolute satisfaction. We’ll also explain your material and workmanship warranties in detail, so you have complete peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Roofing
What is the best roofing material for a historic home in Kirkwood?
The best material depends on your home’s architectural style and budget. Natural slate is the most authentic option for many Victorian and Colonial Revival homes in Kirkwood. However, high-quality synthetic slate or architectural asphalt shingles can offer a historically accurate look with modern benefits like lower weight and cost, and are often approved by local historic commissions.
Does my historic Kirkwood home require special permits for a roof replacement?
Yes, it is highly likely. Kirkwood has several designated historic districts with specific design guidelines. The Kirkwood Landmarks Commission often requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior modifications, including roof replacements, to ensure the materials and design are historically consistent. It’s crucial to work with a contractor experienced in navigating these local regulations.
Can a new roof on my historic Kirkwood home be energy efficient?
Absolutely. Modern roofing systems offer significant energy efficiency improvements. Materials like standing seam metal and specially coated architectural shingles reflect solar heat, while a full roof replacement provides the perfect opportunity to upgrade attic ventilation and insulation. This reduces strain on your HVAC system and lowers energy bills without compromising the home’s historic look.
Trust the Experts at Family First Exteriors
For years, Family First Exteriors has been helping Kirkwood homeowners protect and preserve their historic properties. We understand the unique demands of working in historic districts and are committed to delivering solutions that honor your home’s legacy while providing modern-day protection.
We guide our clients through every step, from navigating the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission approval process to selecting the perfect material and ensuring a flawless, code-compliant installation.
📍 Visit Family First Exteriors
Family First Exteriors
Located in: Ballwin Village East
15009 Manchester Rd Ste 261
Ballwin, MO 63011, United States
Phone: +1 314-916-6602
Website: familyfirstexteriors.com