Short answer
Restoration returns a roof to its original look and condition without replacing it from scratch. We repair or replace damaged pieces with matching materials such as slate, cedar and copper, restore eaves and flashings, and add protection like snow guards, so the building keeps its character for decades more.
A roof is part of a building’s design and history. On an older home, church or school, the slate pattern, the copper details and the shape of the roof are often what make the building special. Restoration keeps all of that.
Restoration vs replacement
Replacement strips the roof and starts over, often with a different material. Restoration keeps what is sound, repairs what isn’t, and recreates the original look without compromising the structure. Done well, you can’t tell where the old work ends and the new begins.
What restoration involves
- Assessment. We inspect the roof closely to see which materials can be saved and which need replacing.
- Matching materials. We source materials that match the original, including slate of the right colour, thickness and texture, cedar, and copper.
- Repairing details. We restore copper eaves, flashings and decorative work, and repair the carpentry beneath.
- Protection. Snow guards and proper flashings protect the restored roof and extend the time between repairs.
Why slate and copper are worth saving
Natural slate can last over 100 years, and copper up to 100. On many heritage roofs the slate itself is still sound, and the problem is failed nails, flashings or a few broken pieces. Repairing those can add decades to the roof for far less than replacing it.
Our heritage work
We have restored roofs across the GTA and beyond, including:
- Toronto Metropolitan United Church
- St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church
- Crescent School
- Portuguese Presbyterian Speaking Church
- Royal Military College of Canada
Designated properties
If your building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or sits in a heritage conservation district, changes to the roof may need approval from the city before work starts. Check with the City of Toronto’s heritage planning staff early, and tell us, so the materials and details we propose match what will be approved.