Composite Slate Tops Courthouses Nationwide
From Pipestone County in Minnesota to Walton County in Georgia. From Cass County in Missouri to Warren County in New Jersey. Federal agencies across America are turning to DaVinci for their composite slate re-roofing projects, including historic courthouses.
Why? Because authentic-looking composite slate roofing from DaVinci has the realistic look that historic preservation committees seek. In addition, the low-maintenance roofing tiles are backed by a 50-year material warranty. The tiles come in a wide variety of colors, as well as custom color matches. In addition, the synthetic slate tiles resist fading, impact, fire, insect infestations and mold.
Green Light from Preservation Group
When the Pipestone County Courthouse recently needed a new roof, they came up against stiff resistance to several options from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Only when presented with DaVinci Slate options was the green light given to move ahead.
“We sent several roof samples to SHPO to review,” says Steve Ewing, Pipestone County administrator. “They were turned down. They requested we match as closely as possible to the scale, texture and coloration of the original roof.
“The SHPO responded positively that the DaVinci synthetic slate had the historic look and coloring that was the most appropriate choice for our historic building.
“Many people tell me how authentic the roof looks. Pipestone County will certainly consider DaVinci roofing products for any future projects.”
Long-Lasting Composite Roof
Two other historic courthouses now showcasing DaVinci Slate roofs can be found in Missouri and New Jersey. In this “Tale of Two Courthouses,” it’s apparent that many older roofs are left to deteriorate and rot before being replaced. That’s when it’s critical to bring in a long-lasting composite roof.
The Cass County Courthouse in Harrisonville, Missouri required massive restructuring. One of 34 buildings in the Harrisonville Courthouse Square District, the original courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
“The DaVinci Roofscapes product we installed was less expensive than real slate,” says George Modlin with Delta Innovative Services. “It has a tremendous warranty to back it up. We felt this composite roofing product was the best fit. We worked with the DaVinci team to make sure it would meet the historical integrity of the project.
“County commissioners, employees at the courthouse, tenants and shop owners around the square have all been very positive regarding the roof renovation. We went the extra mile on this project for the county. It’s not often that a roofing/sheet metal contractor can participate with a community to be a part of such a long-lasting effort.”
Complementing Historic Styles
In Belvidere, New Jersey, the Warren County courthouse sits right in the middle of the historic district. It was built in 1826, restored in 1953, and added to in 1961. This courthouse complements the Federal, Late Victorian and Greek Revival architectural style popular in the 1800s.
Integrity Roofing restored the old roof with more than 20,000 square feet of DaVinci Single-Width Slate. They used a Smokey Gray color.
This is another case where the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (in 1981). In addition, it’s listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places (in 1978). Thanks to this composite slate re-roofing project, the historic courthouse once again proudly complements other structures in the historic area.
Colorful Courthouse Roofs
Throughout history, oftentimes different design styles require colorful roofs. DaVinci easily meets this re-roofing challenge with pre-mixed color blends. For the 1885 Carroll County Courthouse in Ohio, the European blend of colors proved the best complement to the structure’s design.
The blend of Light Gray, Medium Gray, Dark Gray and Dark Purple was chosen because the colors reminded the building’s maintenance supervisor of the natural slate roofing materials already on the roof. This similarity helped the county retain its designation as a U.S. National Register of Historic Places site.
“The DaVinci Roofscapes product was one of three presented to us along with slate and metal,” says Ed Eick, building maintenance supervisor for Carroll County. “I found the DaVinci Slate to be very affordable to us along with being cost effective related to long-term maintenance.”
“It’s also very appealing that the DaVinci product is 100 percent recyclable. Knowing that there are county offices that urge recycling, that in itself made sense that the county courthouse should be a good example of county officials looking out for the environment.”
In Henrietta, Texas, the historic Clay County Courthouse has just received a re-roof with DaVinci Slate. The brick and sandstone four-story structure was created in 1884. It’s a historical landmark in the community.
To complement the Italianate style of the courthouse, a Cottage Red color tile was chosen for the composite slate re-roofing project. Reclaiming its showpiece location in the community, the courthouse is a stand-out piece with a fade-resistant roof that will last for decades.