Do you own a historic commercial building in the Northeast US? If so, chances are your roof is comprised of historic roofing materials that need regular care—whether it’s inspections, repairs, or full restorations. At Vanguard Roofing, we’re proud to be the go-to commercial roofing contractor in the region, helping businesses preserve their historic and modern commercial buildings.
Historic Commercial Building Defined
A historic commercial building isn’t just a structure—it’s a piece of the local community’s heritage. While a commercial building usually needs to be at least 50 years old to be considered historic, age alone isn’t the only factor. Architectural style, unique decorative details, and period-specific fixtures all play a role in determining its status. Keeping a historic commercial building in top shape takes specialized care, which is why working with an expert is so important.
Modern Commercial Building Explained
Most newer commercial buildings embrace modern design, incorporating sleek architectural elements and the latest construction techniques. Builders and remodelers focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and top-tier performance, using cutting-edge technology to create smarter spaces. Architects design open floor plans and flexible layouts that can easily be adapted to different business needs. Long-term tenants often look for ways to integrate their branding into the design, creating a space that reflects their identity. Most high-rise office buildings, retail establishments, and warehouse facilities are modern commercial buildings.
Exploring The Differences Between Roofing Materials & Methods
Historic commercial buildings often feature natural roofing materials like wood, copper, slate, and clay—materials that are heavier, more ornate, and sometimes quite delicate. Back in the day, roofers would handcraft these materials rather than rely on mass production, adding a unique, artisanal touch to each roof. In contrast, modern commercial buildings typically use lighter, more readily available materials like metal, composite, and thermoplastic membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC, which major manufacturers produce on a large scale.
Most roofing contractors today aren’t trained in historic roofing techniques. In the past, roofers would hand-split cedar shakes or carefully form clay tiles, creating a roofing system tailored to the building’s specific needs. This process took weeks of dedicated labor. Today, a TPO or PVC membrane can be added in just a few days.
Understanding The Similarities Between Roofing Materials & Methods
Whether you’re dealing with a roof on a historic building or a modern commercial building, the goal is the same—keeping the elements out while allowing proper ventilation. No matter its age, every roofing system needs to function as a reliable barrier against outside forces, especially water.
Contact us today to learn more about our modern commercial building or historic roof inspection, repair, and preservation services.
At Vanguard Roofing, we work with commercial property owners and managers in Southeast New York, Northeast New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts to address their historic and modern roofing needs.
