Maryland: Our heroes of 1814
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Maryland: Our heroes of 1814 |
In just four years, the 200 year commemoration of our War of 1812 will begin. Undoubtedly we will be reminded of the stupidity that led to our declaring war on England, the failure of the leadership in Washington to defend the capital and the mislaid praise for Jackson's victory in New Orleans after the end of the war. But Baltimore and its nearby communities bestowed all Americans with two patriotic triumphs:
1. People of Baltimore repulsed an invasion led by a formidable British general
2. Our national anthem made its debut.
The War of 1812 marked the early days of America's interest in using metal panel roofing. Throughout Maryland, vintage tin roofs continue to survive due to the loving attention by their owners who want to boast of their state's past contributions to our history.
Representing a recent example of this effort to preserve the past, two sisters embarked on a major outside facelift with their home north of Baltimore. The colonial grey finish we applied to the roofs complimented the blue siding and newly painted shutters.
The far right photos below illustrate a problem this amateur photographer encounters quite frequently. The home in Annapolis near the waterfront was almost impossible to photograph. And the Barn Red roof in historic Baltimore also was difficult to find an angle for a photogenic remembrance.
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In late 2007, a formulation that resolved the chalking action found in green tints was made available by Preservation Products. This chalking effect that has been appearing in the green and bluish tints was due to the action of zinc, an additive that prevents the mildew effects. This chalking action meant a quick touchup coating around year seven in order for the roof to retain its deep color. With this project below, it appears that this limitation to the green tints is being sucessfully resolved.
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This summer home on the Chespapeake Bay illustrates several repair techniques:
1. Bolting panel edges to prevent wind damage
2. Resolving jagged or missing edges to the tin panels
3. Managing asphalt damage to the metal panels.
The owner took an active role in the project and, due to the extensive work this project required, is a knowledgeable resource on the pros/cons of restoration work.
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As one drives around the countryside, a tin roof appears many settings: perhaps the end of a street, or in a funny name like Cockeysville, or truly in the middle of nowhere.
A church in eastern Maryland illustrated combining new metal roofing with old. See a tin shingle project for its story. The last photo illustrates a thoughtful owner who was renovating the entire homestead by herself. She knew she wanted a special bronze tint (called "Suzy's bronze") that complimented her brick. See brick siding houses with tin roofs
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Cool roofing, or applying white acrylic roofing system to improve comfort during the summer and save on energy costs, is establishing a place in Baltimore. This contractor worked with the city of Baltimore in its first group of row houses with cool roofing and worked with Civic Works in promoting this system. See Cool roofing for a Baltimore row house
The Creative Alliance at the Patterson on Eastern Ave wanted a white roof. The project entailed removal of stone and the application of an acrylic system designed just for this situation. For photos of this Cool Roof repair project, click here.
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Each project in Maryland seems to offer a new opportunity to add to our abilities to work with owners in preserving their existing metal roofing.
If you want to experience a "patriotic moment", visit Fort McHenry, located near central Baltimore. Taking time to view the park's dramatic presentation of the events of those days and walking the fort that withstood the British bombardment will kindle an appreciation for Baltimore's victory. Many believe that if Baltimore had fallen, some of the new republic would have been reabsorbed into the British Empire.
If you are seeking an experienced company to offer an estimate to preserve your existing metal roof, one of us would be delighted to visit your residence, discuss the alternatives available and, if requested, submit a quote for restoring your tin roofs. Click here for a map of our geographical work area.
Beyond information about our contracting services, this site is designed for individuals interested in tin roofs--photos, technical tidbits and history. These web pages are prepared by the same contractor that specializes in the restoration of these tin roofs. She enjoys dabbling in website construction, therefore photos and articles are simply presented. All pictures are from Roof Menders projects, the same contractor. If you have questions, just call 610-941-1051 for a chat.