Historic Home Roofing Specialists — Savannah GA

Savannah's National Historic Landmark District contains more than 1,100 historically significant structures, and every one of them that needs a new roof faces the same reality: the Metropolitan Planning Commission reviews and approves material selection before work begins. The MPC's design guidelines for the historic district specify material types, color palettes, and visible profiles that must match the building's historic character. This is not a bureaucratic formality — violations result in mandatory restoration at the owner's expense, regardless of how recently the non-compliant work was completed. Talya Roofing maintains current knowledge of MPC design guidelines and approved materials, and handles the certificate of appropriateness process for every historic district project we undertake.

Natural slate is the historically accurate roofing material for most of Savannah's antebellum and Victorian-era homes. When we assess a historic home's existing slate roof, we look first for individual slate replacement opportunities before recommending full re-roofing. Many slate roofs installed before 1920 used hard slate from Vermont or Pennsylvania quarries that carries a genuine 100–150 year lifespan — and the individual slates themselves may still be serviceable even when the underlying flashings have failed. A skilled slate restoration can extend these roofs another 30–50 years at a fraction of full replacement cost, while preserving the original material that gives the home its historic authenticity.

For historic homes where slate or clay tile replacement is not financially feasible, we work with homeowners to identify the best MPC-approvable alternative. Several architectural shingle lines have received MPC acceptance for specific applications in the historic district — particularly for secondary structures, carriage houses, and rear slopes where the material is less visible from the street. We present all approved options with cost comparisons and help homeowners make informed decisions before submitting to the MPC. Our permit coordination includes preparing the certificate of appropriateness application, assembling the required materials samples and specifications, and responding to any MPC review comments.