Preserving the Past. Building For the Future: Historical Restoration & Steep Slope Roofing

Restoring historic buildings is more than construction. It is craftsmanship, precision, and a deep respect for the past.

At EDA Contractors, our historical restoration and steep slope roofing work is rooted in preserving the architectural integrity of some of the region’s most iconic structures while ensuring they perform for generations to come. These projects demand a level of detail and expertise that goes beyond standard installation. Every component must be carefully removed, recreated, and reinstalled with intention.

Craftsmanship That Honors Original Design

Historical restoration begins with a careful balance: protecting what exists while upgrading what is necessary.

Our process often includes the removal of existing flashings, gutters, and downspouts, followed by the installation of new systems that match the original design while improving long-term performance. Steep slope roofing systems, particularly slate, require specialized installation techniques and an experienced team that understands both the materials and the history behind them.

What sets EDA apart is our ability to replicate historic elements with precision. Through our in-house prefabrication capabilities, we can take original architectural components, such as cornices and decorative features, and recreate them to match their original form. This allows us to maintain the building’s character while delivering modern durability and performance.

One of the most significant examples of this work is our restoration at the New Jersey State House, one of the oldest state capitol buildings in the country.

This project involved a full 15,000-square-foot roof tear-off, including temporary roofing and extensive preparation to protect the structure throughout construction.

Our team installed a new slate roofing system using Evergreen rectangular shingles, carefully selected to align with the building’s historic character. The project also included 29,000 square feet of crystalline waterproofing, enhancing the building envelope while remaining sensitive to the original design.

The result is a roof system that not only preserves the visual identity of the State House but significantly improves its long-term performance. This project was recognized with the 2024 GBCA Best Historic Preservation Project award, a testament to the level of craftsmanship and coordination required to execute work of this scale.

Another standout project is College Hall, the oldest building on campus at the University of Pennsylvania.

At College Hall, our team completed a full slate roof replacement, beginning with the removal of the existing system and installation of new sheathing and underlayments to create a solid foundation.

The project featured the installation of new slate roofing, paired with Freedom Gray copper systems throughout. Custom copper gutters, flashings, and a newly fabricated cornice were installed to match the building’s historic aesthetic.

One of the most unique elements of this project was the fabrication and installation of ornamental copper dragon heads. These details highlight the level of craftsmanship required in historical restoration, where even the smallest components play a critical role in preserving the building’s identity.

The EDA Advantage in Restoration

At EDA, our integrated approach brings together engineering, prefabrication, and field execution to ensure every detail is accounted for. Our teams understand that these buildings carry history, and every decision made on-site contributes to how that history is preserved.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction practices, we deliver restoration solutions that honor the past while building for the future.