Our Commercial Steep Slope team has been working diligently since mid-July on the tear-off and replacement of the original tile roof on the iconic Reynolda House. After spending months of planning and formulating replica green-blend tiles, Reynolda visitors are starting to watch the house take on new life with our installation of over 150,000 pounds of new Ludowici Morando closed shingle tile. The house is also being outfitted with new copper flashing, dormers, and gutters by our specialty metal workers using Peak Metal Products.
This week, our Commercial Steep Slope team is waiting on their final tile shipment to complete finishing touches on Phases 1 and 2 (the house’s main section). Phases 3 and 4 are currently in the process of tile and copper installation. Our Foreman, Matthew McGinnis, is eyeing the week of September 20th for the beginning of Phase 5, starting with the tear-off of the original roof and installation of new tile. Baker Restoration will begin masonry preservation work on the chimney of this roof section starting September 20th as well.
"The biggest challenge we have overcame is working around and communicating with the other trades about where we have to leave sections out for them to have access and complete their scope.”
The green-blend clay tile roof of Reynolda (originally installed in 1917) was the catalyst for a trend of colorful tile roofs in the surrounding Winston-Salem area and beyond in North Carolina. This style is still favored in 2021 and can be seen on display in the homes along Reynolda Road. When the iconic original roof began to show signs of age and failure, it was decided that a complete re-roof was necessary. Baker Roofing Company, who has called NC home for just as long at the Reynolda estate, was trusted with the project. Though the original tile design options don’t exist in this century (glaze and tile profiles have both been engineered and optimized over the decades), the ceramic engineers from Ludowici Tile Company worked closely with the Reynolda preservers to create a replica custom color blend.
A box-shaped component that connects scuppers to downspouts, helping control the flow of roof runoff and avoiding unsightly cascades. Waterheads are also called conductor heads or rainheads.
Flexible joints built into a roof system that absorb movement from expansion and contraction. They prevent cracking and leaks at connections between different parts of your roof assembly.
An L-shaped piece of roof edge flashing that helps rainwater flow off the roof and away from the fascia boards. It prevents water from seeping under shingles or other roofing materials, protecting the roof deck from rot.
The process where water moves into tiny gaps or along narrow spaces, often against gravity, because of surface tension. In roofing, it can draw water into seams or cut edges, leading to hidden leaks and damage.
The waterproof layer in a roofing system that protects the building from water intrusion and reflects sunlight, lowering energy costs. It’s usually the top layer of the roofing system and can be made of materials like TPO, PVC, EPDM, or modified bitumen.
A type of white single-ply roofing membrane that’s sealed at the seams using hot air, creating a waterproof layer over the roof. It’s commonly used on flat or low-slope commercial buildings, since these roofs need to most protection from water infiltration.
A black, gray or white rubber roofing membrane known for its long lifespan. It’s commonly used on flat or low-slope buildings and is typically glued down, mechanically fastened or ballasted, not heat-welded.
A high-end type of heat-welded thermoplastic membrane that stands up well to oils and chemicals. It’s ideal for restaurants or industrial buildings for its extra resistance, though it usually costs more.
A durable type of heat-welded thermoplastic membrane that reflects sunlight and helps reduce cooling costs. It’s a cost-effective option for flat roofs but may not perform as well as PVC in harsh environments.
A watertight joint created by joining metal roofing or flashing components together. Soldered joints provide long-lasting, durable seals against water infiltration.
The short wall that extends above the roofline, often around the roof’s edge, to provide safety, block wind, and in some cases help manage water drainage. In roofing, parapet walls are usually capped with coping to keep water from seeping into the wall structure.
A roof drain retrofit designed to fit inside existing piping without major demolition. Retro drains are cost-effective solutions for improving drainage on older roofs.