Here at the base of the historic Star of the Sea Church at Fort Monroe, we were looking at a piece of Tidewater history that has survived since the 1800s. But once we looked past the majestic view, we saw a roof that was literally bending under the weight of time.

The Problem

As we looked up from the ground, the scaffolding told the story of a major undertaking. The primary issue was "bowing"—the massive, heavy Buckingham slate had caused the roof’s wooden "skeleton" to sag over the last 126 years. You could actually see the curve in the roofline from the ground, which is a major red flag for any structure, let alone a historic landmark.

The Technical Why

We headed up the scaffolding to get a bird's-eye view of the crew’s progress. To save the roof, we couldn't just "patch" it. We had to fix the foundation of the roof:

  • Structural Ties: We installed new Simpson ties (heavy-duty metal connectors) to pull the framing back into alignment and give it the strength to hold that heavy stone.
  • Copper Drip Edge with a Cant: We custom-made a new copper drip edge—the metal "lip" that guides water into the gutters. We added a "cant strip," which is a small angled piece that helps the first row of slate sit at the correct angle so it doesn't crack.
  • Buckingham Slate: Finally, we reset the original Buckingham slate. This isn't your average rock; it’s some of the highest-quality slate in the world, known for lasting over 200 years.

Professional Advice

Whether it's a church at Fort Monroe or your home in Hampton, a bowing roofline means the weight of your roof is winning the battle against your framing. This often happens due to age or moisture weakening the rafters. If your roofline looks wavy or sags in the middle, don't wait for a leak. Catching a structural bow early can prevent a total roof collapse and save you a massive headache down the road.  

It was an honor for The Roofing Company team to preserve such a piece of our local history.  Watch the full Roofing for Reel series to see more behind-the-scenes projects like this one. If you’re worried about the structural health of your own roof, give us a shout at 757-867-6600 or fill out the form on this page. We’re always happy to stop by and give you an honest look.