Case Study: Historic Victorian Metal Roof Restoration in Knights Landing, CA
Project Overview
When homeowners Kelley F. and Rafael M. reached out about replacing the aging roof on their 150-year-old Victorian home, their top priorities were longevity, historical accuracy, and energy efficiency. The existing roof had multiple layers of deteriorating materials, dry rot, and a failed gutter system that had caused water intrusion for decades.
They wanted a roofing solution that would respect the home’s heritage while incorporating modern energy-saving technology.
Challenges and Design Considerations
This was not a typical re-roof. As Sales Rep Mike C. explained, “The building’s eave line was nearly 40 feet high, and everything had to be done from a boom lift. The original gutter design had failed over a century of use, so we completely re-engineered it to match the home’s architectural style and improve drainage.”
Additional challenges included:
Structural Repairs: Dry rot at the eaves and fascia required reframing and replacement.
Historical Preservation: The home’s 44 redwood corbels—each uniquely curved—had to be preserved or rebuilt.
Height and Safety: No ladders could reach the eave line, requiring two boom lifts and strict safety coordination.
- Material Transition: The roof decking required solid sheathing installation over original skip sheeting, pre-stained to maintain a vintage interior appearance.
Our Innovative Solutions
To ensure long-term performance and preservation, the project incorporated several modern upgrades while keeping the home’s historic aesthetic intact:
Installed Taylor Metals Easy Lock Standing Seam panels with ultra-cool Kynar paint in Sterling Grey. This light-reflective finish closely matched the original color scheme and helped keep the attic cooler.
Execution and Craftsmanship
Crew Lead Sam W. described the work as a balance between craftsmanship and safety:
“Kelley F.’s home is stunning, but at 45 feet up, even simple tasks become complex. Every step required planning. We rebuilt eight corbels from scratch and painted all of them. The finished result kept the home’s character intact—just stronger and safer now.”
The team also replaced deteriorated fascia boards, repaired soffits with pre-finished 24-gauge metal, and used modern underlayment and flashing systems to ensure weather resistance for decades to come.
All work underwent historical department review and city inspection, ensuring both compliance and preservation of the home’s legacy.
Project Outcome
After six weeks of careful restoration, the Falk-Maestu home emerged with a fully modernized roofing system that will protect and enhance the property for decades.
Key Results:
- Improved energy efficiency through R-6 insulation and reflective metal finish
- Long-lasting 40-year material and paint warranty (10-year labor)
- Leak-free performance and enhanced attic ventilation via new skylights
- Faithful historical restoration of Victorian architectural features
- Increased property value and reduced maintenance
Featured Customer Review
Hired Cal Energy (CECS) to replace our composite roof with metal and add gutters. There was a lot of custom carpentry. Sam, Raymond, Mike, John and Oscar were great! We highly recommend them. Great communication. They know their stuff.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies how modern building science and historical preservation can coexist beautifully. Through thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to heritage details, the Falk-Maestu Victorian in Knights Landing now stands as a model of durability, efficiency, and timeless architecture.
