Water infiltration is the greatest threat to our historic properties. Failing metal roofs on Old West End homes for sale may cause the loss of these properties to water in the future.

To understand the extent of the problem here, Friends of the Old West End proposed a roof survey to the City. With inspections, photographs, and estimates by Outdoor Designs, Inc., the Roof Survey Report was submitted to the City on February 28.  The report included a recommended priority for repairs considering cost, prior investment, integrity, likelihood of loss, and future cost avoidance.

On April 1, the report served the basis for the City to request a grant for repair of 15 roofs using a 50-year-life silicone coating — before and after shown above. The request was made to the National Park Service under its new Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program. Grant awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $750,000.

A summary of the report is available here.  The full Roof Survey Report ( a very large download) is available here.