Introduction: Fraser Valley's Architectural Heritage

The Fraser Valley's historic buildings tell the story of our region - from frontier settlements to agricultural prosperity to modern development. Their roofs are critical to preservation. This guide explores notable historic buildings, their roofing challenges, and how we preserve them.

HOPE: GATEWAY TO THE GOLD RUSH

Hope Museum (Former Provincial Court, 1916)

History:

• Built 1916 as Provincial Court and Government Agent office
• Neoclassical design with prominent front portico
• Served as courthouse until 1970s
• Now Hope Museum, preserving local history

Original Roof:

• Material: Cedar shakes (hand-split)
• Pitch: 6:12 (moderate slope)
• Features: Hip roof with decorative brackets

Current Roof:

• Material: Architectural shingles (cedar-tone color)
• Replaced: 1985, 2010
• Preservation challenge: Matching historical appearance with modern materials

Christ Church Anglican (1861)

Significance:

• Oldest church in Hope
• Gothic Revival architecture
• Designated heritage building

Roof Challenges:

• Steep pitch: 12:12 (45° angle) - difficult to work on
• Complex geometry: Multiple valleys, dormers
• Heritage requirements: Must maintain historical appearance

CHILLIWACK: AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE

Chilliwack Museum and Archives (Former City Hall, 1912)

Architecture:

• Edwardian Classical style
• Brick construction with stone accents
• Prominent clock tower

Roof System:

• Main building: Hip roof, slate tiles (original, partially remaining)
• Tower: Copper roof (developed green patina)
• Additions: Modern metal roofing

Preservation Work:

• Slate tiles repaired/replaced as needed (expensive - $2,000-3,000/square)
• Copper maintained (re-sealed seams)
• Drainage upgraded (modern gutters, hidden from street view)

Historic Dairy Barns (1900s-1930s)

Significance:

Chilliwack was BC's dairy capital. Hundreds of dairy barns were built 1900-1950. Many still stand, though few are still working dairies.

Typical Barn Roof Evolution:

• Original (1900-1920): Cedar shakes, hand-split
• First replacement (1930-1950): Corrugated metal (galvanized steel)
• Modern (1980-present): Standing seam metal or architectural shingles

Preservation Challenges:

• Large roof area (3,000-5,000 sq ft typical)
• Structural issues (sagging rafters, rot)
• Cost (many barns abandoned due to re-roofing cost)

MISSION: RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

St. Mary's Mission Church (1861)

Historical Significance:

• Oldest church in BC's mainland
• Built by Oblate missionaries
• National Historic Site of Canada

Roof:

• Material: Cedar shakes (maintained for historical accuracy)
• Pitch: 10:12 (steep)
• Maintenance: Replaced every 20-25 years (expensive)
• Fire protection: Special fire-retardant treatment required

Why Cedar Shakes Are Maintained:

• Historical authenticity (original material)
• Heritage designation requires approval for changes
• Aesthetic importance (defines building character)

ABBOTSFORD: AGRICULTURAL & AVIATION HISTORY

Trethewey House Heritage Site (1920)

Background:

• Built by pioneer family
• Craftsman-style architecture
• Now museum and event venue

Roof Restoration (2015):

• Original: Cedar shakes
• Replacement: Architectural shingles (cedar-tone)
• Rationale: Lower maintenance, fire resistance, cost
• Controversy: Purists wanted cedar, but cost/maintenance won

HERITAGE ROOFING CHALLENGES

Balancing Preservation vs. Practicality

The Dilemma:

Historic buildings often had roofing materials that are now expensive, high-maintenance, or don't meet modern codes.

Common Conflicts:

• Cedar shakes: Authentic but fire hazard, high maintenance
• Slate: Beautiful but extremely expensive ($2,000-4,000/square)
• Clay tiles: Heavy (requires structural reinforcement)
• Wood shingles: Banned in many urban areas (fire codes)

Modern Solutions for Historic Buildings

1. Synthetic Alternatives:

• Synthetic slate: Looks like slate, 1/4 the weight, 1/3 the cost
• Synthetic shake: Polymer shingles that mimic cedar
• Advantages: Lower cost, lower maintenance, fire-resistant
• Disadvantages: Not authentic, may not be approved for designated heritage buildings

2. Fire-Retardant Treatments:

• Pressure-treated cedar shakes (Class B fire rating)
• Allows cedar in areas where untreated wood is banned
• More expensive than untreated

3. Architectural Shingles:

• High-quality architectural shingles can mimic wood shake appearance
• Much lower cost and maintenance
• Often acceptable for non-designated heritage buildings

Heritage Designation Requirements

What Heritage Designation Means:

• Building is legally protected
• Changes require approval from heritage committee
• Must maintain historical character

Roofing Approval Process:

1. Submit proposal to heritage committee
2. Include photos, material samples, justification
3. Committee reviews (can take 2-6 months)
4. Approval granted (often with conditions)
5. Work proceeds under heritage oversight

PRESERVATION BEST PRACTICES

Documentation Before Work

Critical Steps:

• Photograph existing roof from all angles
• Document materials, dimensions, details
• Identify unique features (decorative elements, unusual materials)
• Research original construction (historical photos, building records)

Matching Historical Appearance

Key Considerations:

• Color: Match original color (faded shingles may not reflect original color)
• Texture: Dimensional shingles better match wood shakes than flat 3-tab
• Pattern: Match original layout (staggered, uniform, decorative)
• Details: Preserve decorative elements (finials, ridge caps, brackets)

Working with Heritage Committees

Tips for Approval:

• Present multiple options (ideal vs. practical alternatives)
• Provide cost comparisons
• Emphasize preservation goals
• Show how modern materials can achieve historical appearance
• Be patient (process takes time)

CASE STUDY: SUCCESSFUL HERITAGE ROOF RESTORATION

Hope Museum Re-Roof (2010)

Challenge:

• Original cedar shake roof failing
• Heritage building (must maintain appearance)
• Limited budget
• Fire code concerns (wood shakes)

Solution:

• Material: High-quality architectural shingles (cedar-tone color)
• Pattern: Staggered to mimic wood shake appearance
• Details: Preserved original decorative brackets, trim
• Cost: $15,000 (vs. $40,000+ for fire-retardant cedar)

Result:

• Heritage committee approved
• Maintains historical appearance from street
• Meets modern fire codes
• Lower maintenance (30-year lifespan vs. 20 for cedar)

The Bottom Line

Preserving historic buildings requires balancing authenticity with practicality. Modern materials can often achieve historical appearance while meeting codes and budgets.

At Dads Roof Repair, we've worked on several heritage buildings in the Fraser Valley. We understand the importance of historical preservation and work closely with heritage committees. We can match historical appearance with modern materials that last longer and cost less.

Heritage building that needs re-roofing? Call (778) 651-8021 for expert advice.