Based in Wilson, North Carolina, MidSouth Roofing & Construction has expertise in both residential and commercial roofing projects. The company recently partnered with Edenton, North Carolina-based Down East Preservation, the general contractor, to undertake the challenging roof restoration of the Rosenwald School and Principal’s House at Elizabeth City State University. This project was notable not only for its historical significance but also for the complexity of preserving the integrity of such landmark structures.
Under the guidance of MidSouth Roofing & Construction’s skilled team, the restoration project successfully blended modern engineering with traditional aesthetics to meet the unique demands of these historic buildings.
Located in the heart of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the Rosenwald School and Principal’s House are testaments to a rich historical narrative. These iconic structures recently underwent significant roof restoration, combining modern materials with traditional designs to preserve their architectural legacy.
Historical Significance and Restoration Goals
Back in the early 1900s, thousands of Rosenwald Schools were built to help educate young African Americans during a time when schools were segregated. Today, only around 300 of these buildings remain. Among these, the Rosenwald School and Principal’s House at Elizabeth City State University stand out as significant for their role in African American education during the era of segregation. These buildings are part of a broader initiative to preserve the history of educational advancements for African Americans in the South. The Rosenwald Fund helped establish schools for African American students across the segregated South, serving not only as educational facilities but also as community centers. The restoration project at Elizabeth City State University aimed to retain the school’s historical integrity while incorporating modern materials to ensure its longevity.
The roof restoration was not merely about repair but preserving a piece of history. The project required meticulous attention to detail to maintain the authenticity of the original structures while incorporating modern, durable materials. PABCO Roofing Products’ Asphalt Cascade shingles in Antique Black, CertainTeed SwiftStart starter, and CertainTeed RoofRunner felt were used.
RoofRunner is a synthetic polymer-based scrim-reinforced roofing underlayment that provides protection for residential roofs beneath their asphalt roofing shingles. Its unique design provides exceptional resistance to water, wind and other environmental factors. Shedding water quickly and efficiently, moisture is prevented from penetrating the roof deck via a specialized top layer that repels water and an adhesive backing that helps to seal out moisture. Its high-strength woven construction provides exceptional resistance to wind uplift, helping to keep the roof secure during high wind conditions.
A VERSICO PVC liner was used for the historic gutter system to ensure long-term protection and historical fidelity.
“MidSouth Roofing & Construction was honored to have been selected by the Rosenwald and Principal’s House restoration team because of our expertise in handling intricate projects,” says Bankston Lewis, spokesperson for the company. “This project was both challenging and rewarding, given the historical significance and the detailed requirements of the restoration.”
Challenges Faced and Overcome
Restoring historical buildings like the Rosenwald School and Principal’s House presents unique challenges, particularly given their age. The team expertly navigated the task of replacing brittle decking with structurally sound materials, careful to maintain the building’s historical integrity. This required seamless teamwork between specialists in steep roofs and low slopes.
“The timeline for the Principal’s House was tight. The roofing was completed swiftly, but the standout feature was the historic gutter system, built into the building’s fascia and meticulously preserved,” Lewis says. “Working with the general contractor Down East Preservation, was a pleasure and greatly facilitated the management of complex processes.”
Distinctive Features and Materials
The choice of asphalt for the roofing was pivotal. It aligned perfectly with the historical aspects of the building, echoing the durability and style of the original 30-year architectural shingles. The distinctive diamond pattern of the PABCO Cascade shingles not only mirrored historical photographs but also enhanced the aesthetic value of the roofs.
For the restoration, 50 squares of PABCO Cascade Shingles were installed on the Principal’s House and 20 squares on the school, emphasizing the commitment to historical accuracy and quality. “Additionally, the distinctive diamond-shaped shingles we installed were based on historical photographs, adding an authentic touch that complements the building’s original aesthetic. These elements together showcase our capability and commitment to preserving history with precision and care,” Lewis explains.
Aesthetic Enhancements
The project did more than restore; it beautified. The strategic use of custom white drip edge and chimney flashing added structural resilience while accentuating the buildings’ visual appeal. The coordinated color scheme and custom designs transformed this historical structure into a visually captivating landmark, honoring its past while standing proud in the present.
This restoration project is a prime example of how historical preservation can be effectively balanced with modern roofing solutions. This project not only preserves a significant piece of history but also serves as a beacon of craftsmanship and dedication, ensuring that the legacy of the Rosenwald School continues to inspire future generations.
TEAM
Roofing Installer: MidSouth Roofing & Construction, Wilson, North Carolina, www.midsouthrc.com
General Contractor: Down East Preservation, Edenton, North Carolina, www.downeastpreservation.com
MATERIALS
PVC Liner: VERSICO Roofing Systems, www.versico.com
Shingles: Cascade, PABCO Roofing Products, www.pabcoroofing.com
Shingles: SwiftStart starter, CertainTeed, www.certainteed.com
Underlayment: RoofRunner, CertainTeed
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