Historic roofing projects demand more than standard installation practices. They require deep knowledge of traditional materials, precision craftsmanship, and an understanding of how to preserve architectural character while improving long-term performance. That level of expertise recently earned Roland Slate Service Co. two major industry honors: the 2026 Baltimore Magazine Home & Design Award for Sustainability and the 2026 MBIA’s Maryland Award of Excellence for Remodeling.
These honors highlight the company’s ability to complete technically challenging roofing restorations that combine historic preservation with modern durability. Both award-winning projects showcased custom slate and copper roofing systems designed to protect historic Maryland homes for generations.
For homeowners and property managers searching for a trusted Maryland roofing contractor, these awards reinforce Roland Slate’s reputation as one of the region’s leading specialists in historic slate and copper roofing.
Why Historic Roofing Awards Matter in Maryland
Historic roofing awards recognize projects that go beyond appearance alone. Judges evaluate craftsmanship, architectural integrity, problem-solving, material selection, and long-term performance. In Maryland, where historic homes and buildings are an important part of the region’s identity, these projects play a major role in preserving local architecture.
Award-winning roofing restorations often involve complex roof layouts, aging structures, custom fabrication, and specialty installation techniques that many contractors are not equipped to handle. Roofing systems on historic properties also require careful planning to maintain original design features while improving weather protection and lifespan.
The Baltimore Magazine Home & Design Awards focus heavily on design excellence, sustainability, and preservation. The MAX+ Awards recognize outstanding work across Maryland’s building and remodeling industries, including craftsmanship and technical execution.
Roland Slate earned recognition in both programs through roofing projects that demonstrated a strong commitment to traditional methods, premium materials, and historically accurate restoration work.
Baltimore Magazine Sustainability Award-Winning Historic Restoration
One of Roland Slate’s recognized projects involved the restoration of a 1913 brick Colonial home. The project focused on sustainability-driven roofing improvements while preserving the home’s historic appearance and architectural details.
The original slate roof had deteriorated over time and required replacement. Roland Slate installed a new Galcar Black Slate roof system selected for its durability, consistency, and exceptionally long service life. Natural slate remains one of the most durable roofing materials available and can last more than a century when properly installed. That longevity reduces replacement cycles and material waste over time.
The project also included replacement of the home’s original built-in copper gutter system, standing seam copper roofs, flat seam copper roofing sections, and chimney flashings. Every copper component was custom fabricated using 20 oz. copper to match the historic character of the home while improving long-term weather resistance.
Traditional craftsmanship played a major role throughout the project. Copper seams were soldered using time-tested methods that improve watertight performance and extend service life. Custom fabricated copper sections were designed to integrate directly with chimney flashing systems, allowing the roofing team to solve drainage and waterproofing challenges without compromising the home’s historic appearance.
The project required extensive planning to protect the property during construction. Roland Slate designed a custom scaffolding system using reusable powder-coated scaffolding, pipe scaffolding, and site-built railings. This minimized impact on the home’s masonry, landscaping, and surrounding property features.
Several areas of the roof presented complex drainage challenges due to the way chimneys intersected the built-in gutter system. Roland Slate engineered custom copper gutter sections that doubled as chimney apron flashing while supplemental copper pieces were locked, soldered, and cleated into place for added durability.
Additional improvements included raising portions of the rear roof deck with three-quarter-inch plywood to restore proper drainage where standing seam roofing met the built-in gutter system. A high-temperature ice and water shield was also installed to improve moisture protection beneath the finished roofing system.
The completed project successfully balanced sustainability, historic preservation, and long-term roofing performance. Those qualities helped the restoration stand out among award submissions throughout the region.
MBIA MAX+ Award-Winning Historic Roof Restoration
Roland Slate also received recognition for the restoration of a 1937 historic home known as the Berkeley project. This restoration focused heavily on maintaining the home’s original architectural character while replacing aging roofing materials with historically appropriate alternatives.
Most of the existing Bangor Blue slate roof had reached the end of its service life. Roland Slate replaced the aging slate with Black North Country Slate selected for its timeless appearance, durability, and consistency. Natural slate continues to be one of the most reliable roofing materials for historic homes because it maintains authentic texture and visual depth that synthetic materials often fail to replicate.
The project also included installation of a flat-seam copper swoop roof and a custom flat-seam copper radius roof fabricated from 20 oz. copper. Vent pipes and chimney flashings were custom fabricated using 16 oz. copper to match the historic detailing found throughout the property.
Precision installation methods were critical due to the home’s complex roof geometry and multiple dormers. Roland Slate used master reference chalk lines to maintain consistent slate coursing across all roof planes. Traditional installation techniques included copper fasteners, soldered seams, and repairable fastening systems designed to support long-term maintenance and preservation.
The company also took extensive precautions to protect the property throughout construction. Scaffolding was strategically positioned to reduce impact on mature trees and landscaping. Interior attic spaces were sealed with plastic and tarps to prevent dust intrusion during roof removal and installation.
Every detail of the Berkeley project reflected a commitment to preserving historic craftsmanship while improving long-term roof performance. That balance of authenticity and durability helped the project earn recognition within Maryland’s highly competitive building industry awards program.
Why Roland Slate Stands Out as a Maryland Roofing Contractor
Roland Slate has built a strong reputation throughout Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland region by specializing in slate roofing, copper roofing, and historic restoration projects that require advanced technical expertise.
Historic roofing systems demand specialized knowledge that differs significantly from standard asphalt roofing installation. Slate roofs require precise layout planning, proper fastening methods, and careful material handling. Copper roofing systems often involve custom fabrication, soldering, and detailed flashing work that few roofing contractors regularly perform.
Roland Slate’s experience with these traditional roofing systems allows the company to complete projects that preserve architectural integrity while improving long-term performance and reliability.
The company works on residential homes, churches, institutional buildings, estates, and historic commercial properties throughout Maryland. Their portfolio reflects decades of experience restoring complex roofing systems that many contractors are not equipped to handle.
These recent industry awards reinforce Roland Slate’s position as a trusted Maryland roofing contractor known for craftsmanship, historic preservation, and high-level roofing expertise.
Work With an Award-Winning Maryland Roofing Contractor
Choosing the right roofing contractor matters even more when working on a historic property or specialty roofing system. Poor installation methods can compromise drainage, shorten roof lifespan, and permanently damage architectural details that cannot easily be replaced.
Roland Slate continues to set itself apart through award-winning craftsmanship, premium materials, and a commitment to preserving Maryland’s historic homes and buildings. From slate roof replacement to custom copper fabrication and historic roof restoration, the company brings decades of specialized experience to every project.
Get in Touch with Roland Slate’s Team Today!
If you are searching for a trusted Maryland roofing contractor for slate roofing, copper roofing, historic restoration, or roof repair services, contact Roland Slate today to learn more about their award-winning work and roofing solutions built to last for generations.
Brittany Rich co-owns Roland Slate, where her expertise in roofing and dedication to craftsmanship have established the company as a leader in durable, beautifully designed roofing solutions. Brittany’s focus on high-quality materials and innovative installation techniques ensures that each roofing project is both aesthetically appealing and built to last. Under her direction, Roland Slate is committed to redefining roofing excellence, sharing knowledge on the benefits of slate roofing and how it can enhance the beauty and value of any property.