Historic Home Gets New Owens Corning Duration Roof in Waterloo

Historic homes are a different kind of job. The character of the property matters - you can't just slap any shingle up there and call it a day. This Waterloo home had a lot going on: multiple roof planes, a dormer, a covered carport section, and a brick chimney that had to be worked around carefully. Getting everything to tie together cleanly takes real attention to detail.

We went with Owens Corning Duration shingles in a cool gray blend - Class 3 impact rated, which is a big deal in Iowa where hail is a real threat. The Duration line uses SureNail technology, which means each shingle is fastened through a reinforced nailing strip. That translates to significantly better wind resistance compared to standard shingles. It's not just marketing - it's a measurable difference in how the roof holds up over time.

The color choice here was deliberate. The warm white exterior, teal accents, and original brick chimney all pointed toward a cooler, neutral tone on the roof. A gray blend keeps the home looking historically appropriate while still giving it a sharp, updated look. It's the kind of decision that's easy to overlook but makes a real difference in the finished result.

On a home like this with multiple intersecting roof sections, getting clean ridge lines and tight valleys is where the craftsmanship shows. Every plane has to terminate correctly - no shortcuts. The detailing around the dormers and chimney is where lesser jobs tend to cut corners, and that's exactly where we focus.

A few finishing touches still to go, but the bulk of the work is done and it's looking great. This is the kind of roof that should protect this home for decades - built right, with materials that can actually handle what Iowa weather throws at it.