A slate tile roof can last 100 years

The scaffolding went up, and the restoration work began. The slate tile mansard roof, which is original to the house, needs to be replaced.

It’s a good news/bad news story. Slate tile roofs are one of the most durable and can last as many as 100 years. Unfortunately, and Felt Manor's roof is original, making it nearly 150 years old.

Our contractor took paint samples from 15 different areas of the house and sent them out for expert historical paint analysis. When the report came back, it revealed that some parts of the house (including the shutters) had as many as 14 different layers of paint on them.

Many parts of the house will be stripped down to the original wood. We’re choosing historically accurate colors as close to the original hues from The City of Galena Historical District Approved Colors by Sherwin-Williams.

Layers and layers of paint are removed, including from the window sills and lintels, revealing the beautiful original limestone.