Nana’s Townhouse – Roof and Skylight Replacement in Old Town Alexandria, VA
- Tom Hurley
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
When Nana’s townhouse on South Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria began experiencing persistent roof leaks, it quickly became clear that the issues went beyond a simple repair.
Water intrusion was coming from both the main pitched roof and multiple skylights, raising concerns about long-term damage to a historically unique home.
Located in one of Alexandria’s oldest neighborhoods, the property featured a combination of traditional pitched roofing and a rear flat roof addition – a setup that often requires multiple roofing systems working together properly.
What Prompted the Work
The homeowners noticed active leaks during rain events, particularly around the skylights and along the rear portion of the home. Given the age of the existing roof systems and visible signs of failure, a full inspection was performed to determine the most reliable path forward.
The assessment showed that both the shingle roof and flat roof components had reached the end of their service life, making full replacement the best long-term solution.
Scope of Work
This project required a tailored approach due to the different roof types present on the home.
The front-facing pitched roof was fully replaced using GAF architectural asphalt shingles. This provided a durable, weather-resistant roofing system while maintaining a traditional appearance consistent with surrounding Old Town homes.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Hurley Home Roofing is able to install these systems to manufacturer standards and offer enhanced warranty options that aren’t available through every contractor.
At the rear of the townhouse, the existing flat roof and skylights were contributing to ongoing leaks. All skylights were replaced with new VELUX solar blind skylights, improving both weather protection and interior comfort. The flat roof itself was replaced with a commercial-grade TPO roofing system. TPO is a white, reflective membrane commonly used on flat roofs to improve durability and energy efficiency, particularly in urban and historic settings.
What Made This Project Unique
In addition to the technical challenges, this project was especially meaningful because it involved working with family on a historically significant Old Town Alexandria property. Older homes often require a careful balance between modern roofing materials and respect for the original structure. Every decision was made with long-term performance in mind, while ensuring the home’s character and layout were preserved.
The Result
With the new roofing systems in place, the townhouse is now fully protected from leaks and better equipped to handle future weather. The upgraded skylights and reflective flat roofing also contribute to improved energy efficiency throughout the home.
Projects like this highlight the importance of choosing roofing solutions that are appropriate for both the structure and the setting. Mixed roof systems, especially on historic homes, require experience and a thoughtful approach to ensure lasting results.