Lighthouse Roofing Restoration Contractor in Michigan
Historic lighthouse restoration projects require specialized roofing expertise, careful planning, and the ability to work in some of Michigan’s harshest environments. Doyle Roofing has extensive experience completing complex roofing restoration projects on historic and difficult-access structures throughout Michigan.
One of our most unique specialty projects involved the restoration of the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse located in Lake Michigan within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This landmark structure presented extraordinary logistical, environmental, and structural challenges that required precision planning and specialized commercial roofing expertise.
North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse Roofing Project
The North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse was originally abandoned by the United States Coast Guard in 1980 before being purchased and restored by the nonprofit North Manitou Light Keepers organization in 2016.
The goal of the project was to restore the lighthouse and protect the structure from continued water intrusion and weather exposure.
Project Details
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Structure: North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse
- Roofing Contractor: Doyle Inc. Roofing
- Roof Size: 1,040 square feet
- Warranty: 15 years
- Roofing System: Versico TPO roofing system
- Project Duration: 5 days
Unique Challenges of Lighthouse Roofing Restoration
Roofing a historic lighthouse in the middle of Lake Michigan is far different from a standard commercial roofing project.
This project involved:
- Transporting all workers and materials by boat
- Working without electricity or plumbing
- Carrying roofing materials up multiple flights of stairs
- Operating in rapidly changing weather conditions
- Meeting strict environmental regulations
- Complying with historic preservation standards
The project profile, the lighthouse was located nine miles from the nearest marina, requiring all materials and workers to be transported across Lake Michigan by boat.
Additionally, all roofing work had to comply with the Department of Interior’s Historic Preservation Standards and receive approval from Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office.
Specialty Roofing System Installation
Doyle Roofing recommended a hybrid roofing assembly using Versico Roofing Systems designed specifically for the harsh environmental conditions of Lake Michigan.
The roofing system included:
- ½-inch polyiso insulation
- Gray VersiFleece TPO membrane
- White VersiWeld TPO membrane
- Flexible adhesive systems
- Specialized wall flashing details
The gray membrane system was selected to preserve the historic appearance of the lighthouse while delivering long-term waterproofing performance.
Structural Restoration and Waterproofing
Before installation of the new roofing system, approximately 7,300 pounds of deteriorated steel had to be removed from the lighthouse structure. The steel was cut into sections, lowered by crane to a workboat, and transported back to shore for recycling.
Once the existing materials were removed, Doyle Roofing installed a new waterproof roofing membrane designed to protect the lighthouse from severe weather, water intrusion, and long-term structural damage.
Experience in Specialty Roofing Projects
Projects like the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse demonstrate the importance of hiring an experienced specialty roofing contractor capable of handling:
- Historic restoration roofing
- Difficult-access roofing
- Over-water roofing projects
- Waterfront roofing systems
- Commercial waterproofing
- Flat roofing systems
- Structural restoration coordination
Very few commercial roofing contractors have experience completing projects under these types of conditions.
Why Historic Roofing Expertise Matters
Historic roofing restoration projects require more than standard roofing installation knowledge. Contractors must understand:
- Preservation requirements
- Specialty materials
- Environmental compliance
- Structural protection
- Waterproofing systems
- Long-term durability in harsh climates
Doyle Roofing has decades of experience providing specialty roofing solutions throughout Michigan for commercial, industrial, institutional, and historic structures.
Trusted Commercial Roofing Since 1983
Since 1983, Doyle Roofing has completed specialized roofing projects across Michigan, including schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, rooftop patios, waterfront properties, and historic landmarks.
Our team is trusted for projects requiring advanced planning, specialized logistics, and long-term roofing performance.
Contact Doyle Roofing today to learn more about our historic roofing restoration and specialty commercial roofing services.
A Name You Can Trust. A Difference You Can See.