Project Description
The Pinnacle Living (formerly Virginia United Methodist) historic Lydia Roper Home in Norfolk, Virginia, has been a cherished part of the community since its establishment in 1921. Built in honor of Lydia Roper, who dedicated her life to supporting widowed women from the Civil War, this assisted living home has provided a warm and caring environment for older women, just as it was intended when it was first erected.
Pinnacle Living announced the difficult decision to close the Lydia Roper Home in 2019, a move that reflects the changing needs of the community and the organization. While this decision marks the end of an era, the legacy of care and compassion that Lydia Roper embodied will always be remembered.
The Roofing Company has proudly played a vital role in preserving the integrity of The Roper Home for many years. Our team has been involved in various repairs, including slate, metal, chimneys, dormers, floors, gutters, and the porch area. One of our recent projects involved replacing a 100-year-old soldered internal gutter with a new copper system, ensuring the continued protection of this historic building during its final days of operation.
Our relationship with The Roper Home began when a commercial roofing contractor referred us for Buckingham Slate roof repairs and internal gutter issues. In 2014, we were called back to investigate a suspected leak in the laundry room. After conducting a water test, we determined that the issue stemmed from a plumbing pipe rather than a roofing leak.
Over the years, The Roofing Company has become the go-to contractor for several exterior projects at The Roper Home. One standout project involved creating a uniquely customized flat-lock soldered copper roof with an internal gutter system above the front porch. The craftsmanship required for this project was remarkable, utilizing specific tools such as soldering irons and dead-blow hammers, along with custom-cut copper pieces to ensure a perfect fit.
The images showcase the original flat-lock and internal gutter system after a century of service, now in need of replacement.
As we reflect on the closing of the Lydia Roper Home, we remain committed to honoring its historical significance and the legacy of care it provided to its residents. While this chapter may be coming to a close, we will continue to celebrate the impact of The Roper Home on the community and the lives it touched.
