The architectural detail that defines northeast Evanston deserves the right roof.
What makes a Tudor revival roof distinctive
Steep pitches (10/12 to 14/12 typical), multiple front-facing gables, prominent chimneys with decorative chimney pots, false half-timbering carrying into gable ends, and an original roofing material that was typically slate or wood shake.
The three modern material choices
Real slate restoration (when the original is in repairable condition): preserves architectural integrity, 50+ more years of life, expensive.
Synthetic slate (DaVinci Bellaforte, Brava): close visual match, lighter weight, lower cost, no structural reinforcement needed. The default recommendation for most Tudor revivals where the original slate has reached end of life.
Designer-laminate asphalt (GAF Camelot II, CertainTeed Grand Manor): the value choice. Reads as slate from the street. Often the right answer for homes outside the historic district where COA approval is not required.
Don't forget the half-timber transitions
The detail that distinguishes a good Tudor reroof from a mediocre one is how the roofing terminates against the false half-timber on the gable ends. Proper step flashing tucked behind the half-timber and a continuous head-flashing detail at the top — never caulked face-flashing — is the right approach.