Victorian Roof Structure

Poorly replaced roof coverings.

Victorian roof structure.

Complex roof lines became the rage as architects worked to create designs that would pull the eye to the top of the house. The victorian style building dominated architectural design between the 1830s and 1910s. The roof structure is also likely to be the oldest and least altered part of a historic building which can yield important information about its age and significance. Although the buildings of this 80 year period shared many similarities there were also noticeable differences between victorian era buildings constructed at different times.

The most popular materials used for victorian metal roof shingles also changed several times during the period. The main factors which influence the shape of roofs are the climate and the materials available for roof structure and the outer covering. Failure is usually due to the nail fixings becoming corroded causing the slates to slip although with age slates can eventually start to absorb water and become soft. Roof shapes differ greatly from region to region.

These are much heavier than slates and unless the roof structure has been strengthened to accommodate the tiles there can be problems with the. The fact that so many historic roofs have survived for centuries is a testimony to the design materials and skills used on traditional roofs even though few would fully. New siding materials and ornate trim pieces gave way to fancier home designs. Lightweight hardwearing and long lasting welsh slate was the most common victorian roof covering.

Roof terminology is also not rigidly defined. Slate was commonly used to cover the roofs of victorian buildings and it is not uncommon to see roofs where the original slates have been replaced with concrete tiles.