Victorian Roof Structure

Although the buildings of this 80 year period shared many similarities there were also noticeable differences between victorian era buildings constructed at different times.

Victorian roof structure.

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. New siding materials and ornate trim pieces gave way to fancier home designs. The most popular materials used for victorian metal roof shingles also changed several times during the period. Carved brackets at the eaves were common.

Roof shapes became steeper in victorian homes. 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. The main factors which influence the shape of roofs are the climate and the materials available for roof structure and the outer covering. Complex roof lines became the rage as architects worked to create designs that would pull the eye to the top of the house.

Lightweight hardwearing and long lasting welsh slate was the most common victorian roof covering. Usages vary slightly from region to region or from one builder or architect to another. 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. Poorly replaced roof coverings.

The victorian style building dominated architectural design between the 1830s and 1910s. Roof terminology is also not rigidly defined.