Victorian Roof Styles

The victorian era is that time period that matches the reign of england s queen victoria from 1837 to 1901.

Victorian roof styles.

During that period a distinct form of residential architecture was developed and became popular. Parapet roofs are similar but with the main gutter running directly behind the front wall. Jerkinhead roofs are sometimes found on american bungalows and cottages small american houses from the 1920s and 1930s and assorted victorian house styles. A roof similar to a mansard but sloped in one direction rather than both.

Of course the typical for all the victorian houses elements still present like the multiple colors walls rich in texture steep roof pitches and this one is really specific below the gable. Second empire queen anne stick shingle and richardsonian romanesque. How to spot a victorian. These are m shaped with a valley gutter running down the middle.

There is a wide variety of victorian styles each with its own distinctive features. A roof with the pitch divided into a shallow slope above a steeper slope. Victorian architecture in america is not just one style but many design styles each with its own unique array of features. Is jerkinhead a dirty word.

The second empire victorian style has a flat topped mansard roof with windows in the side to allow for maximum space inside the house. Types of victorian styles include. A large wraparound porch with ornamental spindles and brackets is common especially in the queen anne style. Some high end victorian homes are embellished with a round or octagonal.

Some early victorian townhouses with elegant georgian style façades conceal butterfly roofs nestling behind parapet walls. An element of the second empire architectural style mansard style in the u s. New siding materials and ornate trim pieces gave way to fancier home designs. For example asphalt shingles can come in scallop diamond and zig zag shapes.

A jerkinhead roof may also be called a jerkin head roof a half hipped roof a clipped gable or even a jerkinhead gable. Asphalt shingles can also come in varying shapes and sizes for added victorian appeal and durability. The steep slope may be curved. While asphalt roofs weren t used during the victorian period they can be made to resemble victorian style roofing such as wood shakes or slate.

Complex roof lines became the rage as architects worked to create designs that would pull the eye to the top of the house. Carved brackets at the eaves were common. Victorian style in its early years can surely be defined as innovative. Early victorian butterfly roofs.