Victorian Roofing - Victorian Roof Restoration

What style is your Victorian home? Victorian architecture is characterized by its ornate, intricate, and often asymmetrical designs. Over the years, many of these roofs have endured wear and tear, requiring careful restoration to preserve their historic value and aesthetic appeal.

The roof crowns your house and it’s one of its the most notable features. They were designed not only for functionality but also to add visual flair. Depending on the style of a Victorian house, it could have a number of roof styles that complemented its particular architecture. In the United States there are 12 recognized Victorian house styles: 1.) Greek Revival; 2.) Gothic Revival; 3.) Italianate; 4.) Renaissance Revival; 5.) Second Empire; 6.) Stick; 7.) Romanesque Revival; 8.) Queen Anne; 9.) Shingle; 10.) Folk Victorian; 11.) Colonial Revival; Octagonal.

At the end of this article there are tips on repairing and preserving your Victorian Roof.

Victorian Roof Types

There are also a number of roof types that were used with houses built during the Victorian Era. The main ones are: 1.) Gabled; 2.); Hipped; 3.) Mansard; and 4.) the less common octagonal. Each having distinct stylistic elements. In addition, the steepness of the roof, known as its pitch will vary depending on the design of the house: low pitch (<30⁰), normal pitch (30⁰ – 45⁰), steep (45⁰). 

These are the most common roof types found in Victorian homes with brief descriptions:

1. Gabled Roof. 

Is the most popular roof type used on Victorian homes. It consists of two opposing, sloping planes supported at their ends by triangular upward extensions of two walls.  The gable end can be adorned with intricate decorative details, such as finials, bargeboards, and ornate timberwork. Sub-types include:

• Front gabled.
• Side gabled
• Cross gabled
• Hip on gable.
• Gambrel (dual-pitched roof)

Features:

• Simple, practical, and easy to construct.
• Provides extra attic space.
• Often combined with decorative detailing at the eaves.

2. Hipped Roof. 

This style slopes on all four sides of the building, meeting at a ridge or a peak. This roof design is common in larger Victorian homes. The hip roof offers durability, which makes it well-suited for areas with harsh weather conditions. Sub-types include:

• Simple.
• Pyramidal.
• Cross-hipped

Features:

• Stable and resistant to wind.
• Requires complex design and construction.
• Often seen on more prestigious Victorian homes.

3. Mansard Roof

(French roof). Is a dual-pitched sloping roof with four steeply pitched sides. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope. This style is associated with the Second Empire style. 

Features:

• Provides additional living space in the attic.
• Often used for multi-story houses.
• Can be clad with slate or tiles and adorned with dormer windows.

4. Octagonal Roof.

The eight-sided octagonal roof is often used for turrets or towers on Victorian homes, and for that rare octagonal-built main house.

Features:

• Uncommon, but striking in design.
• Common in large mansions or estates.
• Usually combined with other roof types.

Common Victorian Roofing Materials

There are a number of materials used for covering Victorian roofs:

1. Slate. True slate is a metamorphic rock, making a tough, impenetrable, quick-drying, frost- and pollution-resistant roof. Slate was by far the most common roof type.
2. Tiles. Clay tiles are a traditional roof covering, especially in England.
3. Stone. Stone ‘slates’ are made from fissile stones – usually of limestone or sandstone. They shed water more slowly than true slates, and therefore need a steep pitch to work effectively.
4. Bitumen shingles. A composition roof made from natural semisolid tar and asphalt. They are easy to apply, relatively inexpensive, and, slate, tile and stone, are fire resistant.

Key Considerations for Victorian Roofing Restoration

Restoring a Victorian roof requires an understanding of the original materials, design, and construction methods. It’s essential to approach the restoration process with care to preserve the historical integrity of the structure while also addressing modern needs for insulation, durability, and safety.

1. Assessing the Roof’s Current Condition

Before beginning any restoration work, it's crucial to conduct a thorough inspection. Look for signs of wear, such as cracked or missing slates or tiles, water damage, or structural issues with rafters or beams. This helps in determining whether a partial or full restoration is necessary.

2. Preserving Original Materials

Victorian roofs were often made from high-quality materials such as slate, clay tiles, and timber. Whenever possible, these original materials should be preserved or reused. If they need to be replaced, try to source period-appropriate materials that match the original design to maintain the historical accuracy of the property.

3. Reinforcing the Roof Structure

Over time, the structural integrity of the roof may have been compromised. For example, wooden beams may have weakened or rotted, and the roof may have shifted. During restoration, ensure that the supporting framework is secure and sound. This may require replacing or reinforcing timber supports, rafters, or trusses.

4. Upgrading Insulation and Ventilation

Victorian roofs often lack modern insulation, leading to heat loss in the winter and excessive heat gain in the summer. When restoring a roof, it’s a good opportunity to upgrade insulation without compromising the look of the building. Ensure that the attic or roof space is also properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold or timber decay.

5. Choosing the Right Roof Covering

Depending on the roof style, choosing the correct roof covering is essential. For slate or tile roofs, consider whether the existing covering can be cleaned and reused. If replacement is necessary, look for options that maintain the original look. Asphalt shingles or modern tiles can sometimes be unsuitable for maintaining a Victorian aesthetic.

6. Checking for Dampness and Water Damage

Old Victorian roofs often have issues with leaks or water ingress due to worn-out flashing, cracked tiles, or damaged guttering. It’s essential to check for signs of water damage, such as damp patches on walls or ceilings, and to fix these issues during restoration to avoid future problems.

Do an annual inspection at the end of autumn and clear away any leaves or debris from the gutters and cut back any creepers threatening to invade the eaves or roof covering, chimneys, flashings, ridges, gutters, bargeboards, fascia boards, and dormer windows.

Include an internal inspection looking for damp patches, powdery white or gray deposits on timbers, obvious fungal growth, insect exit holes, wet or sagging timbers and musty smells. If the roof becomes damp and is not properly ventilated, wet and dry rot or insect infestation will quickly take hold.

Roof Replacement

If a roof must be totally replaced, take the time to inspect the roof structure and replace any decayed timbers or apply any necessary insecticide or preservative.

Replacing a roof is expensive. You be able to salvage slate if they have intact nail holes and are not cracked. It may be possible to salvage 60 – 75 percent of the roofing.

When buying new roof coverings, match materials like for like wherever possible. Match new slates to the size, color, texture and thickness of the old. Not all slates on the house will be the same size, take several slates from different faces of the roof to get the best fit.

If you are combining old and new materials on the same roof, use the new materials near the rear and inner faces of roofs where they will not be so noticeable.

Conclusion

Victorian roofs are integral to the architectural beauty and history of these homes. From the simple gable roof to the grand mansard, these roofs were designed to not only protect but also to impress. When undertaking a Victorian roof restoration, it's essential to carefully consider the roof's design, material preservation, structural integrity, and modern needs. By working with experienced professionals and paying close attention to detail, a Victorian roof can be restored to its original glory, ensuring it remains a beautiful and functional feature of the home for many years to come.

Tips

• Because Victorian roofs are often complex and intricate, it’s advisable to hire a roofing contractor who has experience with historical restoration. They will understand how to work with original materials and designs and ensure the work complies with heritage preservation regulations.  Throughout the years, we have found out that the local handyman may be a Jack of all trades but is a Master of none and that is why hiring a roofing contractor who is experienced with historic restorations is your best option.
• Our 1889 Victorian home has 9 fireplaces.  We discovered how important it is to have the roofer install proper flashing around each chimney.  The areas around each chimney are a prime points for water infiltration into the attic and upper floors of your home.
• Before making any changes, take detailed photographs or sketches of the existing roof. This documentation can help guide the restoration and ensure that no essential details are lost.
• Joan was born and raised on the same street where our 1889 home is located.  Her childhood home is a few houses up the street from us and it is a Craftsman style home purchased from Sears & Roebuck.  It had slate shingles and, back in the day, Joan’s father would inspect and repair the slate on a periodic basis.  Finding experienced contractors who are experts at slate roof restoration work is becoming exceedingly difficult.  One alternative is to do what a local tavern did a few years ago to maintain the authenticity of their historic structure.  I am referring to the Jean Bonnet Tavern which is located a couple miles from us and dates back to 1762.  Like our 1889 Victorian home, the Jean Bonnet Tavern is also on the National Register of Historic Places.  They elected to get shingles that mimic the look of old slate roofs.  These are typically made from materials like asphalt, fiberglass, or synthetic composites, designed to replicate the timeless and elegant appearance of traditional slate without the high cost, weight, or maintenance demands. These shingles are popular in both residential and commercial applications because they offer a similar aesthetic but are more affordable and easier to install.
• In many areas, homes of historical significance are subject to preservation laws. Check with local authorities to understand the legal requirements for roof restoration and any guidelines for maintaining the historic character of the property.  For example, we are located in the Historic District and we had to go through our local Historic Architectural Review Board and our local Borough Counsel just to get the specific color of white paint for our outside trim approved (in addition to having to get our roofing restoration work approved)!
• After restoration, regular roof maintenance is key to preserving the roof’s longevity. Schedule periodic inspections to ensure any potential issues are caught early before they develop into major problems.

Sources:

• Edd, Kit, 2007, The Victorian House, Aurum Press Limited.
• Gay, Cheri, Y., 2002, Victorian Style: Classic Homes of North America, Courage Books, Philadelphia, London.
• McAlester, Virginia and Lee, 2012, A Field Guide to American Houses, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York.