Victorian Slate Roofs

Slate laid in multicolored decorative patterns was particularly well suited to the mansard roofs of the second empire style the steeply pitch roofs of the gothic revival and high victorian gothic styles and the many prominent roof planes and turrets associated with the queen anne style.

Victorian slate roofs.

Slate tiles are extremely durable resistant to fire and environmentally beneficial. 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. They also last much longer than some other roofing materials but these added benefits also come at a cost. The tile surface was usually scored with finger marks to promote drainage.

Since their first use slate roofs have been revered as a pinnacle of roofing style. This is one of the most distinctive features of a victorian house. Lightweight hardwearing and long lasting welsh slate was the most common victorian roof covering. This is due to their durability strong style and high cost.

The roofs are usually ornately decorated with small carved ornaments on the gable ends and the ridge where the two sloping sides of the roof meet. A lug on the back allowed the tiles to hang on the lathing without nails or pegs. Victorian slate roofing is a 3rd generation family business with a impressive reputation providing licenced and quality tradesmen maintaining the highest standard of craftsmanship guaranteed in slate roof repairs melbourne. Slate roofing has existed in north america since the 1600s.

Roofs during the victorian era were almost exclusively made from slate which set them apart from houses that were built previously. Slate tiles began to rise in popularity during the end of the victorian period.