ROOFS

The East Row Historic District displays a wide variety of roof shapes and roof materials. Roof shapes include gable, pyramidal, hipped, shed and mansard. These roof variations were popular on Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The roof pitch and details such as intersecting gables, raised platforms, and dormers with vented openings help define a building's character. Alterations to roof forms and detailing on the main facade and side facades should not occur if these alterations will be visible form the major street facade(s).

Residences with slightly pitched gable or hipped roofs or shed roofs may receive skylights or additions under some circumstances. Due to the density of residences on most blocks, the raising of a roof to accommodate additional space, enlargement of attic areas, or the addition of skylights may be allowable in the rear one-half to one-third of a building depending on visibility from the street facade(s). In no instance should these additions exceed one additional story.

Original roof materials during the late 19th century included wood shingles or shakes, standing seam metal and slate. By the early 20th century the use of composition shingles became popular and was the most common roof material after 1910.

Through replacement over past decades the majority of buildings in the East Row area no longer retain their original roof materials. All original wooden shingle or shake roofs are gone or covered, as are many of the original metal roofs and some of slate. However, many buildings retain metal standing seam roofs and slate roofs and these elements are important in defining the character of the building.

Metal standing seam roofs were generally composed of copper-bearing steel, coated on each side with a terne alloy of 80% lead and 20% tin. Homeowners purchased roofs in individual sheets which were crimped together to form a watertight seal. Metal nails were then used to attach the metal sheets to the roof rafters. These roofs are durable and often last fifty to seventy years but require frequent painting to prevent rust. Metal standing seam roofs should never be painted with aluminum oxide paints.

The great majority of roofs in the East Row Historic District are of composition or asphalt shingles added in the 20th century. These roofs are economical, last twenty to thirty years depending on their grade, and easily is the most available material. All historic roofing materials should be maintained and retained wherever possible. However, it is likely that many of the metal roofs in the East Row area are reaching the end of their lifespan and replacement may become necessary. Replacement with a new metal standing seam roof is desirable given their longevity over composition roofs. The costs of such roofs may be prohibitive and replacement with composition roofs is also acceptable.

The replacement of slate roofs is not recommended in most cases. Slate roofs can last indefinitely if properly maintained and repair of individual shingles is often more cost effective than wholesale removal and replacement. The decorative character of many slate roofs also is an argument against replacement. If 25% or less of a slate roof is demonstrated to be deteriorated, repair shall be mandatory. If 25% or more of the slate roof area is demonstrated to be deteriorated, replacement shall be allowed subject to review of its condition and disposition of decorative slate tiles by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Original mansard slate roof at 633 Park Avenue.

The application of new wood shingles on roofs is appropriate for buildings constructed prior to 1910. The application of new metal standing seam roofs is also appropriate for buildings constructed before 1910. Bungalow design residences built after 1910 were generally not given these types of roofing materials and their application should not occur except where their original use can be documented.

Many homes in the East Row Historic District have roof ornamentation such as cast iron balustrades or finials. These elements are important decorative features and should not be removed. Deteriorated sections should be repaired and retained where possible and removal should only be allowed where these features can be demonstrated to be beyond repair or pose a safety hazard.

Ornamental iron roof balustrade at 635 Park Avenue.

Roof gutters on buildings in the East Row area are generally of boxed or open roof design. Boxed gutter are sunken behind the eaves and are not readily visible, while open roof gutters are attached to the eaves of the house. Round gutters and downspouts are more appropriate for older homes but are generally harder to find than standard square corrugated gutters and downspouts. All gutters and downspouts should be painted to blend with the surface colors of the building and be as unobtrusive as possible.

ROOF GUIDELINES

Clay chimney caps at 715 Monroe Street.

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