Roof Elements and Materials for Listed Buildings

The roof is nearly always a dominant feature of a building and the retention of its original structure, shape, pitch, cladding and ornament is important. Natural slate and lead are the most common materials to be found on the roofs of listed buildings in Northern Ireland. Other roofing materials include thatch, tiles and copper. These traditional roof coverings should be retained wherever possible and their replacement with modern substitute materials will not normally be acceptable. The relationship of the roof to the supporting walls at verges, eaves and parapets are also important features and part of the historic character of most listed buildings. Such details should not be altered during renovations. Where original timber or metal framing remains in a roof this too can contribute greatly to the historic interest of the building as a whole.