Mansard Monday ~ Patterned slate shingles on a beautifully detailed Second Empire style townhouse in Wheeling, WV.
The Mansard roof form that turns an Italianate style house into a Second Empire style house comes from France and was typically called a “French roof” during the 19th century – when all things Parisian were in vogue.
Exuberantly shaped and trimmed dormer windows are frequently a feature of Mansard roofs. Using different shapes and colors of slate or wood shingles was common on these roofs. The use of architectural patterning is a character-defining feature of the Victorian era. The preservation of such roofs should be a priority where they survive.
Understanding the style of a house will help you know which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
Second Empire is one of 25 historic architectural styles described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com.
Select preservation titles by other authors, including “A Field Guide to American Houses” (revised edition) by Virginia McAlester are also available in our shop!
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation #secondempire #mansardroof #victorianhouse #victorianarchitecture #frenchroof #patternedslate #mansardmonday