What is roof cresting?
Roof cresting (Dutch: vorstkam) is a decorative railing on the ridge of a roof, along the eaves cornice or on a flying buttress. It is also known by the French name crête (crest or comb).
Materials and forms
- Wrought iron: often open work with thin iron bands and scrolls; a light, fine line against the sky.
- Cast iron: repeating motifs in one cast piece; from the late 19th century more houses received cast-iron cresting, especially where the ridge itself was metal.
- Ceramic (terracotta): sturdier, thicker forms because the material is brittle. The “teeth” are sometimes set into slots in the ridge tile.
- Zinc and lead: embossed or cast ornaments; lead is mostly found on Gothic buildings.
Cresting is mainly decorative and adds status: the calm repetition of an elegant shape emphasises the roof line.
Restoration tips
- Record before you dismantle: take photos and measured drawings of every motif and fixing point. Missing parts can then be recast or reforged.
- Watch for corrosion at the base. Water lingers where the cresting stands on the ridge; iron parts rust there first. Use a suitable anti-corrosion system when repairing.
- Avoid galvanic corrosion between different metals, such as iron directly on zinc or lead. Use a separating layer or compatible fixings.
- Check the fixings: cresting catches a lot of wind. Loose parts on a ridge are a safety risk.
- Listed building? Changes to the exterior of a protected building usually need consent. Check with the local authority first.
Related terms
- Roof ridge
- Ridge tile
- Wrought iron
- Terracotta
- Sheet lead
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