Roof Embellishments

Whether they adorn the rooftops of quaint cottages or the towering cathedrals of ancient civilizations, roof embellishments prove to be timeless architectural features that continue to fascinate us. One of the most popular is the roof finial, which is a crowned decoration that can be found at the apex of a gable or along the ridgeline, where 2 opposing roof planes meet and where ridge cap shingles and ridge vents are installed.

Finials, also known as spires, are distinctive ornaments that are placed at the points or ends of a roof or other building. They can be carved in stone or made of weather-resistant materials such as wood, metal, terra cotta, and glass. Historically, they emphasize the apex of a dome, spire, or tower. They come in a variety of styles and shapes, from classic motifs to custom designs that may express the owner’s preferences or the function of the structure.

Another popular roof embellishment is the gargoyle, a creature with a face, body, and wings that’s often carved onto a rooftop and used to represent pagan beliefs or legends. In some cases, they’re used as moral messages to encourage people to follow church teachings to avoid such fearful creatures in the afterlife.