Historic Roof Restoration Saves San Francisco Geilfuss Victorian

Historic Roof Restoration of a San Francisco Italianate-style Victorian Townhouse Designed and Built by Famed Architect Henry Geilfuss as his Private Home in 1882

Considered the most prolific San Francisco architect of his time, prominent architect Henry Geilfuss designed over 450 Victorian buildings in the late 19th century. Today, the Geilfuss name is synonymous with San Francisco Victorian architecture, as many of his buildings are designated as historical landmarks.

For his own home built in 1892, Geilfuss designed this Italianate-style Victorian Townhouse in San Francisco’s Mission District. Remarkably, the house retains the architect’s signature elements, delicate embellishments carved into the redwood corner ends and porch posts.

Following decades of decline, the restoration of this San Francisco Victorian began in 2007 when the owner contracted with Wedge Roofing for the historic roof restoration. The failed built-up roofing system was allowing severe interior water infiltration. This critical situation was not only jeopardizing the occupants and their belongings but also imperiling the integrity of the historic structure itself. To begin the restoration process, it was imperative to stabilize the roof, preventing further deterioration of the historic building materials from water infiltration beneath the failed roofing membrane.

The Wedge Historical Roof restoration team removed multiple layers of built-up roofing, carefully preserving the original roof cornice decorative elements and redwood sheathing. After completing the necessary dry rot repairs, the Wedge team installed a new roofing system. With a secure, protective roof, the homeowner could proceed with further renovating this historic gem.