What Are Roof Finials?

When walking down the streets of New Orleans, you may have notice some of the decorative elements on the rooftops of historic homes. They are called finials or sometimes spires. Basically, they are decorative caps to the point or end of a roof. Finials are not only found on top of homes, but all kinds of building including churches and castles. They are typically carved in stone and they are there to emphasize the apex of a dome, spire or tower.  They can also be made of other weather-resistant material, including wood, metal, terra cotta and even glass. Finials can be any distinctive ornament at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. They often come in familiar shapes and objects found in nature, such as pinecones, pineapples, acorns, fleurs-de-lis, fronds, arrowheads, spheres and lances.

Some say that architectural finials are steeped in stories and legends. For instance, at some point people believed that installing lightning rod finials on a rooftop would discourage airborne witches from making unexpected landings on one’s home.

Find Your Finial At Ricca’s

Ricca’s Architectural Sales has a lot of items from demolition in our inventory that we restore and preserve for future uses including finials. At Ricca’s, we have used finials including Trefoil Ridge Caps and Rooster Comb Roof Finials for Gabled Roofs. We also have a variety of special order finials such as Indian Bonnet Roof Finials and Roman Roof Finials. Check out our selection: https://riccasarchitectural.com/shop/roof-finials/special-order-roof-finials/

Ricca’s Architectural Sales is located at
511 North Solomon Street in Mid City, New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 488 – 5524 or (504) 822-8200 | Fax: (504) 488 – 5662 | Email: riccaarch@yahoo.com

Business Hours:

Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday – 9 am – 4 pm

Ricca’s Architectural Sales has a lot of items from demolition in our inventory that we restore and preserve for future uses in both residential and commercial designs. We are the best place to come to find that special moulding, chandelier, finials or even small parts. If you are looking for something unique that will not only preserve and re-purpose salvaged parts, stop by Ricca’s Architectural Sales and find the perfect addition to your home or business.