UNESCO Recognises Paris Roof Restorers for Their Unique Zinc Restoration Techniques

From dawn until dusk, Parisian roof restorers work tirelessly through harsh winters and sweltering summers. They replace zinc sheets that are integral to the city's iconic skyline. Recently, UNESCO recognised these zinc roof restoration techniques as an Intangible World Heritage. This acknowledgment highlights the often-overlooked expertise of these skilled workers.

The process of restoring a roof involves removing old zinc sheets, measuring and cutting new ones with a Parisian folding machine, and then assembling them on the roof. According to UNESCO, nearly 80% of Paris roofs are covered in zinc, making the city a living testament to these skills that define its unique urban identity.

UNESCO Recognition and Its Impact

Roofers hope that UNESCO's recognition will encourage more people to join their profession and improve working conditions. The trade currently lacks workers with the specialised skills needed to maintain the zinc roofs that have characterised Paris since the 19th-century Haussmann era. This includes everything from balconied apartment buildings along tree-lined avenues to historic churches scattered throughout the city.

Most roofers are young men who enjoy heights, architecture, and working outdoors. Fantine Dekens, 21, transitioned from bartending to roofing in 2021 because she wanted a job that allowed her to be outside and high up. "There is a sort of romanticism around the roofs of Paris that attracted me," she told the Associated Press.

The Challenges of Roofing

Despite its allure, roofing is physically demanding. "It's super to be outdoors," Dekens said. "But there is a physical reality that you can't ignore. It's often very cold or very hot, and the things to carry are heavy." She acknowledges that this trade cannot be pursued indefinitely due to its physical demands.

Roofers employ welding techniques from the 1800s to ensure each new zinc sheet fits perfectly on the roof's shape. They then climb onto often slippery roofs to secure these sheets in place. This meticulous work requires precision and skill.

The Poetic Side of Roofing

Dekens finds a poetic aspect in her work high above the city. "There's a very poetic side when you're up high," she said. "I feel very free in my movements. We take naps during our breaks. Often we sing, we shout. No one is watching us. And we can observe all of Paris at the same time. It's pretty incredible."

This recognition by UNESCO not only honours their craft but also prompts reflection on why so few people enter this field. The hope is that this newfound spotlight will attract more individuals to this essential yet underappreciated profession.