When was the last time you gave your roof much thought? Unless you have a leak or its integrity is in question, our guess is that you don’t devote much time to the structure above your head. As it turns out, there are thousands of years of historical evolution amongst those shingles. Keep reading for a brief run down of roofing throughout history.
10,000 – 5,000 years ago: Our neolithic ancestors quickly realize that a covered shelter is a happy shelter. Using dirt and sod, caveman left their caves to build shelters that were well insulated but not exactly water resistant. Fast forward a few thousand years when ancient Greeks and Babylonians begin using flat earthenware tiles to top their structures and successfully keep the rain off their heads.
100 B.C.: Romans introduce their efficient roofing methods to Europe where they adopt their practices and begin utilizing individual shingles for their buildings.
700 – 1000 A.D.: Thatched roofs – roofs consisting of layers of dry vegetation such as straw or reeds – become the norm amongst the buildings and homes of Europe.
1200 A.D.: King John of England recognizes thatched roofs as a fire hazard and sets forth a law banning thatched roofs and requiring it be removed and replaced with clay tiles.
1600 – 1900 A.D.: A devastating Boston fire prompts the beginning of modern day building and fire codes. The first composite shingle is made and a few years later, the industrial revolution paves the way for mass production of shingles.
1900 – Today: Technological advances has made it easier to obtain a variety of roofing materials than ever before. From any color stone, glass, clay, or shingle, our options for modern day roofing materials are endless.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from ceramic tiles and thatched roofs. Roofing materials have evolved through thousands of years to bring us where we are today: utilizing the most efficient materials and methods to build the best roofs for your home. If you have any questions regarding your home’s roof or you’re looking to make a few updates of your own, give us a call. We are happy to help assist you with all of your roofing needs.
Sources:
http://www.roofing.com/t/the-history-of-roofing-materials/7183
https://www.roofrocket.com/roofing_blog/roofs/history-of-roofs/
