You’ve probably never given much thought to the history of roofs. Roofs were not always as efficient or insulated as today’s. The history of roofing is fascinating and has helped us get to where we are today, with a wide range of styles and materials to choose from. We’ll explore the human history of roofs.
Early man may have been better at protecting himself against the elements than we think. Archaeologists found evidence that roofs could be made out of anything available locally, such as wood, rocks or clay, and even animal bone. Roofs in hot countries were often made from palm fronds. This method is still used today in tropical areas. Early homes used the wattle-and-daub method, which was a combination of mud and other materials that were woven together. For help from Roofing Companies Bristol, contact www.mogfordprescott.co.uk/roofers-bristol
The roof styles in China are quite different from those in the UK. Clay roof tiles were used as early as 3,000 BC. Clay roof tiles and their application spread throughout Europe through the travels of Ancient Greeks, and later the Roman Empire. Slate tiles and wood were the most popular materials in northern Europe.
In Britain, thatched roofs have been used since the 7th century. This type of roof is still prevalent in the UK. The style was also common in countries with higher temperatures, such as Fiji or Hawaii. In Africa, the same method was used to make the thatch from sugar cane leaves. It is interesting to note that the pioneers of America also used a layer of earth and thatching as insulators for their prairie homes.
In southern Europe, clay tiles were used. The clay was baked to give Mediterranean homes their distinctive terracotta look. Concrete became cheaper at the beginning of the 20th Century, so tiles were painted to match the traditional look.
Roof types and materials you will see today
Centuries of development have left us with a wide range of roof shapes and materials. Look at houses for sale today and you will see flat roofs, sloped roofs, gable roofs and hipped roofs, in styles ranging from traditional and country to Victorian. Materials vary just as much, from clay and slate tiles to shingles, metal, thin membranes on flat roofs and even insulated glass.
Durable materials such as slate, tile and good quality shingles help keep long term costs down and improve the quality of a property, which matters if you are buying a home and want to avoid paying for problems later.
With so many options, it helps to list the choices available for your type of property and compare them. A roofer who knows your kind of building and the different roof types can explain the strengths of each and help you decide what will suit your home best.
Roofing materials from willow to felt
Slate is the material most people picture, but roofs have been made from many things over the centuries. Early roundhouses had walls of wattle and daub, a mix largely of straw and mud, and roofs made of willow, which did a good job of keeping out the wet.
Tightly packed straw went on to become a roofing staple in the form of thatch. Far from being flimsy, it is very effective, and thatched roofs are still popular today, although they need regular maintenance to stay in good condition.
Slate earned its reputation because it is not porous. It deflects rain rather than soaking it up, it is tough, it can be nailed into place and it needs relatively little upkeep. At the other end of the scale is roofing felt, the stretchy material used on sheds and summer houses. It keeps the rain out well, but it is worth checking regularly for wear.
