Roof History: The Oldest Roofing Materials

When it comes to roofing, the history starts with the oldest roofing materials and how they influenced what we use now. In this article, you will find with some informations that we have come a long way in terms of the materials that are used in constructions for homes & businesses.

During the dawn of civilization, our ancestors had to be very creative when constructing their homes, specifically, the structures that protected them against the elements like the roof. Although primitive, how wise our ancestors were when choosing roofing materials for their homes might surprise you.

Thatched Roof

The term thatching refers to the process of constructing a roof using dry vegetation. It’s widely considered the oldest method of roof construction. The materials, such as straw, water reeds and palm fronds, are readily available.

Thatched roofs were a practical choice in northern and equatorial countries as the dry vegetation acted as a natural insulation. Air pockets within straw thatch could also insulate the house in both warmer and colder weather. It’s also surprisingly wind-resistant when applied correctly.

This roof was gradually replaced by wooden roofs during the industrial age. While dry vegetation is actually a superior insulation compared to wood, its performance is dependent on the expertise of the thatcher. Today, wood remains a popular roof replacement choice, and advances in woodworking have created wooden roofs that surpass the insulating properties of its predecessor.

Stone Roofs

Stone is another ancient roofing material, although it’s still used today in the form of slate. The original stone roofs were cobbled together just like old roads and were typically placed on top of a wooden frame. Like the thatched roof, it was a frequent sight in the countryside – particularly in England.

Even back then, stone was praised for its higher durability, wind resistance and immunity to fire. Slate is the modern incarnation of the old stone roofs, expertly refined with modern techniques to enhance its overall durability and weather resilience.

Clay Roofs

Clay is another ancient material that hasn’t changed much in its appearance – a testament to its long-term durability. Clay tiles were a frequent sight in ancient Greece, Rome and Constantinople, and eventually found their way into England and the Americas. Houses with this kind of roof are usually referred to as “Mediterranean” – a nod to the location of the original users of clay.

Clay is one of the longest-lasting materials ever used for roofing. In fact, some ancient Greek sites still sport their original tile roofs – weathered and beaten, but still on top of their buildings after thousands of years. Modern clay tiles are more robust and less brittle than their predecessors, but they retain the classic Mediterranean looks and are some of the most aesthetically pleasing choices for homes.

In case you need guidance or roofing services, the best option would be looking for a roofing company with all the knowledge. WABO Roofing is the best one for the job. We will help you pick the best roof for your home or business. We are a local roofer in Houston, Tx and we offer roof repair, replacement and preventive maintenance services. Call us today at (832) 304-2800 to learn more about our services.

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