Roofing Across the Ages

Roofing is a concept that many people may take for granted in modern times. A roof provides shelter, and it may also lend visual appeal to a building. When you get your new roof or have repairs done to your existing roof, you will likely be thinking about the roofing materials we will use and the structural quality of the end product.

Have you ever wondered about the history of roofing itself? Exploring the topic could give you a new or renewed appreciation for the roofs of today. 

From Straw Roofs to Nano Technology
The origins of roofing date back millions of years. Consider the following overview that describes the evolution of roofs across the ages:

• First Materials – Dating as far back as the Paleolithic Era, humans constructed their own form of shelter in addition to living in caves. They used a variety of materials to build their roofs, from branches and leaves, to miscellaneous debris from the forest floor, to animal hides.
• Mud – In early Mesopotamia, roofs were made from mud. People used mud to create plaster and bricks.
• Thatched Roofs – During the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, people began to make thatched roofs. Thatched reeds were combined with other materials, such as wood, stone, and mud.
• Mud and Straw – Naturally, people used the materials that they had available to them. In ancient Africa, for example, roofs were created from straw and mud.
• Tiles – The Chinese were relatively advanced in terms of architectural ingenuity. In the China of 3,000 BC, clay tiles were utilized to form roofs. The ancient Greeks also used ceramic tiles to make their roofs. Since stone walls were being used, as well, the homes of that time period were able to support the considerable weight of such roofs.
• Slate and Wood – Slate roofs began to make an appearance in Great Britain around 100 BC. Many years later, the British began to use thatched roofs for their homes. Wood was another material used for roofing during that general time period.
• Metal – Metal was a popular roofing material in the 19th century. People appreciated the natural hardiness of such metals as lead, tin, copper, and aluminum.
• Concrete – In the 20th century, concrete roof tiles were first introduced. A pigment was added to the concrete to make it resemble clay tiles.
• Nano Technology – Now, nano technology is used to create waterproof roofs. Nano materials are very lightweight and incredibly durable. They are also able to withstand moisture well. Additionally, this technology can be applied to surface coatings to make other materials more resistant to moisture. Another advantage is that such materials and coatings are also more resistant to heat and fire.

Celebrating the Roofing of Today
Century Roofing Limited is delighted to assist area residents and businesses with their roofing needs. Whether you seek repairs or a new roof, we can help. Our roofing team is always happy to provide you with roofing that meets our high standards and yours.

If you require an entirely new roof or only a few replacement roof shingles in Calgary, Century Roofing Limited is a leading resource for such products. Call us today at 403-235-5457, or feel free to contact us online.