The Beguiling and Original History of Roofs

Every living thing needs shelter, a kind of sanctuary from earth’s formidable forces. As far as our civilization is concerned, there hasn’t been a time when roofs weren’t constantly being advanced. The old saying- “Food in my belly and a roof over my head” is a constant reminder of essential components of human survival. Come on, then let us explore the less-known history of the roofs. We bet, they are going to be fascinating and informative. To be really honest, how often have we looked upon your ceiling and wondered what it must have taken them to exist as they are now? Not often? Well, it is about to change.

Roofs, and their sheltering history:

As man has evolved, over time, to need to protect himself from the external forces of nature enabled him to come up with a shelter, a protective layer called a roof. During earlier times, man created roofs out of sod covered with mud and plants. Ancient Egyptians used to make roofs with clay tiles and coming to the Greeks, used different and sophisticated materials like terracotta and marble tiles. The middle ages witnessed a fresh rediscovering of roofs, especially in Europe, they were created using straw and reeds. In Aisa, however, wooden shingles were extremely popular. The indigenous American people during this time began the procurement of grass and palm fronds in setting up roofs.

Slowly, as modernization and industrialization crept up, roofs also evolved. As the centuries passed, new roofing materials were developed, including slate, metal, and asphalt shingles. These materials allow for more durable and weather-resistant roofs, which helped to protect buildings from the elements and extend their lifespan.

During the initial phase of the industrial revolution, roofing witnessed a startling stage of development. Especially in the regions of America and Europe, It went through a progression of being more durable and more weather resistant. And some of the most important developments in the field were:

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing was prized for its durability and resistance to fire, making it a popular choice for industrial buildings and warehouses. Previously, metal roofing had been expensive and difficult to produce, but with the advent of new manufacturing technologies, it became more affordable and widely available.

Asphalt Shingles:

Another significant development during the Industrial Revolution was the invention of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles were a cheaper and more lightweight alternative to traditional roofing materials like clay tiles and slate. They were easy to install and effective at shedding water and snow, making them a popular choice for residential buildings.

In addition to this progress, victorian and gothic roofing style was rediscovered and were made necessary developments. The reason roofing got so much attention, just like everything else is that during the industrial revolution because of the threatening shadow of World War, it became imperative to rediscover, invent, create and develop significant elements.

Modern Roofing materials

In recent times, various roofing materials are used to provide top-quality protection. Now roofing is made easy by using a variety of materials like wood, tile, metal, and asphalt. However, the type of roofing material used is determined by various factors such as the geological location of homeowners, preferential style of building, and factors like likes and dislikes of the homeowner.

Asphalt roof:

An asphalt roof is a type of roof that is made using asphalt shingles. These shingles are composed of a fiberglass or organic felt mat that is coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. Asphalt roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They are also durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

Tile roofs:

A tile roof is a type of roof that is made using interlocking tiles made of clay, concrete, or other materials. Tile roofs are a popular choice in many parts of the world, particularly in areas with hot climates, because they are highly durable and provide good insulation. They are also relatively low-maintenance and can last for many years with proper care.

Wood roofs:

A wood roof is a type of roof that is made using wooden shingles or shakes. Wood roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners because they provide a natural and attractive look, and can be made from sustainably harvested wood. They are also durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

As impressive as the history and evolution of roofs are, it was we, humanity as a whole, who found new measures to make them more durable and stronger. With the help of new roofing materials, house roofing design came into existence, that is, for all the right reasons. Today, the demand for roof design has skyrocketed and paved a way for fresh and creative design methods.