For a long as human beings have been around, we’ve required some sort of shelter. People needed it to protect themselves from the elements, hide from predators, and simply for a place to settle and call home. But, to be effective, these shelters required some sort of roofing system.
Ancient builders had to make use of whatever resources they could find, so it’s no surprise that diverse cultures and nations employed different materials for roofing. We’ll explore some notable examples below.
In this article, we look at the many ways people in past civilizations have used roofs as shelter from sun exposure, stormy weather conditions, and more.
Thatch Roofing
Thatch roofing is one of the oldest materials ever used for roofing. The material consists of dry vegetation, usually a mixture of straw, palm fronds, and water reeds.
These natural materials act as great heat insulators and create a fantastic countryside aesthetic for homes. However, these thatch roofing systems tend to be highly flammable.
While certain materials can be added to the roof deck to prevent fire from spreading to the inside of your home, the sight of seeing your roof go up in flames can be pretty traumatizing.
Stone Roofing
Stone roofing has long been a favorite of ancient civilizations. The material was abundant; they’re highly durable, long-lasting, and added a rugged texture to homes in the past. In the old days, stone roofs were cobbled together using just stones placed on top of wood planks or decks – but today, things are different.
Stone Roofs have come quite far since those early days when only certain materials were available for construction purposes. Today’s stoneworkers can use any number of tools, including circular saws with diamond blades that cut through slate like butter, as well as supplemental drilling equipment (like an auger) that drills through hard rock quickly and efficiently without damaging it at all.
The structures of the roof and house had to be strong to support the weight of the stone roofing. Today, if homeowners want a stone roof, the slate roofing option is available. Slate roofing systems last upwards of 150 years; it’s no wonder our forefathers favored them so much.
Wood Shingle Roofing
Wood is a very strong and cheap material that construction workers have used for centuries. It’s one of the most versatile materials out there because it can be cut into any shape you want, making it perfect to use in roofing.
They are great heat insulators; they add an earthy aroma to your home and gives it a beautiful, natural aesthetic. Today wood roofing is available as cedar shakes and shingles. You can design and style them nicely according to your aesthetic preferences.
For more information on roofing materials, their history, and how you can install them on your home, give Burford Roofing & Construction a call today!
