The History Of Metal Roofs

In 1857 one of the first metal roofs in the south was installed on the u s.

The history of metal roofs.

It is extremely durable and can be bent to fit the shape that s needed. Tinplate iron commonly called tin roofing was used extensively in canada in the 18th century but it was not as common in the united states. The installation of large tin plates involved a labor intensive standing seam made by bending the edges of each plate upward and then folding the pieces of metal over each other. Mint in new orleans.

As early as the 18th century fear of fire caused many wood shingle or board roofs to be replaced by sheet metal or clay tile. The search for alternative roofing materials is not new. At the turn of the 18th century the first facilities for rolling copper sheet metal were developed in america. Metal roofing has been used throughout history for a good reason.

Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. Asphalt shingles may last 30 50 years. Single ply roofs may last twenty or more years. Sheet metal building materials w.

Coal tar built up roofs may last forty or more years. Some roofs are selected not only for the above functions but also for aesthetics similar to wall cladding. Provide a desired unblemished appearance. The history of metal roofing dates back to the 1700s when lead and copper were the main metals used for roofs.

Metal and tile roofs may last fifty years or more. While the life of a metal roof is much longer investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits. Tin roofs were not used in ordinary residential construction until after the civil war. Until recently however metal roofs were prohibitively expensive.

The romans used copper as roof covering for the pantheon in 27 b c. Centuries later copper and its alloys were integral in european medieval architecture. Of nevada mo was an early producer of the product and still makes two simple versions of the metal roof tiles. Copper in architecture in the 3rd century b c copper roof shingles were installed atop the lovamahapaya temple in sri lanka.

Some historic roofs were failures from the start based on overambitious and naive use of materials as they were first developed. Sheet iron was also first manufactured in the united states by revolutionary war financier robert morris and the english. Norman manufacturing co 1936. Stamped sheet metal roof tiles made to simulate clay tile were popular in the early 20th century.

The mint was thereby fireproofed with a 20gauge galvanized corrugated iron roof on iron trusses. Zinc aluminum and copper.