The History Of Metal Roofs

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 history of metal roofs.

Some historic roofs were failures from the start based on overambitious and naive use of materials as they were first developed. The romans used copper as roof covering for the pantheon in 27 b c. Copper in architecture in the 3rd century b c copper roof shingles were installed atop the lovamahapaya temple in sri lanka. Stamped sheet metal roof tiles made to simulate clay tile were popular in the early 20th century.

Mint in new orleans. Some roofs are selected not only for the above functions but also for aesthetics similar to wall cladding. The history of metal roofing dates back to the 1700s when lead and copper were the main metals used for roofs. Metal roofing has been used throughout history for a good reason.

Sheet iron was also first manufactured in the united states by revolutionary war financier robert morris and the english. The mint was thereby fireproofed with a 20gauge galvanized corrugated iron roof on iron trusses. The search for alternative roofing materials is not new. Tin roofs were not used in ordinary residential construction until after the civil war.

Sheet metal building materials w. Provide a desired unblemished appearance. Zinc aluminum and copper. 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.

Copper has played a significant role in architecture for thousands of years see. Until recently however metal roofs were prohibitively expensive. Norman manufacturing co 1936. In 1857 one of the first metal roofs in the south was installed on the u s.

At the turn of the 18th century the first facilities for rolling copper sheet metal were developed in america. Metal and tile roofs may last fifty years or more. 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. Asphalt shingles may last 30 50 years.

It is extremely durable and can be bent to fit the shape that s needed. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. The materials were expensive and imported. Coal tar built up roofs may last forty or more years.

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. Of nevada mo was an early producer of the product and still makes two simple versions of the metal roof tiles.