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The History of Tile Roofs
As humans invented and developed ways to shelter themselves from the elements, roofing materials became more durable and functional. The most durable of these early iterations, terracotta clay tiles, evolved into one of the most common roofing materials many years ago — and remains a staple in roofing today.
Clay tiles are still hailed as one of the most hardy roofing materials, as they can last hundreds of years. According to the U.S. National Park Service, the first known record of clay tile roofs occurred in China around 10,000 BC and in the Middle East shortly after. From these origin points, clay tile roofs spread all around Asia and Europe. The tiles quickly became the standard in roofing construction. Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and the Romans all adopted clay roofs as the spread occurred. In the United States, early settlements like Roanoke Island and Jamestown utilized the tiles as well. French and Spanish settlers in the new world also constructed homes and buildings with terracotta tiles in the Florida and New Orleans regions.
Terra cotta tiles are unique in the variations of colors and arrangements used throughout history. Different areas of the world adopted their own styles of terracotta roofing. While many historical structures disintegrated over time, clay tiles remained as one of the most enduring artifacts that signified a settlement. Despite the rise and fall of clay tiles over the years in terms of fashion, this material has proved itself to be a classic and enduring one.
No matter what roof you’re envisioning for your home, McLeran Roofing can help you transform your roof with quality materials and professional service. If you’re considering a timeless tile roof for your home, contact us for a free estimate.
Sources:
https://heritagetiles.co.uk/index.php?p=articles-the-history-of-clay-roof-tiles
https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/30-clay-tile-roofs.htm
