Monday, July 13, 2015

Roofing Material History: The Clay Tile

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Roofing Material History. We bet you woke up today hoping to learn more about ancient civilizations and their roofing methods and materials, didn’t you? We don’t blame you. It’s pretty interesting stuff. There have been many, many discoveries and advances in roofing materials and techniques since the dawn of time. Today we’re going to share a little but with you about the first roofing material implemented by mankind: the clay tile. Enjoy!

Clay Tiles are believed to to have first been used in Neolithic China as early as 10,000 B.C.. After that, the earliest record of their use is 5000 years ago, in Babylon, then making their way via Egypt and Greece to Rome. Rome was called “The City of Tiled Roofs”. The Romans were then responsible for making clay tiles the most popular roofing technique all across Europe for their great durability and attractiveness. Today, many thousands of years later, clay tiled roofs created by ancient Romans still exist.

The inflammability of clay roof tiles caused them to fall into favor in 1212 AD London as King John of England issued building by-laws for London to eliminate combustible roof coverings. The city of Boston followed suit after the devastating fires of 1679 prompted the establishment of building and fire codes in New York and Boston. Clay tiled roofs had become the standard in Europe by the 18th century, wherever there was an abundant local supply of suitable raw materials.

The craft of tile making in those days was very laborious, and required great knowledge and skill. Clay tile burning was done in piles, in which the tiles and burning material, like coal or wood, was layered into stacks and covered by earth.

Industrial production of clay roofing tiles was first begun soon after in the 19th century. The development took a bold leap forward to the interlocking, strong and durable clay roofing tiles with consistent quality and design we know today. Circa 1960, the mining of raw clay for tiles was taken over by machinery. Still popularly used in today’s 21st century, the quality and durability of materials used in the manufacture of clay roofing products makes them a great option, particularly for the value minded homeowner.  



With over 40 years experience in commercial and residential roof and repair, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal  is just a call away. No matter where you’re located, we have a skilled roof repair team on standby, ready to respond to your Middle Tennessee roof leak problem. We quickly fix roof leaks, make roof repairs without interrupting your day-to-day business activities, and we provide the documentation necessary for filing insurance claims. We also offer a variety of warranties on our labor and materials. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 350-6300. Estimates are always free, and financing is available.


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