Slate Roof History

Slate was a common roof covering in europe centuries before it ever appeared on buildings in american in the 1800s.

Slate roof history.

Some of the earliest known slate roofing can be found on roman forts in wales and on welsh castles from the 14th century. Slate roofs first appeared in america in the 16th century but it wasn t until 1785 until the first slate quarry opened and slate was made available to general consumers. The first recorded slate roof of a private home is reported to be in north wales england around 1300a d. It s malleable breakability yet tough qualities allow it to be broken into thin but durable sheets.

Slate roofing is mainly sourced from the state of vermont. The history of slate roofing slate is a fine grain homogeneous rock that derives from shale sediment composing of clay or volcanic ash. Slate roofs were introduced in boston as early as 1654 and philadelphia in 1699 regarding slate roofing manufacturing today nps reports tiles are still manufactured by hand using traditional methods in a five step process. Tar or roofing cement should not be found at chimneys sidewall flashings plumbing vents or elsewhere.

It wasn t widely used in the united states until the late 1800s. Cutting sculpting splitting trimming and hole punching 1. It should be considered a temporary unreliable repair.