Slate Roof History

It s malleable breakability yet tough qualities allow it to be broken into thin but durable sheets.

Slate roof history.

Slate was a common roof covering in europe centuries before it ever appeared on buildings in american in the 1800s. It wasn t widely used in the united states until the late 1800s. Tar or roofing cement should not be found at chimneys sidewall flashings plumbing vents or elsewhere. The history of slate roofing slate is a fine grain homogeneous rock that derives from shale sediment composing of clay or volcanic ash.

Cutting sculpting splitting trimming and hole punching 1. More than 700 years in fact as there is evidence that slate was used as a roofing material in north wales england during the early 14th century. Slate roof repair history helps diagnose the condition of a slate roof tar or roofing mastic is normally an indication of improper maintenance. Slate roofing is mainly sourced from the state of vermont.

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. Some of the earliest known slate roofing can be found on roman forts in wales and on welsh castles from the 14th century. To find the roots of slate roofing you have to go way back in the history books.