Slate Roof History

To find the roots of slate roofing you have to go way back in the history books.

Slate roof history.

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. The first recorded slate roof of a private home is reported to be in north wales england around 1300a d. It wasn t widely used in the united states until the late 1800s. Slate was a common roof covering in europe centuries before it ever appeared on buildings in american in the 1800s.

The history of slate roofing slate is a fine grain homogeneous rock that derives from shale sediment composing of clay or volcanic ash. It s malleable breakability yet tough qualities allow it to be broken into thin but durable sheets. It should be considered a temporary unreliable repair. Slate roof repair history helps diagnose the condition of a slate roof tar or roofing mastic is normally an indication of improper maintenance.

Tar or roofing cement should not be found at chimneys sidewall flashings plumbing vents or elsewhere. Cutting sculpting splitting trimming and hole punching 1. Some of the earliest known slate roofing can be found on roman forts in wales and on welsh castles from the 14th century.