The History of Roofing in the UK
“The ceiling is the roof”
– Michael Jordan
What started with the Greeks and Romans in roofing in 100 BC has certainly seen many changes since then. Over the last 200 years, the roofing industry has seen major advances in materials, technology, resources, and application methods. Years ago, there wasn’t much awareness of “Health and safety in roof work.”
While previously roofing styles were based around the materials available locally, such as ceramic or slate, this is not the case today. There is far more accessibility to a wider range of materials, knowledge, methods, and styles of roofing, meaning that there are little to no limitations in how you can transform your home’s roofing outlook.
Modern roofing materials are elegant, sturdy, and reliable, but roofing was not always so advanced. There is no question that the roofing industry in the United Kingdom is currently thriving, but this level of development and finesse took hundreds of years to achieve. Perhaps the greatest change that Ealing roofing has seen over the centuries is in the roofing materials themselves. Materials used in the old age, although less expensive and more classic, were not always as durable, tough and sleek-looking as are common today.
In this blog about Ealing Roofing, we will give you a brief look into the interesting history of roofing in Ealing, roofing materials, and roofing services, alongside which local roofing companies will be the best pick for your home.
The History of Roofing in Ealing
The history of Ealing roofing is best tracked through the roofing materials that were employed- from those that perished, to those that are surviving to this day.
Roofing in the UK began with the introduction of thatched roofing. Made of locally available and easily accessible natural materials such as leaves, grass and reeds, this type of roofing was a godsend for people back then. Simple to work with and relatively sturdy, thatched roofing survived for an astonishing 300 years after its introduction in 735 AD, but the worst was yet to come. In the massive Fire of London in 1666, thatched roofing proved itself to be extremely flammable, and from then on, fell into obscurity.
But England’s roofing journey was far from over. Thatched roofing was soon replaced by wood shingles, another locally-available material that was easy to use. As they were waterproof, sturdy, very durable, and significantly more aesthetic-looking, wood shingles quickly became the most popular roofing choice. However, they were harder to install, and much like their predecessor could easily burn down to soot.
Wood shingles were followed by slate, an elegant, strong, and waterproof material that could easily be split into thinner pieces. Slate was on the heavier side of materials and required more manpower and force to be transported. This problem was quickly overcome with the introduction of mechanics in the UK, which took slate to all other parts of the country.
Another commonly-used roofing material of the time was earth. First introduced in the UK by Romans in 100 BC, earth can quite literally be classified as a historic roofing material. It became increasingly popular after the Fire of London. However, earth soon stopped being used in roofing due to its tendency to get distorted and harmed by ice.
From this point onwards, Ealing roofing took a more modern turn, one which most of us are familiar with today. Concrete was introduced in the 1920s and served as a game-changer for the roofing industry. Its use in roofing hiked after the Second World War, where solid tiles of concrete were heavily used in re-housing programs across the nation. By 1960, the concrete industry had greatly developed and soon took over as the leading material for roofing.
What Roofing Material Should You Use?
The long, tiring (and frankly, quite disastrous) history of roofing in the UK has now left us with a large variety of roofing materials to choose from. With such a massive range of materials available for you, why not take advantage of them and pick the best one for your home?
When deciding on a roofing material, you should first figure out what type of roofing you want, and what will best suit your home’s infrastructure and landscaping. Here is a simple guide to the top roofing materials in Ealing.
- Asphalt Shingles
Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices for roofing in the UK. They perform better than some of their more expensive counterparts and provide great aesthetic appeal with their huge array of colours and layered look.
- Tile
Tile roofing is a safe investment, but it costs much more than asphalt shingles. Tile reflects heat and is mostly used in warmer locations.
- Metal
Metal roofing is a good bet and is used all over the nation. Sturdy and durable, a properly maintained metal roof can last for up to 50 years.
Why Choose Kabi Roofing for Ealing Roofing?
Kabi Flat Roofing is one of the most trusted Ealing roofing contractors, having served the region for years. We offer affordable and long-lasting roof repair and maintenance services to restore your house’s roof to its former glory. Our roofing experts strive to provide an efficient, cost-effective solution to all your Chiswick and Ealing roofing concerns, regardless of what kind of repair you require. If you are looking for reliable and professional roofing contractors in Ealing, Kabi Flat Roofing is the safest bet you can make.
Quote Guides
Most Ealing roofing companies, like Kabi Flat Roofing, offer free quotes to their customers. On average, the rate of hiring a roofer is £25 per hour, but this can vary greatly depending on the type of work, the company, the roofer’s experience, etc.
People Also Ask
- When was the roof invented?
The first signs of roofing can be tracked as far back as 3,000 BC, where people in China used clay tiles to cover their houses. By the first century, Roman and Greek civilisations had “modernised” roofing, with slate and tile being heavily used.
- What were roofs made of 100 years ago?
As clay tiles were fireproof, they were mostly used as roofing materials a 100 years ago. Wood shingles were also popular.
- Should I stay home during roof replacement?
You don’t necessarily have to vacate your home during the roof replacement, but it’s completely up to you. If you want to stay and ensure the roof is being properly installed or ask your contractors any questions, you might not want to leave. But your decision can also depend on how long the service will go on. Roof installation and repair are often noisy, and it is a good idea to leave if it might disrupt your daily life. You might also want to consider vacating if you have children or pets at home.
- What questions should you ask before hiring a roofer?
Before signing the deal with any professional roof servicing company, make sure to do your research. In your consultation, it is always good to ask some pointed questions that can give you an idea as to whether the company is to be trusted with your home. You can use some of these questions as a general guideline:
- Are you licensed?
- Do you have workman’s comp insurance? Can you provide proof of insurance?
- What will you do in the case of in-climate weather during the job?
- How will you protect my landscaping during this project?
- Do you provide a written estimate?
- How long has your roofing company been in business?