Slate roofing is a top choice for homes due to its attractive look and reputation for durability. However, the fascinating history behind slate roofing shows this high-quality roofing material has been used for longer than most of us can imagine. There are several good reasons we still use it today, all of which can be found in the interesting history of slate roofing.
Medieval times
The use of slate roofs for buildings goes back all the way to medieval times, as early as the late 13th century. In fact, the towers of the medieval Conwy Castle built in the 1280s had slate roofing. It would have looked different than it does today, but the same roofing material was used in castles, abbeys, and all sorts of medieval buildings.
Slate roofing has been popular in Europe ever since, but what about here in the United States?
U.S. History of slate roofing
When the United States began quarrying, slate was first found in Vermont. Farms and homes dating back to the 1840s have been found to have slate roofing. This roofing material became more popular in the U.S. as railroads began to extend farther and farther.
Fun fact: The quarried slate in the Northeast U.S. areas can actually have a variety of colors which may include purple, green, and red. So far, this has only been seen here and nowhere else in the world, including Europe.
Why slate?
As previously stated, slate roofing not only looks good, but it lasts. One of the most durable forms of roofing, you won’t be worrying about repairs or replacements regularly with slate. While many roofing types can claim such proud durability, only slate has literally hundreds of years of use to back up its claims.
So when you’re deciding on a roofing material for your new roof, remember: you can’t go wrong with slate roofing. After all, it has to be great if we’ve used it for over 700 years!
Roofing and Siding Contractor in MD, PA, DC, VA, WV, & DE
Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of vinyl siding from major brands, giving you a wide variety to choose from.
For immediate assistance or questions about slate roofing or roofing material, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers.
We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
