Today, clay roofing is notable because of the variety of shapes, colors, and textures they come in. While you may think they are a thing of the past, they are actually still popular, and professional roofing companies still know how to install them. If you are considering adding this to your home, you should learn more about it. Here are some fun facts about the history of these tiles.
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1. Background

Clay roofing comes from both China and the Middle East. After these took root here, they would spread throughout Asia and into Europe. Many ancient societies used this material on their roofs, such as Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. Finally, it would travel with European settlers to America in the 1600s.
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2. Early American Examples

These were found in America during the 1600 and 1700s as flat, rectangular tiles. They were roughly the size of a piece of paper and attached with wooden pegs. Builders also used mortar to keep the tiles from lifting in winds. During the later 1700s, the popular S-shape tiles were developed. These were very large and formed by placing wet tiles over logs.
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3. Importance in Revival Styles

In the mid-1800s, clay roofs became incredibly popular in the United States by introducing the Italianate and revival styles. The result was the widespread manufacturing of these tiles, which continues today.
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4. Today's Preservation

With the past popularity of this material in Tulsa, OK, plenty of homes in the area still sport these tiles. Because of that, there is a lot of preservation work taking place today with these tiles. This includes repairing, replacing, and maintaining the roofs of homes that have this material.
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A tile roof is a great investment for any homeowner today. However, if you don't agree at first, look at the lengthy history of this material. These have been a popular choice for roofs since the ancient world. Over time, they spread throughout Europe and became popular in the United States during the mid-1800s. Since this material has such a long history, it is obvious why it is still considered a reliable option today.