Wooden shingles, often known as ‘shingles’, have been a popular roofing material for centuries. But what exactly are wooden shingles? Simply put, they are thin, tapered pieces of wood, primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather.
Over the years, wooden roofs have seen many changes and improvements. This blog will take you on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of these shingles’ old roofs. From their early beginnings to their modern use of layers of shingles on the roof for style homes. You’ll learn how shingles made from wood have shaped and influenced the world of roofing.
So, let’s dive into the fascinating history of wooden shingle covers!
Ancient Middle Eastern Times
The roots of woodgrain shingles may also be traced back to Ancient Middle Eastern times. During this period, wood was a highly prized building material. It was used extensively for constructing the gable of charming cottages, houses, ships, temples with eaves, and other structures. The durability of wood made it an ideal choice for these purposes. Not only did it offer structural strength, but it was also readily available. The availability of wood made it a practical choice for building. Additionally, the distinct scent of wood, particularly sabine wood, was highly valued. This aroma was often used as incense during religious ceremonies and even to treat certain illnesses. It’s worth noting that white cedar wood is mentioned more than 70 times in the Old Testament of the Bible, highlighting its importance during this era.
Colonial Times: The Rise of Wooden Shingles in the New World
During colonial times, wooden shingles became a popular choice for roofing in the New World. The shingles used during this period were typically thin, with measurements ranging from 3⁄8 to 3⁄4 inches in thickness, and 3 to 8 inches in width. These birch shingles are cut with varied lengths, usually between 14 and 36 inches.
Crafting these roof shingles was a careful process. They were hand-split or “rived” from knot-free sections of logs known as “bolts”. The heartwood, or the inner section of the log, was the preferred choice for making shingles because of its durability. The softer sapwood was usually avoided.
These hand split shingles often had irregularities on the split surface. Because of this, they required additional dressing or planning to ensure a tight fit on the roof. This process was crucial in achieving a uniform and well-fitted roof.
During this period, the production of woodgrain shingles depended heavily on traditional craftsmanship. The supply of shingles was often limited by local factors. Despite this, wooden shingles were used in various architectural styles of the colonial era, adding to the unique character of colonial buildings.
18th Century: Innovations and Advancements in Wood Shingle Technology
The 18th century brought about significant advancements in wooden shingle technology. To extend the life of the wood shingles and shakes, they protected them from the harsh effects of the sun and rain, and the surfaces of the shingles were coated with various oils. Linseed oil, for instance, was commonly used due to its protective properties on historic buildings. Pine pitch coating, another popular choice, offered a robust defense against the elements. Brick dust minerals were also used to protect the wood, adding an extra layer of durability. The most common roof types used were A-Frame, not flat roofs.
In addition to these protective measures, wooden shingles were often treated with various colors for decorative purposes. Grey, red, and brown were commonly used shades, adding a touch of color to the otherwise natural appearance of the wood. However, untreated wood shingles retained their light brown and grey hues, which many homeowners found appealing due to their unique and rustic look. These advancements in shingle style played a crucial role in the continued popularity of this roofing material.
19th Century: The Golden Age For Wood Shingles
The early 19th century marked a significant period for timber shingles, often referred to as the Golden Age. This was a time when wood shake shingles became the main roofing material for most homes and public buildings. Notably, many National Park buildings in North America were made of Alaskan yellow cedar, with natural wood high roof pitch with intricate roof details.
The type of wood used for shingles often varied depending on the region. For instance, in the United States, white pine was the most commonly used weathered wood type with stains. In contrast, in the Southern United States, oak and cypress shingles were more prevalent. Meanwhile, in the Western United States, red cedar shingles were popular choices. This regional variation in wood species added a unique touch to the landscape for house designs of the time, further highlighting the importance and popularity of the wooden shake and shingle roofs in the 19th century.
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a priority for historic preservation and protection from the elements for both residential and commercial buildings.
The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of the Tudor Revival, a design style that greatly influenced the roofing industry for living spaces. This style coincided with the American Arts and crafts movement, which also drew inspiration from medieval designs. This new style gained popularity from 1905 onwards and by the 1920s, it was even more popular than the Colonial Revival style, especially among the upper class. Properties of this style typically used steep roofs and half-timbered gables, which were used in the construction of many types of buildings, from small plan book houses to grand stockbroker manors. The Tudor Revival style continues to be influential in modern architecture.
Wood Shingles in the Modern Times
In modern times, the use of wood shakes or shingles has seen a revival, particularly in the architecture of shingle-style homes. This architectural style, popularized by architects such as Henry Hobson Richardson and Vincent Scully, features a unique blend of wood roofing, often made from savin. The evergreen roofs of these homes are typically made from cedar shakes, a type of timber shingle known for its durability and natural resistance to rot, decay, and warp. This is due to the natural oils in the wood, which also give it a warm, attractive color and fragrance. Mallet and froe was a shingle-splitting tool that was introduced later on in the roofing industry.
While savin shingles are still in use, other types of shingles such as fiberglass and asphalt shingles have also gained popularity. These materials offer a more affordable and fire-resistant alternative to woodgrain shingles, making them a popular choice for commercial roofing. However, even these modern shingles often mimic the look of traditional wood shingles, reflecting the enduring appeal of this classic roofing material.
In addition to roofing, shingles made from wood are used for roofing and siding applications in modern architecture. Shingle siding, often made from western red cedar, adds a rustic touch to homes, particularly in Cape Cod and Stick Style architecture.
Despite the introduction of new materials, the use of wooden shingles has never truly gone out of style. From the Victorian era to the Colonial Revival era, wood roofing has remained a favorite choice among homeowners for its unique aesthetic appeal. Even today, no two shake roofs are the same, with each shingle varying in thickness, width, and grain pattern. This natural variation contributes to the unique charm and character of timber shingle roofs.
Final Thoughts:
Wooden shingles have come a long way since their early beginnings. From the hand-split shingles of the colonial era to the cedar shake roofs of modern shingle-style homes, woodgrain shingles have evolved while maintaining their charm and appeal. Today, they continue to be a popular choice for roofing and cladding, with ventilation features offering a unique blend of durability, natural beauty, and versatility.
Whether it’s a rustic Cape Cod home or a commercial building, wood shingles add a touch of character and history to any structure. While new materials like asphalt and fiberglass shingles have emerged, the timeless appeal of shingles made of wood remains. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, reflecting our ongoing connection with the past. So, next time you see woodgrain shingles, remember its rich and fascinating history!
These two remarkable individuals, Robert Morris and Thomas Jefferson, pioneers of their time, forever transformed the roofing landscape of their respective residences. Their visionary use of sheet metal iron and tin-plate roofing not only showcased their impeccable taste and ingenuity but also sparked a revolution in the architectural world, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and amaze to this day.
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