Roofing has been a part of architecture for centuries. The earliest human civilizations largely resorted to materials found in nature. Palm fronds were a practical roofing material in tropical regions, and these are still popular today. Animal skins were often used to create tipis, and mud and straw roofs were common in ancient. Wood was also used, but it was more expensive and less reliable than other materials.
The roof of a building is the most obvious form of protection, but a number of factors come into play. The roof may be flat, domed, or pitched. There are a number of variations on these forms, and architects should warn their clients of these hazards so that they don't get caught unawares. In addition, a cyclical maintenance program can be beneficial for maintaining the physical integrity of a building's roof for a long time.
Roofing has a long history. The use of slate is a classic example of this. Hand-split slate was most commonly used in the past. Slate is a very hard material, and it splits naturally into flat shapes for tile making it easier to make tiles. The process is less expensive and labor-intensive than other materials, and some areas have a strong association with specific types of slate. But, one disadvantage of these materials is that they are not uniformly shaped. The lack of uniformity may result in gaps or flaws.
Among the most basic materials of roofing, asphalt and concrete are the most common materials today. However, aside from asphalt, concrete has many other benefits. It can be used to build structures with more rigid frames, such as bridges. Depending on the design, cement roof tiles can be manufactured in different colors and sizes. The durability and aesthetics of the material is also impressive. The material is waterproof, which means that it will not crack or peel.
The development of asphalt shingles has come a long way. The earliest asphalt shingles were made of slate-colored stone. But, later, these roofs became available in various shades of gray and blue. These shingles can also be painted with decorative effects such as wood-grain. The evolution of a roofing material is a key factor in the safety and security of a building. The evolution of modern asphalt shingles was a huge step forward for the human race.