Man has been erecting roofs and shelters for thousands of years. Evidence shows that cavemen and early man built rudimentary shelters in the open to protect themselves from the elements. During the Stone Age, people in Egypt used mud bricks to build tent-like structures. This method of construction gave way to stone, which was then used to construct pyramids. The use of animal hides in roofing is as old as history.
Roofing forms have always been influenced by the availability of natural resources. In the past, slate was commonly used for roofing because it was a cheap, abundant resource. In Britain, hand-split slate was the main choice for roofs because it splits naturally into flat tiles. In addition, hand-split slate required less manpower to create. As slate is so hard, the lack of uniform shaping led to faults and gaps in the roofing material.
Despite the technological advancements, roofing was in existence in early Asia. During the Jomon period in Japan, roofing was made of thatch and clay. This method was used before Britain's, and it was a practical solution for preventing the destruction of buildings by storms and other natural disasters. However, wood was not very abundant in those times, so thatched roofs were the norm. Some Japanese settlers built their dwellings out of straw, which was not resistant to rain and other natural disasters.
Roofing techniques have come a long way. Even in the early days of civilization, Asians had been using roofs for thousands of years. Typical roofing styles in Japan ranged from flat, pitch, vaulted, and domed. There are even a number of variations of these roof types, and the choice of the right type depends on the architectural style and the location of the expansion joints. There are many different materials and methods that are used today for roofs.
Roofing was an important aspect of civilization from the start. The earliest civilizations slept under the stars, and built their homes inside caves. They had a roof, and they needed one to survive. But as time passed, humans had to build homes that lasted. The evolution of concrete was a significant step forward in the history of building. Its invention led to the emergence of cement tile roofs in England. In the 19th century, these cement tiles were the most popular type of roofing in England.
There are various types of roofing materials. Earlier, people slept under the stars or inside caves. But over time, they began to build homes with roofs that would protect them. Eventually, concrete became the most popular roofing material in England. Throughout the twentieth century, cement tiles were used everywhere, including on ships. As a result, they were used to cover boats and even airplanes. Aside from that, they also became the most common material for roofs.