Historic Roofing Materials: Clay Tile Roofs

In New York State, there are still a number of old homes with clay tile roofs. Clay tile roofing was used by Europeans as far back as the beginning of our country in mid-17th century America. S-curved tiles and flat tile roofing Queens were used in Colonies like Jamestown, Virginia. Roofing in New York City was made of clay for fire protection, a common problem in 17th and 18th century America.

Clay Tile: European settlers used clay tile roofing Manhattan as early as the mid-17th century; many pantiles (S-curved tiles), as well as flat roofing tiles, were used in Jamestown, Virginia. In some cities such as New York and Boston, clay was popularly used as a precaution against such fires as those that engulfed London in 1666 and scorched Boston in 1679.

By the mid-19th century, tile roofing in New York was frequently replaced by metal roofs. Sheet metal roofs were lighter and easier to install and maintain. The clay tiles were not often used again until the beginning of this century, when the Spanish style buildings created a new demand for tile roofing. Today, with a greater awareness of historic preservation, New Yorkers may want to maintain their Bronx or Queens tile roofing rather than Bronx roof replacement with convention asphalt shingles which do not reflect the historic qualities of old homes.