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History of Roofing in Georgia
Have you ever wondered where the modern details and features of our homes came from? We all probably know who invented the lightbulb, but where did modern roofing technologies originate from? Check out our brief history of roofing in Georgia to learn more about our homes' great protectors!
Before European settlers came into Georgia, Native Americans had their own roofing techniques. They used natural resources like bark, leaves and thatch to create a roof for their homes. When European settlers arrived in Georgia in the 18th century, they brought their roofing tactics which used wooden shingles and clay tiles. The blending of the Native American techniques and the European settlers' techniques helped shape the future of roofing.
Impact of the Civil War on Roofing
The Civil War had a major impact on Georgia. During the war, many homes and buildings were destroyed. This led to a variety of different repairs and replacements which ended up having a scarcity of resources during these years. Wooden shingles were popular, but the amount of wood being used led to them having to find other resources. Many turned to sheet metal, which was referred to as tin roofing. Today, many Georgians may associate the sound of rain falling on tin roofing as a relaxing staple of a southern afternoon.
Modern Roofing 20th Century
In the 20th century, wooden shingles and slate were replaced by modern materials. Asphalt shingles became the roofing choice for Georgia roofers and homeowners due to their durability and affordability for the homeowner. The 20th century made a major shift from relying on natural resources to using synthetic materials.
Roofing in the 21st Century
There have been numerous advancements in composite materials and energy-efficient technology; this has begun to reshape the roofing industry in Georgia. Nowadays, homeowners are interested in roofing materials that protect your home and reduce energy consumption. Georgia has become popular for materials that help lower cooling costs and reduce heat with hot summers and cold winters.
Discontinued Shingles
Atlas Chalet shingles were discontinued because of how easily damaged and tending to crack in hot temperatures. They would form gas bubbles when they were exposed to moisture. In the 1990s to the early 2000s these were the most popular shingles because they were a cheaper option than most shingles. Cheap isn't always the best option to go with when building and repairing your home.
CertainTeed Horizon shingles were the most popular from 1987-1996. This caught homeowners' attention because they were organic shingles. They all loved this idea because of it being organic, but this didn't pan out too well. Since the shingles were organic, they broke down much faster than regular shingles and had frequent issues with thermal blistering. Other issues were cracking, fishmouthing, degranulating, and premature deterioration; this didn't last too long until the shingles were discontinued because of poor performance.
Future of Roofing
The future of roofing industry is in our hands! From thatched roofs to sustainable roofing tactics, a new era has begun. At Trotter Roofing & Gutters, we will continue to progress and find new ways of innovating to protect our customers' homes. Roofing will always be a necessity and plays a crucial role in the protection of our homes and buildings, give us a call today to get a free estimate!
