CHAPTER 15 — Industrial Revolution Roofing Materials in Canada (1850–1920)
The Industrial Revolution dramatically reshaped roofing in Canada. For the first time, roofing materials could be mass-produced, transported by rail, and installed on growing cities and towns across the country. This era introduced new levels of strength, availability, and technological advancement in Canadian roofing systems.
Why the Industrial Era Transformed Roofing
- Mass production: Factories produced shingles, tiles, and metal sheets at unprecedented scale.
- Railway expansion: Roofing materials could reach remote towns nationwide.
- More durable materials: Metal, slate, and clay tile surpassed wood for longevity.
- Urban fire prevention: Non-combustible roofing materials became essential in cities.
Key Roofing Materials Introduced During This Era
1. Pressed-Tin Roofing
Stamped and pressed-tin shingles became one of the most iconic roofing materials of the Industrial Era. Lightweight and resistant to fire, they were widely used on commercial buildings and Victorian homes.
2. Corrugated Iron & Steel
Known for strength and affordability, corrugated metal became a staple in barns, factories, and industrial buildings across Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia.
3. Clay Tile Roofing
Although expensive, clay tiles were used for government buildings, churches, and high-end estates. Their ability to withstand fire made them popular in dense urban areas.
4. Steam-Sawn Wood Shingles
Steam-powered sawmills allowed shingle factories to produce uniform wood shingles, replacing hand-split shakes and speeding construction.
5. Early Asphalt Roofing Rolls
Before asphalt shingles, rolled asphalt sheets were used for lower-slope roofs on sheds, stores, and warehouses. These were the forerunner to modern shingle technology.
Architectural and Cultural Impact
Canada’s rapidly growing cities — Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Winnipeg — expanded with roofs built from these new industrial materials. The shift away from purely hand-made roofing represented the beginning of modern Canadian construction.
Legacy of the Industrial Roofing Era
Many 19th-century metal and slate roofs installed during this period remain intact today, a testament to the durability and craftsmanship of the Industrial Revolution. This era laid the foundation for Canada’s transition into modern roofing technologies.
This chapter is part of the ROOFNOW™ Canadian Roofing History Archive.