CHAPTER 25 — Early Roofing in the Great Lakes Region & Inland Waterway Settlements

The Great Lakes region — including Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, and parts of Quebec — developed roofing traditions shaped by heavy snowfall, powerful lake-effect storms, abundant forests, and booming inland trade routes. Roofs in these communities evolved to withstand humidity, sudden weather shifts, and long winters.

Why Great Lakes Roofing Was Unique

• Lake-effect snow: Extreme snowfall demanded strong, steeply pitched roofs.
• Humidity & moisture: Roofs needed to dry quickly to prevent mold and decay.
• Strong winds: Storms sweeping across the lakes tested roof fasteners and shingles.
• Rapid urban growth: Towns expanded quickly due to shipping, logging, and milling.

Common Roofing Materials in the Great Lakes Region

1. Cedar & Pine Shingles

Widely available from Ontario’s vast forests, these shingles became the most common early roofing material in the region.

2. Wooden Shake Roofing

Thicker shakes were used in harsher climates along the northern shores where storms were frequent.

3. Metal Roofing (Late 1800s–Early 1900s)

Tinplate and galvanized steel were adopted earlier in port towns, where shipping networks provided easier access to metal goods.

4. Slate Roofing

High-end homes and public buildings in cities like Toronto, Hamilton, and Kingston used slate for its long lifespan and fire resistance.

Roof Shapes in Great Lakes Settlements

• Steep gables for heavy snow regions.
• Cross-gabled roofs common in early Ontario towns.
• Mansard roofs used in more affluent communities.
• Shed roofs common on boathouses and waterfront structures.

Climate Adaptation

The region demanded roofing systems that handled:

• Snow loads exceeding 150–250 kg/m².
• Heavy spring rains from lake-effect systems.
• Strong directional winds across open water.
• Freeze-thaw cycles that damaged poor-quality materials.

Historical Importance

The roofing systems developed in the Great Lakes region influenced construction across central Canada. Many historic towns along Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron still feature original roofs made from cedar, slate, or early metal products.

This chapter is part of the ROOFNOW™ Canadian Roofing History Archive.