CHAPTER 33 — Roofing on Early Canadian Lighthouses & Coastal Navigation Structures (1700s–1900s)

Canada’s lighthouses are among the most iconic structures in the nation’s maritime history. Built to withstand brutal storms, relentless salt spray, high winds, and remote conditions, these roofs represent some of the toughest and most weather-engineered systems ever constructed in early Canada.

Why Lighthouse Roofing Was Unique

• Extreme exposure: Constant wind, waves, and saltwater.
• Remote locations: Materials had to be transported by boat or horse.
• Critical function: A roof failure could compromise the safety of entire coastlines.
• Round structures: Roofing had to fit tapered or circular towers.

Common Roof Materials Used on Early Lighthouses

1. Copper Roofing

Copper was frequently used for lighthouse lantern rooms due to its corrosion resistance. Over time, it developed a green patina that further protected it from salt.

2. Tin & Galvanized Metal

Metal shingles and standing-seam steel were used on many lighthouse roofs, especially on the Atlantic coast where wood deteriorated quickly.

3. Cedar Shingles

On inland waterway lighthouses (Great Lakes and St. Lawrence), cedar shingles were common due to availability, light weight, and reasonable durability.

4. Asphalt Roll Roofing (Late 1800s–1900s)

For lighthouse keeper houses and outbuildings, asphalt roll roofing offered fast installation and waterproofing in harsh conditions.

Roof Shapes on Lighthouse Structures

• Conical roofs for round towers.
• Pyramidal roofs for square towers of early wooden lighthouses.
• Lantern-room domes capped with metal to protect the beacon.
• Gabled roofs for keeper houses and storage buildings.

Coastal Climate Adaptation

Early lighthouse roofs were engineered to withstand:

• Hurricane-force winds along the Atlantic.
• Salt corrosion that destroyed unprotected metal.
• Heavy fog & moisture from the Pacific Coast.
• Lake-effect storms on the Great Lakes.

Maintenance & Longevity

Lighthouse keepers often spent as much time repairing the roofs as maintaining the beacon. Metal seams were re-tinned, cedar shingles were replaced annually, and copper domes were routinely inspected for lightning damage.

Historical Significance

Many of Canada’s historic lighthouses — from Newfoundland to British Columbia to Lake Superior — still retain their original roofing materials. These roofs reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and resilience needed to protect sailors along some of the most dangerous coastlines in the world.

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