CHAPTER 26 — Roofing in Early Logging Camps & Timber Settlements (1800s–1930s)

Logging shaped the economic foundation of early Canada. From British Columbia to Ontario and the Maritimes, logging camps and timber settlements required fast, durable, and locally sourced roofing solutions that could withstand harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and rugged living conditions.

Why Logging Camp Roofing Was Unique

• Temporary-to-permanent structures: Camps evolved from seasonal bunkhouses to long-term settlements.
• Immediate resource use: Roofs were built entirely from freshly cut timber onsite.
• Harsh climates: Camps operated through deep snow, storms, and heavy coastal rainfall.
• Minimal tools: Construction relied on axes, saws, wedges, and manpower.

Common Roofing Materials in Logging Camps

1. Hand-Split Cedar & Spruce Shakes

Loggers used froes and mallets to produce wooden shakes directly from harvested trees. Thick shakes provided excellent insulation and weather resistance.

2. Slab Wood Planks

Rough, flat planks cut from the outer edges of logs were used to build quick, functional roofs on cookhouses, bunkhouses, and workshops.

3. Bark Roofing

In areas where cedar bark was available, large sheets were used as temporary or semi-permanent waterproof roofing.

4. Early Metal Sheets (1920s–1930s)

As transport routes expanded, corrugated metal began appearing in mature logging settlements to replace wood roofs damaged by weather.

Roof Shapes in Logging Camps

• Simple shed roofs for bunkhouses and tool sheds.
• Gable roofs on cookhouses and central buildings.
• Low-slope plank roofs for temporary structures.

Environmental Challenges

Logging camps operated in intense Canadian environments:

• Heavy snow required strong rafters and thick decking.
• Constant rainfall in B.C. coastal camps demanded rapid water shedding.
• Cold winters required good insulation and protection from wind drafts.
• Falling debris made thicker wood roofs preferable to fragile materials.

Historical Importance

The roofing systems used in logging camps reflect Canada’s timber heritage and the rugged lifestyles of early loggers. Many restored camps, museums, and historical sites still feature these traditional wood roofs.

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