CHAPTER 37 — Roofing in Early Canadian Boarding Houses, Worker Housing & Urban Tenements (1800s–1930s)

During Canada’s industrial expansion, boarding houses, worker housing, and early tenements became essential for accommodating labourers in rapidly growing cities. These buildings required affordable, durable, and easily repairable roofs — designed to protect dense populations living under one structure.

Why Worker Housing Roofing Was Unique

• High occupancy: Roof failures affected dozens of workers at once.
• Low budgets: Owners prioritized cost-effective materials.
• Urban density: Fire-resistant roofing became increasingly important.
• Rapid construction: Housing had to be built quickly for new industrial workers.

Common Roofing Materials Used on Boarding Houses & Tenements

1. Cedar & Pine Shingles

Widely used on early boarding houses before fire codes demanded stronger protections. Cheap, accessible, and easy to install.

2. Asphalt Shingles (1920s–1930s)

By the early 20th century, asphalt shingles became the default roofing material for worker housing due to low cost and quick installation.

3. Slate Roofing

Slate was used on larger urban tenements and municipal housing projects because of its long lifespan and fireproof qualities.

4. Metal Roofing

Galvanized metal or pressed tin was common on flat or shallow-pitch urban roofs, especially on multi-storey housing blocks.

Roof Shapes in Worker Housing

• Gable roofs on smaller boarding houses.
• Low-slope roofs for multi-unit tenements.
• Mansard roofs providing extra living space in attic floors.
• Shared party-wall roofs in dense urban row housing.

Climate Adaptation

Worker housing roofs had to function reliably in:

• Heavy snow in central and eastern cities like Montreal & Toronto.
• Constant wind in Prairie industrial towns.
• Soaking rainfall in B.C. coastal cities like Vancouver.

Fire Safety Considerations

Fires were a major risk in early urban neighbourhoods. As a result:

• Slate & metal roofs were preferred for larger buildings.
• Brick firewalls extended above rooflines between row houses.
• “Fireproof” asphalt shingles replaced wood by the 1930s.

Historical Importance

Boarding houses and worker tenements played a vital role in shaping the labour force and urban growth of early Canada. Their roofing systems highlight the balance between affordability, safety, and practicality in young industrial cities.

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