CHAPTER 4 — French Colonial Cedar Shingle Roofing
When French settlers arrived in Eastern Canada during the 1600s and 1700s, they introduced cedar shingle roofing systems that quickly became a defining feature of early colonial architecture. The abundance of Eastern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar made shingles a durable, reliable, and adaptable roofing material throughout Quebec, Acadia, and early Ontario settlements.
Why Cedar Shingles Became the Colonial Standard
- Excellent durability: Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and long-lasting.
- Lightweight: Easy to transport, shape, and install on steep wooden frames.
- Weather resistant: Ideal for heavy snow, rain, and freeze-thaw climates.
- Locally available: Vast cedar forests made shingle production efficient and affordable.
Construction Method
Cedar logs were split and hand-shaped into uniform shingles using froes and mallets. Carpenters installed shingles over steeply pitched timber roofs, overlapping each course to shed water quickly. The steep slope — often 45° or more — allowed snow to slide off faster, reducing roof load in Canadian winters.
Characteristics of French-Colonial Roofs
- High-pitched gable roofs to shed snow efficiently.
- Extended eaves to protect log or timber walls from rain runoff.
- Thick, layered shingles offering excellent insulation and longevity.
Historical Significance
Cedar shingle roofing became one of the first widespread roofing materials used by European settlers in Canada. Many historic churches, trading posts, and early homes in Quebec City, Montreal, and Acadian regions still feature original or restored cedar roofs, preserving this iconic colonial craft.
This chapter is part of the ROOFNOW™ Canadian Roofing History Archive.