Did you know? Rubber roofing known as EPDM is an acronym that stands for “ethylene propylene diene monomer.” Now you know!
Are you familiar with the roofing term "eaves"? Eaves are the horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof. (Picture via google)
Happy National Virginia Day! Construction on the Rosewell Plantation in Gloucester County, Virginia began in 1725. Upon completion the home featured parapet with a flat lead roof behind it, and two cupolas at either end. After the home was bought in 1837, the parapet and cupolas were removed. The roof was also stripped, sold, and replaced with a low hip roof that featured a cupola and widows walk. The Rosewell Plantation was lost to fire in 1916, likely caused by a damaged chimney. Nothing but brick ruins remain of the home today. (Photos via Wikipedia)
Did you know? Because slate roofing is made of natural stone, it comes with a lot of benefits. Slate roofing is fireproof, mold resistant, and resistant to insect infestations. In addition, slate is visually appealing, and extremely durable. Now you know! (vintage photo via Google)
Happy Throwback Thursday! Here is a roof we replaced in Upton Massachusetts using GAF Timberline shingles in Driftwood.
Did you know? EPDM Rubber roofing has been in use since 1962. It was revered for its relatively simple installation, and cost effectiveness. Now you know!
Today is National Vermont Day! In 1846 the Robbins & Lawrence factory was built in Windsor, Vermont to create interchangeable parts for the machine tool industry. The building was protected by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and today the building is home to The American Precision Museum. After receiving a $200,000 award from "Save America's Treasures," The American Precision Museum was able to replace the deteriorating slate roof. (Photos via Google and www.asme.org)
Do you have a favorite mansion to visit in Newport? The Breakers Mansion in Newport Rhode Island was built in 1895, and recieved a new roof in 2002. The mansion required an entire new roofing system, including more than 30,000 terra cotta tiles. More than 450 people paid $20 to have their names signed on roofing tiles used in the construction to help cover costs of the roughly 2 million dollar exterior repair project. Several chimneys were also rebuilt, along with the replacement of rooftop skylights. Now you know! (Photo via Google)
Happy Throwback Thursday! We don’t always use a crane, but when we do we take pictures! We assisted with a new construction project and installed this commercial flat roof in Boylston Massachusetts using TPO a while back.
Did you know? To prevent wind damage in the 1950s, self-sealing adhesive was used when installing asphalt shingles. Around this time, ¾” staples were also being tested in roofing, and performed comparably to nails. Now you know! (Vintage photo via Google)
Did you know? Construction began on the roof of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia in 1959. This iconic roof is one of the first roof designs to use a computer for some aspects of architecture and structural analysis. Now you know! (photo via Wikipedia)
When properly maintained, a flat roof can last 30 years or longer. Proper maintenance includes tasks like clearing the drains, which should be done before grabbing the boat. 😉 (Vintage Photo via Google)
Did you know? The word “shingle” is derived from the German word “schindle” or “schindel” which means “roofing slate.” Now you know!
Happy Memories Monday! We replaced this roof in Holliston MA a while back using Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles in Onyx Black.
Did you know? The longest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world was built about 500 years ago. King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England was built in phases by multiple kings beginning in 1446, but the fan vault was not constructed until between 1512 and 1515. Now you know! (Photos via Wikipedia)
Happy Throwback Thursday! Check out this roof we replaced in Gardner Massachusetts using Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles in Brownwood.
Did you Know? Slate roofing is made of natural stone, and can last up to 200 years when well maintained. Usually, as long as the stone is good quality, the roof is of good quality. From an aesthetic standpoint, slate roofs are also very appealing and give an old world charm. (Vintage Photo via Google)
Today is National Indiana Day! The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world. The museum features some interesting roofs, such as the Schaefer Rooftop garden which is a living green roof. It also features an accurate sculpture of an adult and juvenile brachiosaur climbing under the roof into the Welcome Center. (Photos via Google)
Did you know? The slate roofing industry in America took off in the 1800s once it became more efficient to quarry slate. In Pennsylvania and throughout the northeast, slate roofing was being used with more frequency. Eventually, Vermont became world renowned for its slate quarries, and for having some of the highest quality slate available. Now you know! (Vintage photo via Google)
Did you know? Asphalt shingles are a relatively lightweight roofing option. On average, they weigh 200-250 pound per square. Now you know!
Superbowl Sunday is almost here! This year the Superbowl will be held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida. Completed in 1998 to replace Tampa Stadium, the new stadium cost $168.5 million to construct. The Buccaneers will be the first team in history to reach the Super Bowl hosted in their home stadium. Keep your eyes out for the Raymond James Stadiums most unique feature, a 103 foot 43-ton concrete and steel pirate ship replica that fires its cannons to celebrate the home team! Now you know! (Photo via Google)
Happy Throwback Thursday! Check out the before and after pictures of this roof we replaced a while back using GAF Timberline shingles in Charcoal.
What is an ice dam? According to the University of Minnesota, and ice dam is “a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.” You can learn more about ice dams by following this link to our blog: https://www.otroofing.com/ice-dams-prevention-and-maintenance/ (Photo via GAF)
Happy Groundhog Day! Groundhogs may not construct their homes with roofing structures, but they are still quite the little builders. Did you know Groundhogs have two burrows, almost like a vacation home? One burrow is built in grassy fields for the warm summer months, and the other is built in woodland areas for winter hibernation. Some of the summer burrow systems have been known to extend 50-100 feet in length, and go down six feet below the surface! Now you know! (Photo via Google)
