At Patriot Roofing, we like to think that we’re different from other Salt Lake roofing contractors. We are committed to giving our customers the best service possible as well as giving back to our community. But our community is just one of many, and people around the world use all kinds of materials on their roofs.
Let’s look at just a few of the roofing materials used around the world.
Iceland: Turf House
Although they are increasingly rare, turf houses are an important part of Iceland’s architectural history. Based on Viking longhouses, turf houses came about because of a lack of other suitable roofing materials. A wooden frame in a base of stones holds up the turf. The turf roof provided better insulation than other materials and allowed grass to grow on top, giving it its iconic and historic appearance.
Samoa: Fale
In the language of Samoa, fale means “house” and refers to wooden buildings with no walls and domed, thatched roofs. Traditionally woven by Samoan women, the highest quality thatch is made from dried sugarcane leaves. We usually associate them with tropical waters and beautiful beaches, and you will find them not only in Samoa but throughout Polynesia.
Togo: Tata-Somba House
Another building made with thatched roofs, the traditional houses of the Tammari people of Togo and Benin are deceptively elaborate. From the outside, they look like clay towers or castle turrets. But inside, they sport some ingenious features. They have a basement level for livestock to stay at night and areas built into the roof for drying grain.
Nepal: Pagoda
Although you’ll find pagoda-style buildings throughout east Asia, the most impressive might be in Kathmandu, Nepal. These unique towers rose up (literally!) from a need for higher structures. These tiers of sloping roofs started in the construction of temples. The roof of the top tier of a pagoda is often decorated with a metal finial that doubles as a lightning rod.
Salt Lake Roofing Contractors Make a Difference
Patriot Roofing helps people in our community keep their families safe by keeping their roofs maintained and repaired. But there’s only so much we can do as Salt Lake roofing contractors. That’s why we think it’s important to give back to people who do more to protect us. We’re proud to support Operation Pay It Forward, an organization that helps connect veterans with others who share their passions and want to help them get outdoors and enjoy life again.
