The Evolution of Metal Roofing in America

Our reconstruction of the Joseph Greer House includes a lumber sheeting over layed with white Oak Shakes.  In the book House of the Messenger, we have considerable detail about riving and spitting shakes in regard to building a strong dependable roof on the house.  However, at some point the "Messenger's" house had the shakes removed and a metal roof applied.  It is with the remains of a rusted and deteriorated metal roof of how the house ruin was recovered.  Needless to say, it is most doubtful that the house was originally built with a metal roof.  As no electricity or running water was connected to the house, it can be assumed that the metal roof was later added as a replacement roof.

Metal roofing has deep roots in American history, stretching back to the early colonial era when it was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Initially crafted from copper or lead, these roofs adorned public buildings, churches, and affluent homes, prized for their durability and fire resistance. The first recorded metal roof in America graced the venerable Christ Church in Philadelphia, installed in the early 1700s to safeguard the structure from fire—a testament to the efficacy of metal roofing in protecting valuable assets.  Tinplate iron, commonly called "tin roofing," was used extensively in Canada in the 18th century, but it was not as common in the United States until later. Thomas Jefferson was an early advocate of tin roofing, and he installed a standing-seam tin roof on "Monticello" (ca. 1770-1802).

In fact, the first metal roof in America was installed in the early 1700s on Christ Church in Philadelphia. This church was built in 1695 and was the first Anglican Church in Pennsylvania. The roof was made of lead and was put in place to protect the church from fire. The roof was so effective at preventing fire from spreading that the church was the only public building in Philadelphia that survived the Great Fire of 1721.

As the United States grew and expanded westward, metal roofing became more common as a practical solution for protecting homes and buildings from the harsh weather conditions of the frontier. Metal roofs were especially popular in areas with heavy snowfall, where their durability and ability to shed snow made them ideal.  In the late 19th century, a new type of metal roofing began to gain popularity in the United States: the corrugated metal roof. Made from galvanized steel, corrugated metal roofs were lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. They quickly became popular in both urban and rural areas, and were used to cover everything from barns and sheds to factories and commercial buildings.

The first corrugated metal roof was used on the Dakota Territory Capitol Building in 1883. The building was constructed of stone and brick, but the roof was made of corrugated iron sheets. The sheets were made by the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, which later became known for building the Brooklyn Bridge. This marked the beginning of a new era in metal roofing, where affordability and ease of installation would make it a more accessible option for homeowners and builders.  By the turn of the century, corrugated metal roofing had become a standard building material. It was used in both urban and rural areas and was seen as a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional roofing materials. In the 1920s, a new form of corrugated metal roofing was introduced that used asphalt-coated sheets to improve their durability and make them more resistant to rust.

The 20th Century and Beyond

As the nation expanded westward, metal roofing became a practical solution for frontier homes and buildings, particularly in regions prone to heavy snowfall. Yet, it wasn't until the late 19th century that a new era in metal roofing dawned with the introduction of corrugated metal roofs. Made from galvanized steel, these roofs offered affordability, lightweight construction, and ease of installation, revolutionizing roofing practices in both urban and rural settings.

The versatility and resilience of corrugated metal roofing quickly made it a standard building material across the country. Its adoption soared, supplanting traditional materials in both residential and commercial construction. By the turn of the 20th century, advancements in manufacturing technology further propelled the evolution of metal roofing, giving rise to standing seam metal roofing—a sleek, interlocking panel system that offered enhanced durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to leaks.

Today, metal roofing continues to be a preferred choice for builders and homeowners alike, prized for its durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. With an array of materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc, and innovative technologies like metal shingles that mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials, metal roofing offers a blend of form and function unparalleled in the roofing industry.

While the utilization of aluminum in metal roofing is a relatively recent development, its strength and weather resistance make it an ideal choice for high-quality roofs. Unlike traditional materials, aluminum boasts longevity, resisting rust, rot, and deterioration with age—a testament to its enduring appeal and suitability for modern construction.

Roofs are the cornerstone of building longevity, protecting structures from the elements and preserving their integrity. Throughout American history, roofing materials have evolved—from clay tiles and slate to wood shingles and metal roofing—each reflecting the technological advancements and architectural preferences of their time. Today, metal roofing stands as a testament to innovation and durability, offering a reliable solution for those seeking a long-lasting, weather-resistant roofing option.


All proceeds from the sale of the "House of the Messenger" support the Joseph Greer Chapter and the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The funds will be allocated to historical and educational programs dedicated to the founding principles of the republic and the Constitution of the United States.