 
 The following six articles were written by Colonel Charles L. McGee (1902 - 1989) for the publication The Journeyman Roofer and Waterproofer during the years 1947 - 1950. Each article is illustrated with photos or sketches. Since clay tile itself is an ancient product - the information pertaining to
tile roofing and its application are timeless. |
Magazine cover shows Limbach Company (Pittsburg, PA) artisan Fred Wittmer applying Spanish tile to the roof of St. Mary's Church in Pittsburg. Reprinted from The Journeyman Roofer and Waterproofer, March 1950. |
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Article 1:
Introduction to Roofing Tile and its Application This article discusses the history and art of the tile roof craftsman delineating the many and various training studies necessary to learn the art of tiling in 1947. Article 2: The Manufacture of Roofing Tile in 1948 In the second article of this series, a brief general outline of the process of manufacturing roofing tile is given. Note: this was in the era of vintage or historic tile and the beehive kiln. Many of today's tile rooftops undergoing restoration have tile that was manufactured in this way. Article 3: The Shipping, Loading and Stacking of Roofing Tile While the shipping methods nostalgically depict the 1940's, the pertinent information on the prompt checking of an order and careful handling of clay tile is still both valid and necessary. Article 4: Roof Tile Fittings (Trim) This article describes the trim available to complete tile roofs. It also tackles a problem we often encounter ... what does a gable rake look like - and what is considered a left gable rake or a right gable rake on your house! Article 5: Why Use Felt Under Slate or Tile The surprising reasons for felting a rooftop before applying slate or tile have very little to do with waterproofing according to this author's expert opinion - however the benefits he describes are many and varied. Article 6: The Application of Clay Tile It is not possible to overestimate the importance of lining a roof before applying tile. In the case of the experienced or master craftsman the author states, 'His art, and it is an art, skillfully performed protects all the building and everything within it.' |
