History Sod roof

sod roofs on farmhouses in gudbrandsdal, norway. photo: roede

roofs in scandinavia have been covered birch bark , sod since prehistory. during viking , middle ages houses had sod roofs. churches , other buildings steeper roofs covered boards, wood shingles, or lead.

in rural areas sod roofs universal until beginning of 18th century. tile roofs, appeared earlier in towns , on rural manors, gradually superseded sod roofs except in remote inland areas during 19th century. corrugated iron , other industrial materials became threat ancient traditions. before extinction, national romantics proclaimed revival of vernacular traditions, including sod roofs. new market opened demand mountain lodges , holiday homes. @ same time, open-air museums , preservation movement created reservation ancient building traditions.

from these reservations, sod roofs have begun reappear alternative modern materials. more recent idea of green roof developed independently traditional sod roof, benefit experience gathered during hundreds of years in scandinavia.