Fall,
2003: Issue #3:
BOOK
REVIEW
Historic and
Obsolete Roofing Tile - Preserving the History of Roofing Tiles
2001; by Vincent H. Hobson, in association with Melvin Mann
Remai Publishing Company,
Inc., Evergreen, Colorado USA
254 pages, indexed, with glossary and bibliography; ISBN
0965544117 (paperback)
$69.95 US; $104.44 Canada; Currently a promo price of $52.95
plus $5.90 S&H
It has become increasingly difficult over the years to find
definitive published resource material that is useful
in the restoration and repair of older slate and tile
roofs. Although the Slate
Roof Bible has filled that gap with regard to slate
roofs, there has been little, if anything, in print regarding
tile roofs. Vincent Hobson has filled a huge information
gap with his 2001 book, Historic and Obsolete Roofing
Tile, a full-color book with well over 700 color photographs.
Hobson's book provides anyone interested in clay tile
roofs with the self-described "only guide to identifying
old roofing tiles." Hobson delves into the history
of clay roofing tiles, which dates back 12,000 years,
adorns the book with numerous old documents and illustrations,
then takes the reader on a journey that identifies hundreds
of historic and obsolete tile types, each carefully photographed
against a scale.
The Tile Reference Guide also lists average number of pieces
per square as well as average weight per square for each
type of tile. Add to this a trouble-shooting chapter
with photos of hail damaged tiles, a bibliography, and
a glossary, and you have undoubtedly the most comprehensive
antique roof tile identification book in existence. Since
the primary purpose of the book is the identification
of tile, it does not cover techniques or methods of installation
or repair. However, the proper repair and restoration
of older tile roofs is dependent upon a supply of matching
replacement tiles. This book is an important tool enabling
the restoration contractor, building owner, architect,
or roofer to correctly identify obscure types of older
roofing tiles.
Hobson also maintains an historic and antique tile supply
business called Custom Tile Roofing, Inc. where a 400,000
piece tile inventory is maintained [2875 West Hampden
Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80110; ph: 303-761-3831;
FAX 303-761-3839; Email: ctrvince@qwest.net (rooftileguru.com or customtileroofing.com)].
Between this book and the tile inventories that Hobson
coordinates, there is no longer any excuse for tile roof
restoration to be done with non-matching tiles.
Additional sources of both new and salvaged roofing tiles
are listed at jenkinsslate.com (look for the "sources
of" listings). Information about how to repair tile
roofs is included in the new Slate
Roof Bible, 2nd edition (see inside front cover of
this issue of Traditional Roofing).
Order
Hobson's book from: Remai Publishing Company, Inc., P.O.
Box 1837, Evergreen, Colorado 80437. Order online at www.rooftilebook.com (email: vince@rooftilebook.com).
They're currently offering (for a limited time) their
full case book price on each book sold ($52.95/book plus
shipping of $ 5.90).
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