Improved Roofing

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

A new mode of roofing to supersede the use of shingles for that purpose has been invented by John McMurtry, of Lexington, Ky., who has taken measures to secure a patent. The roofing in this instance is made with planks, which are grooved in a peculiar manner, the upper lip being made narrower than the lower to admit the projections of a T-shaped plank called a capping piece, by which the lower plaaks are secured in their place and kept water-tight. In order to drain off any water that might otherwise remain in the crevices ot the roof, and be absorbed by capillary attraction towards the centre joints, the lower planking is made somewhat concave, and a similar shape given to the under side of the top Gapping piece, so that a complete drainage is acquired by means of these gutters. The top of the capping piece should be preferably made oval, that being the best form to prevent the weather from warping it. and by having only one edge of the lower plank nailed down, ample provision is made for the swelling and shrinking of the wood, so as to prevent it from cracking or splitting.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American