Roofing History Photo Contest

Winton Smith from Western Roofing Co., Inc. of Bellingham WA writes, "The expansion of Edens Hall at Western Washington University circa 1940. Our phone number was 56!”

John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group writes, "Here is an original photo I picked up from 1941 of coal tar roof tear off install on a US defense factory. The tar pot (kettle) was right up on the roof with the crew for increased production.”

Libby Suihkonen of Berwald Roofing Co Inc. in St. Paul, MN sent us this photo of their Roofing History.

Bill Jetton of NORTH TECH CONSTRUCTION, INC. in North Branch, MN sent us this photo "CVN Roofing 1982, Capital Square Bldg"

Brian Blaquiere of Sika Sarnafil in Canton, MA writes, "In 1976, Sarnafil's first roof installation in the USA was of the First United Methodist Church in Laconia, NH. In 2021, 45 years later, The church replaced the roof with another Sarnafil Roof System."

Doug Sutter, Owner of Sutter Roofing & Metal Co in Clarksburg, WV writes, "Sutter Roofing & Metal Company circa 1906. Founder CP Sutter isdie door on back left. CP was a proud installer of JM Asbestos Roofing as you can see on the sign! My Great Grandfather had a nice sized crew in 1906!"

Jamie Pitts from EverGuard Roofing of Albuquerque, NM writes, "My mom and I found this old photo and large magnet in my grandfather’s garage a few months ago. My great grandfather was in roofing when he was a young man."

Guy Schembri from Weathertight Roofing, Inc. of Hemet, CA writes, “This is a photo of my Uncle Tony Schembri prior to WWII, he taught me roofing from the age of 17 and was always a friendly man despite putting up with all the nephews (6) he trained."

Andrew Schmidt from Showalter Roofing Service, Inc. of Naperville, IL writes, “Dale “Papa" Showalter and his first fleet of Showalter trucks in the early 1980's

Christina Washburn from ABC Roofing of Portland OR writes, "Wishing the prices of material were the same cost as this letter!"

John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group of Plant City, FL writes, "Circa 1970’s Built Up Roofing Crew installing asphalt roofing system with an iron felt layer"

Don Walter from F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing Co., Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes, "Former NRCA President, Don McNamara, (left) and brother Jim McNamara discuss the McCormick Place project with their foreman. Roofer in the background is torching down modified bitumen roofing. Job was performed in 1986 in downtown Chicago."

Jennifer Kramer from SopremaUSA in Wadsworth, OH writes, "In 1908, Charles Geisen founded the “Alsatian Emulsion Factory”, the forerunner of SOPREMA. During this period, architects were designing large terraces for private villas. Natural asphalt or coal tar was being used as a roofing material. These products were very expensive and not very reliable. Charles Geisen’s stroke of genius came when he began dipping jute cloth into hot bitumen. The result was a lightweight, solid, strong sheeting which came to be known as MAMMOUTH®.”

Christee Holbrook From Graham Roofing Inc in West Point, MS writes, "The photo was taken back in the 1970's. They loved taking photos of the different trucks Graham Roofing had."

Lee Ann Slattery from ATAS International, Inc. of Allentown, PA writes, “ATAS International, Inc. is a family-owned business that went from a siding and trim installer to an industry leading manufacturer of metal panels for the building envelope, with locations across the United States. Aluminum Trim And Shapes was founded in 1963 by Jacobus “Jack” P. Bus in his home’s basement in Rochester, NY where he and wife, Nel, and children resided. The journey to become business owners started when Jack and Nel moved from the Netherlands in the 1950s. The hardworking duo saw a business opportunity while Jack was installing siding and trim in Rochester. Prior to the advent of portable forming equipment, he noticed contractors did not have the ability to bend their own products on-site. Jack then had the idea to do it for them, and provided bent trim and other products to the contractors for their projects. This business was well-received, and the company has seen tremendous growth over the years."