Sod Roof Construction

Sod Roof Construction. A Natural Insulation. , As Westerners began to arrive in Alaska at the turn of the 19th century, the nomadic lifestyle of the Athabascans gave way to a life that centered around more permanent villages. One of the many ideas the Athabascans borrowed and adapted from the westerners was the sod roof cabin., While the grass and flowers growing on the roof give it a decorative appearance, the sod was actually quite practical. Originally, the roofs of cabins would be composed of sheets of peeled bark laid flat and overlapping each other much like shingles, from the eave up to the ridge. An example of this roofing technique can be seen at the Cheif [sic] John Silas Cabin., In the absence of nails, the bark was weighted down by placing three to six inches of soil on top. This also added a valuable layer of insulation. As vegetation began to take hold, the root system held the roof together and served to keep the Athabascans warm and protected from the elements even during the harshest conditions. In the summer the roof system would retain rainwater helping to keep the cabin cool., While it proved to be a very durable roof, it's normal life would be around 10 years.