History of the Trade

One of the oldest trades in the world is that of the "Spengler" or "Klempner". About the time of Julius Caesar (approximately 100 BC) the first tinsmiths were inventing an intricate plumbing system through Rome. Over the years, this skill evolved to more diverse realms requiring even more specialized training and artistic ability.

The metal/aluminum can we recognize today, or the metal auto body, or the metal casing on the space shuttle, for example, all stemmed from the precursors of this trade. The more bold of these craftsmen ventured to the top of the buildings in the city to waterproof the details of the roofs (the areas around the chimneys etc). At the time, the roofs were predominantly covered in tile. Builders soon learned that the metal roofing was more effective than tiles at waterproofing homes and other buildings. Because these roofs are so high, it was extraordinarily difficult to continuously scale the dangerous and almost inaccessible heights to do routine maintenance. Another system had to be developed.

To this day, we see that the churches and castles of the world have metal roofing. These roofs have maintained their waterproof status for 400 years or more. Not only are they functional, they are works of art. The craftsmen used beautiful and pliable metals like copper to beautify their buildings. Some buildings and architectural details like domes, such as you often find in the Middle East, Russia, or Europe are covered in pure gold.

NOW Copper Exclusive continues this history in this trade in the United States.