Building a Birch-bark Roof for Your Home

Birch-bark roofs are a traditional and eco-friendly option for homes.

The first step in building a birch-bark roof is to harvest the birch trees, which typically take 40 to 50 years to mature.

Harvesting birch trees requires careful planning to ensure the trees are cut when the bark is still flexible and easy to work with.

You'll need a large quantity of birch bark to cover your roof, so it's essential to have a steady supply.

To prepare the birch bark for roofing, you'll need to peel it from the tree, clean it, and dry it in a controlled environment to prevent warping.

The ideal time to harvest birch bark is during the winter months when the trees are dormant.

After harvesting and preparing the birch bark, you can begin the process of applying it to your roof.

The construction of a birch-bark roof is a multi-layered process.

The main log frame of the building is constructed first, with horizontal roof poles laid down next. Thin timber slats are then placed at right-angles to the base roof poles.

On top of these slats come the layers of birch-bark, each row overlapping the next. The number of layers can vary from 2 to 6 depending on the building.

Long heavy wooden poles, usually de-barked young trees, are placed on top of the birch-bark layers. These poles are interlocked at the roof ridge for added stability.

Rocks are often placed on the roof to add weight, while tree-root bindings are used to secure the poles nearest the end gable.

Birch-bark roofs have a long history of being used as a water- and damp-proof course. This is due to the natural properties of birch bark, which makes it an efficient choice for this purpose.

The birch trees used for birch-bark roofs are typically de-barked in the summer, using a knife. This process allows the bark to be harvested and used for roofing purposes.

Birch-bark roofs can be used in conjunction with various types of roofs, including sod roofs and board roofs.

Birch bark was a valuable resource in traditional construction, particularly for its water- and damp-proofing properties.

Adding multiple layers of birch bark created an efficient barrier against moisture.

This made it a popular choice for roofing, especially in areas with high rainfall or humidity.

Birch trees were typically de-barked during the summer using a knife, which made the bark readily available for use.

This course focuses on the traditional birch bark and sod roof, a method used in Scandinavia for heated homes since at least 300 AD.

The birch bark layer is both insulating and protective, lasting 50-70 years before needing replacement.

You'll have the opportunity to work with the bark in the field, collecting it and pressing it to dry for future use. Bark harvested in 2018 will be used for the course, so you can see the process in action.

Students will work together to place multiple shingled layers of bark, then top it with sod, starting from the eave and progressing to the peak.

You can bring your favorite tools to help with the birch-bark roof project.

Feel free to bring whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course, as the optional tools are up to your discretion.

The course doesn't specify any particular tools, so it's up to you to decide what will work best.