Built to Last: How Ludowici Tiles Have Protected Parkwood Estate for a Century

A Century of Performance

Very few products manufactured today are expected to last 100 years or more. Ludowici Clay Roof Tile is one of them. 

In 1916, architects Darling and Pearson of Toronto, designed what would become the famed Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, in the Classic Revival style. The 15,000 square foot, 55-room home was commissioned by Robert Samuel McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada. 

The estate incorporated the most modern systems for residential comfort and convenience that existed at the time, including: 

• In-house telephone intercom system
• An elevator
• Air conditioning system
• A walk-in refrigerator!

It was also designed for hosting and the entertainment of guests with many recreational features and amenities, including: 

• A squash court
• A grand conservatory
• A rare Aeolian organ
• A heated indoor swimming pool
• A bowling alley
• A billiard and games room

The estate was constructed with the best materials available at the time, including the Ludowici clay tile roof. The Spanish-style terra cotta tiled roof was installed in 1917 by George Duthie & Sons of Toronto, using terra cotta Ludowici Celadon Imperial Tile from Chicago. For over 110 years, those same Ludowici tiles have been protecting the mansion beneath it from the harshest extremes of Canadian weather.

Why Ludowici Roofing Tile? 

Thanks to their interlocking design and superior craftsmanship, barrel-profile terra cotta roofing tiles have earned a reputation for their remarkable longevity, temperature-regulating properties, and universal architectural application.

Moreover, each Ludowici roofing tile is handcrafted and kiln-fired at extreme temperatures to ensure its durability against the worst of inclement weather and guarantee its colorfastness for the length of its service life. In short, it will not degrade under harsh UV solar rays or crack during severe Canadian freeze-thaw cycles.

Additionally, Ludowici offers 58 standard colours, plus other clay roof tile profiles, such as:

• Flat Shingle
• Flat Interlocking
• Cedar Shake-look
• Natural Slate-look

Ludowici terra cotta tiles have been handmade with pride in the U.S. for more than 135 years, providing supreme durability and making them perfect for any climate. North Country Slate (NCS) is Ludowici’s exclusive distributor and partner in Canada.

Whether you need a natural stone slate roof or a Ludowici terra cotta roof, NCS can be the perfect partner, and for many good reasons:

• Our products are 100% natural: Premium, durable, and quality. 
• Tile and slate roofs are weather resistant: Highly resistant to moisture and chemicals, and unaffected by freeze/thaw cycles
• Our products are fire safe: Non-combustible with a Class A Fire Resistance Ratings 
• We provide long-lasting beauty: A natural slate or terra cotta clay roof from North Country Slate will add an unparalleled aesthetic appeal to any home or property and comes with a life expectancy of 100+ years. 

For additional information, please call 1-800-975-2835 or visit our Ludowici design showroom.