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

A Century of Performance

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

In 1916, Darling and Pearson architects of Toronto, designed the famed Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario in Classic Revival style. The 15,000 square foot home, built for Robert Samuel McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada, features 55 rooms. 

The estate included the most modern systems for comfort and convenience at the time including: 

• in-house telephone system, 
• an elevator, 
• air conditioning, 
• a walk-in refrigerator! 

It was also designed for entertainment 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 games room.

The estate was constructed with the best of everything available at the time, including the Ludowici tile roof. The Spanish style terra cotta tiled roof was installed in 1917 by George Duthie & Sons of Toronto, using Ludowici Celadon Chicago Imperial Tile. For over 110 years, that Ludowici tile has been protecting the mansion beneath from the harshest 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 hand-crafted 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 rays or crack during severe Canadian freeze-thaw cycles.

Additionally, Ludowici’s terra cotta barrel profiles are available in a wide range of customizable profiles that can complement any architectural or historic style, including:

• Spanish
• Italian
• French

Ludowici terra cotta tiles have been handmade with pride in the U.S. for more than 130 years, providing supreme durability, making them perfect for any climate. North Country Slate (NCS) is Ludowici’s exclusive distributor and partner in Canada.

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

• Our products are 100% natural: Premium, durable 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 Rating. 
• We provide long-lasting beauty: A natural slate or terra cotta clay roof from North Country Slate will add unmatched aesthetic appeal to any home or property and comes with a life expectancy of 75+ years. 

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