8 FUN FACTS ALL ABOUT HOMES & LIVING

CATS AND DOGS

There are many theories behind the phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs.” One theory is that houses once had thatched roofs: pets and small animals like groundhogs and squirrels lived under them. For warmth, they would nestle into a straw. Unfortunately, the straw would become slippery, and animals would slip out. This would create the illusion of raining cats or dogs.

CLAY TILES

Nearly every civilization has used clay tiles as roofing materials. Still, the idea’s origins can be traced back as far as 10,000 B.C. clay tiles have been used by nearly every civilization as a roofing material, but the idea can be traced back to 10,000 B.C.

RED FRONT DOORS

Red front doors have been used as a symbol of many things. A red front door was a symbol of welcome in early American culture. When homeowners pay off their mortgages in Scotland, they paint their front doors red. In Biblical times, a red door was a symbol of protection from the Angel Of Death.

LIGHTNING

People believe metal roofs are more susceptible to lightning strikes, but this is not true. Metal conducts electricity but doesn’t draw lightning. Instead, lightning searches for the highest object in an area.

HOUSEWARMING

The literal tradition of a housewarming party dates back to before electricity. People would invite guests to light fires and bring firewood when they built or purchased a home. This was believed to have “christened” the home and ward off evil spirits.

HOME SWEET HOME

Most homeowners stay in their homes for six years or more before they move.

THRESHOLDS

Straw was used to covering slate or stone floors to keep them warm. Homeowners had to figure out a way to keep straw inside the front door. They built a wooden floorboard inside the front doorway to separate the straw from the outside. This was known as a threshold.

EASTER ISLAND

Easter Island’s people have a term, “tingo,” that means slowly taking over all the possessions of others by borrowing them one at a while and never returning them.

If you liked this article, we recommend that you read some more here in our M and M Roofing Corp blog; we are sure you will find something new to learn.