YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio– This glass roofing tile was patented by the Patent Glass Roofing Co. in 1881. The tiles were advertised for use on barns as a quick way to dry hay.
One man in Hillsville, Pennsylvania purchased a glass roof for his barn featuring multicolored tiles in 1882. However, this decision would turn out to be disastrous. In the fall of 1882 there would be a heavy frost followed by a very warm day which caused the tiles to break. The roof was then replaced with slate.
The Patent Glass Roofing Co. was in business from 1882 to 1886.