Sod roofs are a tradition in the Faroe Islands. Traditionally the roof is covered with sod on top of several layers of birch bark over gently sloping wooden roof boards. However, modern turf roofs often use a type of commercial roofing felt underneath the sod. Until the late 19th century these were the most common roofs on rural log houses in large parts of Scandinavia. The weight of a sod roof is an advantage because it helps to compress the logs and make the walls more water-proof. Sod is also a reasonably efficient insulator in a cold climate. Typically, a sod roof will last about 10 or more years before it has to be replaced. Some residents actually mow their roofs to keep them looking good. The building here with the pink trim is the home and workshop of wood-carver Ole Jakob Nielsen of Leynar.