By Lawrence Reaves
Slate has been used as a building material since Roman times (over a thousand years) and unlike many other building materials, particularly roofing materials, it is completely natural and its production has minimal environmental impact. Slate uses no obnoxious or poisonous processes in its manufacture, nor are there problematic waste byproducts to be disposed off during its production. Virtually all of the slate which is extracted is used in building and landscaping and there is almost zero waste which can be disposed off naturally where it is mined.
Slate’s greatest attraction is its strength and durability; these qualities together with the ability to create flat, uniform roofing and flooring tiles, have made it one of the preferred building materials for roofing. In some countries, slate is extremely popular because it is mined there (such as Spain and the UK) whereas in others it is a luxury item because it needs to be imported. Slate is relatively expensive as a roofing material but it is also the longest lasting roofing material currently in use. Slate roofs will last for over one hundred years compared to a typical 20 year asphalt shingle roof, and this makes them one of the cheapest long-term roofing materials available.
Slate is also environmentally friendly from an aesthetic perspective. Being a natural building material, it tends to fit into the environmental location with ease and is not harsh on the eye. Slate comes in a variety of colors depending on where the slate is mined, ranging from dark grey and blue through to sea green and a variety of textures and colors in between. Slate also changes its appearance depending on the sun and whether it is wet, so you can enjoy a changing panoply of color when you use the material. This is one of the reasons why slate tiles are used extensively for cladding and laying paths and patios in gardens.
Depending on the use to which you are putting slate, you must be aware of the differing grades available. Slate is graded accorded to strength and you need to be aware of the different grades available and the appropriate purpose to which they can be put when using slate. The stronger the slate is, the more robust and long-lived will be your finished floor or roof but typically, additional strength is usually accompanied by increased weight so a trade-off is frequently required when you are using it for a roof as the support must be strengthened too. In addition, you must also ensure the slate you source will comply with your local building regulations are complied.
Slate confers numerous advantages such as it is fireproof and simply will not burn and is therefore extremely safe. Slate is waterproof and the only impact water has is to alter the color and appearance of the slate. Slate is virtually maintenance-free and never needs to be painted or treated; slate also needs no chemical treatment to prevent moss or algae growth because slate provides no viable habitat for these pests. In addition, slate is practically unaffected by extremes of heat; no matter whether you have a very cold winter or a very hot summer, slate will remain unaffected and if you experience large temperature swings you will not need to worry.
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