Trying to find a roofing material that is sturdy yet elegant at the same time? While there is plenty of roofing material that you can get, natural slates are an option that homeowners ought to try. The USP of natural slates lies in the fact that these are majorly impervious to fire and water and thus remain unbroken and undamaged for quite a long period of time. If your geographical location has harsh weather conditions, be it extremely high or low temperature, it is advisable for you to opt for natural slates as your roofing material.
Natural slates as a roofing material
Slate roof tiles are made from natural slates, which are mined and manufactured in three different steps. S1 slate is of the highest quality and is mostly used for architectural and historical buildings. With a lifespan of 75 years, S1 slate has the best performance when it is a matter of water absorption or breaking load. S2 natural slate tiles are of medium grade and can stay intact for about 40-75 years. S3 slate tiles are of the lowest quality and have a lifespan of only 20-40 years.
The manufacturing process of slate roof tiles
Natural slates are excavated from the depths of the earth and then sent to a mill to determine their quality. Compared to other roofing materials that require a hefty manufacturing process, slate roof tiles have a simpler method for production. Unlike certain architectural slates that need to have polished finishes, roof slate tiles do not require that shiny surface. The beauty of manufactured slates lies in the fact that they can be applied in their natural state without any alteration. The manufactured state of these tiles is often seen on fine kitchen sinks that elevate the look of the kitchen.
In order to produce slate roof tiles, there are huge chunks of slates that are cut accordingly to produce blocks. These large blocks are then halved or quartered and finally get cut into eight pieces. These individual pieces are packaged as ‘books’. Every ‘book’ has ‘chips’ or eight singular pieces. Finally, the ‘chips’ are cut into appropriate sizes to serve the purpose of roofing tiles. The chips or tiles can be stacked and stored neatly for future use. The sustainable use and the short manufacturing process make slates quite an eco-friendly roofing material.
Colour choices for slate roofs
Slate roofs come in a wide range of colours, and you can choose according to the theme of your house. While black is one of the most commonly used colours, there are a lot of other options to choose from. Natural slate tiles have a range from black to grey, green to red or even bright purple shades. You are sure to find a suitably coloured tile that would go well with the rest of your house.
Slate roof tiles can be the best choice for your roofing material. Sturdy and elegant, these tiles will not only elevate the look of the roof but also heighten the aesthetic appeal of the entire house. For more information, contact The Slate Roofing Company today for a no obligation quote.
