Roofing slate, an enduring roofing material, is largely known for its natural beauty and durability. It undergoes a meticulous production process that is blended with the art of skilled craftsmanship, geological forces, and modern technology. This has been used for several centuries to safeguard buildings from the elements, and it continues to honour innovation and tradition.
Here are steps of producing a roofing slate:
- Sourcing raw material:
The journey of roofing starts deep in the crust of the earth, where sedimentary rocks transform through heat and pressure over several years. The geological procedures create the foliated structure. Moreover, quarries worldwide extract massive blocks of slate from the earth. These are strategically located near areas that boast a rich geological history of slate formations.
- Primary sawing:
One of Glendyne’s distinctive production processes begins with the marking of the stone by a skilled professional. The marker’s job throughout this tracing procedure is to thoroughly inspect the slate block and determine what size will be generated. The stone is marked for the saw operators by a line.
- Extraction:
The process of extraction starts with the removal of overburden such as soil, vegetation, and loose rock covering the slate deposit. It uses heavy machinery to clear the area and expose the slate bed. Once it has been exposed, workers make use of explosives and diamond wire saws to extract and cut large blocks from quarry walls.
- Rounding:
The slates are then cut to the desired form and size once they have been separated. Most North American slates are then punched. To create a countersink nail hole, the slate is punched from the rear. Based on a 3″ headlap and the length of the slate, the nail hole position will change.
- Splitting and trimming:
The extracted blocks are transported to a facility, where they undergo further refinement. Skilled craftsmen analyse the quality of each block while determining ways to split it into individual roofing slates. The traditional methods use hammers and chisels to split the slate. There are modern techniques available as well, which include hydraulic splitters and saws. The split slates are trimmed to the desired sizes, which depend on the design requirements.
- Shaping and punching:
Slate tiles undergo several shaping processes. Specialised tools might be used to create pointed edges that enhance the look. In addition to this, holes or slots for nails are well punched into the slate with the help of pneumatic tools, which ensures effective installation.
- Sorting:
A sorter will examine the thickness and quality about the numerous markets across the world that Glendyne sells to. Firsts, or number one slates, are of the highest calibre, and each piece has a constant thickness. Rustic or medium texture is the designation for everything that doesn’t pass this assessment. The surface texture, planarity, and nominal thickness of medium-textured slates vary from their intended nominal 14″ thickness, meeting the criteria for an ASTM S-1-rated slate and adding greater definition to the roof’s look. Slates with a medium texture are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Surface finishing:
The surface of roofing slate might impact its appearance and performance. Slates were usually split into two distinct categories, such as clean or heather. Heather slates tend to retain a robust natural surface. On the other hand, clean slates are often honed to a much smoother finish. Today, several finishing techniques exist, including honed, natural cleft, etc. These do not only add volume but also largely influence the ability to shed water and resist weathering.
Conclusion
The production of roofing slate harmonises natural geological processes with the help of technological advancements and skilled craftsmanship. To get a quote for your residential or commercial slate roof, please contact our friendly team today.
