Over the last couple of years, there has been a remarkable shift in the mindset of the average customer. The battle against environmentally harmful materials has grown more intense and homeowners now look for sustainable alternatives to every component in order to support this movement.
Slate is one of the most popular materials used for a variety of construction implementations including roofing, flooring, and landscaping. Amid this shift towards ethical sourcing, many homeowners wonder if slate is an environmentally sustainable product. Continue reading to find out more about why slate is one of the best roofing materials in terms of its impact on the environment.
What makes slate a great environmentally sustainable building material?
Naturally occurring slate is often considered the best roofing material due to its high availability, fire- and water-resistant properties, and environmentally friendliness, among others. Here are some of the reasons why natural slate is a great ecological roofing material alternative.
- Slate manufacturing process
Slate manufacturing has one of the least environmental impacts out of all other roofing materials. It occurs naturally in layers and is extracted in large blocks that can be readily split into sheets and transported to the quarry.
The manufacturing process requires almost no chemical additives, making the process environmentally sustainable. Recycled water is used as a coolant and exfoliating agent, removing the need for harmful cleaning agents.
- Durability of slate
When it comes to the sustainability of the roofing materials, homeowners must also consider how the material behaves over time and what happens at the end of its service life.
Slate is highly resistant to fire and water, making it one of the most durable roofing materials available in the market. It is also fairly resistant to natural weather extremities and can survive hail up to 4”. If properly maintained, it can easily last over 100 years without losing its aesthetic appeal.
- Reusability
At the end of its service life, slate is 100% recyclable. Usually, slate outlasts the structural foundation of a building and hence, it still has a couple of decades of service life available when it is dismantled. This slate can either be reused in the same building after reinforcing the structure or in heritage and conservation sites across the world for maintenance and repair.
- Other factors
In addition to the primary factors mentioned above, slate also contributes less to environmental pollution during transportation. Most of the slate processing is completed within the quarries without the need for additives, eliminating the need for road transport to the processing plants. International shipments are usually carried out in ships, further reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, it has insulation properties and keeps the electricity bills lower by keeping the temperature of the home fairly consistent.
Several benefits add up to make slate one of the best environmentally friendly construction materials used today. At The Slate Roofing Company, homeowners can find some of the best slate varieties including Canadian, Welsh, Spanish, Composite, etc. Contact us today to know more about our product portfolio whether you are in Sydney, the South Coast of NSW or the Southern Highlands.
