What the slate is made of

Ever wonder why slate is such a common material for roofing? Natural stone slate is a metamorphic rock that was created at great heat and pressure in the earth’s interior. It is ideally suited for roofing applications due to its distinct composition and qualities.

Slate is primarily made of clay and volcanic ash, and it stands out for its fine grain structure and remarkable durability. Slate’s distinctive color variations, which range from deep blues and greens to greys and purples, are the result of the combination of minerals and sedimentary layers over millions of years.

Slate stands out from other roofing materials due to its exceptional durability and longevity. It is well known for its resistance to the weather, which includes wind, rain, and even fire. Because of its longevity, slate is a great choice for homeowners wishing to invest in a lifetime roof.

Slate is not only incredibly durable but also has a classic aesthetic appeal that makes any home look better from the outside. Its exquisite texture and inherent beauty combine to create a unique appearance that goes well with both contemporary and traditional building designs.

A little story

When translating the German word "slate," it will sound similar to "slate." In fact, the original form of this roofing material was fashioned from this very kind of rock. Historical sources (some of which claim that the material was used during the time of the Roman Empire) indicate that it was in use even during the Middle Ages. The truth is that slate breaks easily into thin plastics (up to 4-6 mm thick), which could be used to cover house roofs after specific processing.

An image of shale roof tiles

Such slate was long-lasting, did not burn, and was not sensitive to temperature changes or moisture. It also offered good sound insulation. However, he also had some disadvantages. The material was heavy and relatively brittle, so the roof frame needed to be sturdy and able to support heavy loads.

Shifer’s rooftop

This was the most widely used material for roof decoration for many centuries. With time, slate underwent modernization and took on its typical form, consisting of sheets of wavy gray color created by a cement and asbestos mixture. Subsequently, items made of plastic and metal emerged, but they were all shaped like big, wavy sheets.

The tale of a contemporary slate

Speaking of which, The increased demand for material—which, regrettably, was simply insufficient to meet market demands because of an increased rate of construction—forced the natural slate to be updated and modified. New technologies for the production of slate emerged as a result of the craftsmen’s need to find a solution to this issue.

Slate covering the home’s roof

It first made its debut in the asbestos cement market. In addition to Portland cement, it included 10–12% asbesta fibers, which served as reinforcing material. Slate started to be covered with unique compounds based on silicates or phosphates to increase its resistance to water and frost. This also decreased the amount of asbestos that was harmful to human health and was released into the atmosphere. This kind of slate was inexpensive, had good insulation, wasn’t combustible, but it was still a fairly brittle material.

Wave slate brands made of asbestos cement

With time, the public’s guilt about asbestos’s harmful effects on health spread, and asbestos-cement slate usage decreased. This substance is the reason why working in slate manufacturing factories was regarded as somewhat dangerous. Manufacturers could only lower risk factors by substituting mineral or synthetic fibers for asbestos; this is how Fibrim-cement slate looked.

Speaking of which, The asbestos-cement slate’s drawbacks also included its heavy weight and surface porosity, which allowed dirt to quickly accumulate and moss and mold to grow.

The image illustrates the fuel’s range by moss.

Shifer staining is an operation that can be done following installation.

Slate is a material of choice for roofing because of its inherent beauty and toughness. Fine-grained metamorphic rock, which formed from sedimentary rock under intense pressure and heat over millions of years, makes up the majority of slate. This process yields a material that is incredibly strong and weather-resistant in addition to being aesthetically beautiful with its distinct colors and textures. Recognizing the geological origins of slate and how its composition adds to its status as a premium roofing material renowned for longevity and elegance are important parts of understanding what slate is made of."

Types of slate

Slate now refers to a variety of roofing materials that are all connected by a wavy shape. The most popular varieties are the metal, euro-shifer, and asbestos slate varieties. Come on, let’s learn more about them.

Speaking of which, Slate comes in corrugated board, ondulin, and pormoplast varieties, if desired.

Chrysotile-cement slate color

Asbestos -cement slate

Slates of this kind are found on homes constructed in the USSR. Though it lost out to more convenient and safe materials, he was always regarded as one of the least expensive, albeit dangerous, materials and is still frequently used in house construction. As previously noted, asbestos is a naturally occurring material that contributes to the slate’s relatively high roofing strength. Even if an adult were to walk along such a slate, it would not break.

Every raw material is formed and compressed. This material, whether it is flat or wavy, can be simple, complex, or cohesive.

Speaking of which, The amount, size, and storage of the final product of asbestos, along with its mineral makeup, all have a major impact on the slate’s quality.

Speaker dimensions in a table.

Type (number of waves) Thickness, mm Width, see Length, see
5 waves 5.8 98 175
6 waves 6; 7.5 112.5 175
7 waves 5.2; 5.8 98 175
8 waves 5.2; 5.8 113 175

The measurements of the wave slate’s sheets

Sizes of speaker sheet profiles

Roofing screws or nails are used to secure the material to the roof frame. Added corrosion protection will be needed in all exposed areas. On the overhanging oververse brackets, it is also crucial. Since there is no give in slate, it is difficult to join individual sheets; therefore, the joints need to be carefully sealed. Sealants or mounting foam can be used for slot sealing.

The process of production of slate from asbestos cement

The stages listed below represent the technological cycle. First, a pulp is made from cement, fiberglass, cellulose fillers, water, and chrysolite-Assbest. pressed raw ingredients in dedicated mixers. After a portion of the liquid is removed, a specific quantity of raw materials needed to make one sheet are taken out of them and given a specific form.

The method by which slate is produced

Subsequently, pressure is applied to the future product, causing the residual liquid to evaporate (though it can still be utilized during production). Next, the product is sized in accordance with GOST 30340-2012. Cutting is forwarded to a second processing step. After that, the completed slate is delivered to the warehouse, where it strengthens even more while being stored.

GOST 30340-2012. The wavy chrysotile cement sheets. Details. Downloadable file (open the PDF file in a new window by clicking the link). GOST 30340-2012

Slantsy slate

No, despite appearances, the slate made from natural shale did not disappear. It is still made, but because of the difficulty in producing the material, it is highly costly. These days, slates like these are regarded as elite, and the coating appears truly korolish because of its saturated shine.

These sheets have an average thickness of 5 mm, and the products can have any shape, including square, triangle, trapezoidal, and so on. D. Large coatings with a weight of about 28–35 kg per m². However, they are able to close any kind of intricate roof. The roof appears unique because it is covered in multicolored shale tiles that resemble a mosaic.

Prices for various types of slate

Slate

Shipye made of metal

This option is frequently used to decorate the roofs of both commercial and residential buildings. In this instance, the slate is composed of a thin sheet of galvanized steel that has been coated in protective polymer materials. This is a typical professionalist, in general.

Galvanized metal slate

About the turn of the 19th century, metal slates were first used. The material’s corrugation makes it incredibly strong and resilient. This is generally one of the strongest varieties of slate that is currently offered for sale. The primary disadvantages are a low degree of sound insulation, which necessitates the installation of soundproofing materials, and a high thermal conductivity, which causes the roof to heat up quickly during hot weather.

Roof with metal hairs

Euro -shifer

His name comes from the fact that the material originated in Europe. Engineers in Europe were able to substitute different kinds of reinforcing materials for asbestos fiber. They started utilizing bitumen, fiberglass, cellulose, bitumen, jute, and t. D. On the outside, though, this slate looks a lot like its asbestos-cement ancestor. Efroshifer is now commonly referred to as a relatively soft, yet resilient material that can flex.

The European shifter’s roof

  • light weight;
  • cheapness;
  • environmental friendliness and health safety;
  • strength;
  • high rates of heat and sound insulation;
  • A wide variety of color variations;
  • the possibility of laying on curved surfaces with a radius of more than 5 m.

It is sufficient to lay a Euro-shifter without creating a continuous crate. The most important thing is that her step matches the roof’s inclination.

One of the varieties is ondulin.

Ondulin – also slate

This material, which belongs exactly to the Efroshifer category, is created by impregnating bitumen with pulp fiber and adding resins and pigments. The material itself is strong enough to withstand a significant snow and wind load, and the terms of his service can easily exceed 50 years. This strength was achieved through multi-layer coating (the ondulin may contain up to 14 layers of pulp thread). The coating is unafraid of biological and chemical substances and their effects.

Speaking of which, Previously, Ondulin was mostly utilized for roofing repairs and lost its ability to function as a standalone roofing material.

The Ondulin rooftop

The steps involved in installing Ondulin

Prices for Euro -shifer

Euro -shifer

Polymer slate

Moreover, sheets composed of polycarbonate or acrylic can also be linked to the slate. Extrusion is the process used to make them; raw materials are forced through a unique hole to form this particular sheet. The degree of transparency can vary based on the makeup of the underlying materials. It turns out to be an interesting material that is fairly elastic and capable of changing shape when heated. Nevertheless, he is also capable of withstanding extremely heavy loads. This type of slate works well for building solarium and pool awnings.

Transparent is wave polycarbonate.

Video – truth and myths about working with the material

Slate is a naturally occurring stone that is formed from shale under extreme heat and pressure. It has been valued for centuries for its aesthetic appeal and longevity in roofing. Slate is mostly made of clay and volcanic ash, and depending on where it came from and what minerals are in it, it can have different properties.

Slate’s exceptional durability is one of its primary characteristics. When installed correctly, slate roofs can last over a century and often outlast other roofing materials because of their dense structure and resistance to water absorption. Slate is a sustainable material because of its longevity, which lowers the frequency of roof replacements and their related environmental impact.

Slate’s natural colors and textures add to its appeal in addition to its durability. With slate’s variety of colors ranging from rich grays to vivid greens and purples, homeowners can improve the curb appeal of their homes. Both modern construction and historic preservation favor it because of its smooth, flat surface and natural sheen, which lend elegance to any architectural style.

Video on the topic

How they make slate! Excursion to the “Wave” plant Shaiter Andrey.

Business idea in the garage Production of slate

Than the slate is harmful?

What is the slate made of? Chrysotil | Slate.Blog

Shifer production

Slavifa Belgorod. Production.

How they make slate? | Slate.Blog

Ideal material for construction from home to beds | Slate and his forgotten pluses. LCD self -hand

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Gleb Zuev

Exterior designer, author of books about roofing materials. I will help you make your roof not only reliable, but also beautiful.

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