Slating Information & FAQ's

Slate Products

This fine grained stone formed from shale, sedimentary rocks and clay formed over millions of years, is as popular today as it was in a bygone era of the industrial revolution, when the first large scale mining started. Since then slate has been mined in every corner of the globe, producing colours and textures that can appeal to the traditionalist and the modernist alike.



How are Slates fixed?
Generally, all slates are fixed using two copper nails although in the case of fibre cement slates the tail of the slate is also restrained using a copper disc rivet.



How long can I expect your tiles and slates to last on my roof?
30 years for fibre cement products, and between 30 - 75 years for our range of natural slates.



What factors should be taken into account when selecting tiles and slates for my roof?
The ability of a slate to perform saisfactorily will depend on the design details, roof pitch, laps, gaps as laid and geometry of the product in relation to the roof. Also the weight, design, orientation, location, geometry, and micro-climate affecting the roof is important.



Can your slates be laid below the minimum pitch?
There are design situations where it is difficult to avoid using a roofing product below the recommended roof pitch, such as a lean-to roof where roof pitch is governed by first floor window heights. In such situations it is recommended that a functional underlay sub-roof system is incorporated to remove any rainwater ingress safely to the eaves gutter.



I am a DIY roofer undertaking my own roofing project, do you have general guidance on tiling and slating?
Slate has many advantages: The outstanding insulation from heat and cold. Resistance to acid and pollutants. A fireproof building material. An impermeable barrier to water. A highly slip resistant material. Long life and durability. Resistance to chipping, cracking and abrasion. A long life and fireproof roofing material. High strength material. The warmth and elegance of a natural stone. Many different colors including greens, grays, reds, multicolor and so on.