There are
many reasons as to why slate roofs are one of the most popular choices for
homes around the country. Durable, aesthetic, sustainable and environmentally
friendly are just some of the main features that are part of the appeal of
slate.
Slate, as a
material, has also popularly been used in a variety of different home design
features. From slate tablets for serving, to slate bowls, signs, clocks and
more. It provides both an injection of rustic charm and modern style within a
home, with its chic dark exterior as the perfect complement to many home design
aesthetics.
So, here at
W R Leivers, we have decided to put together a comprehensive guide with
information about the history of slate as a natural material, as well as how
slate roofs are constructed, slate roof maintenance on contemporary and period
properties.
Slate Roofs: Slate 101
Slate is a
fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock that occurs naturally
within the UK and in various different countries around the world. Since the nineteenth century, slate quarrying
has become a major industry in its own right, with one of the main slate
quarries positioned in Wales. Before it became a popular home decor item, slate
has commonly been used as a roofing material, flooring material, gravestone
material, and for electrical insulation.
During the
1870’s, there was what was considered a ‘slate boom’, with slate becoming a key
feature in many period homes.
Slates
popularity originated not only from its stunning dark appearance but also
because it’s so durable. Slate has proven to have extremely low water
absorption, making it waterproof and insulative.
Furthermore,
the natural properties of slate can be maintained- slate requires minimal
processing, making it have the lowest embodied energy of all roofing materials.
Although,
90% of natural slate found on English homes is imported, there is a variety of
naturally occurring slates in the UK that have plenty of charm. It is simply a
more affordable option to import slate. You can also get man-made alternatives,
which are also more affordable. These include slate constructed from a mixture
of reconstituted slate dust and clay. Yet, with this in mind, natural slate has
a variety of properties that makes the man-made alternative pale in comparison.
Such as:
● Life span of over 100 years
● Resistant to a variety of extreme
temperatures and weathering
● Resistant to snow and fire
● Waterproof
● Mineral product - not subjected to
any extra chemical processes
Slate Roof Construction: Different Slate Roof
Designs
So, you have
come to understand as to why slate is so popular; it's versatile, stylish and
very practical, but how are slate roofs constructed and what different slate
roof designs can you get?
First and
foremost, we will detail the different types of slate that you can get in the
UK and how they vary in hue, making them a stunning choice for a range of slate
roof designs.
As
previously mentioned, Welsh Slate is one of the main sources of British slate,
and it is considered to be one of the highest quality worldwide. Other forms of
British slate include:
- Burlington Blue Grey - hues are as
the name suggests, quarried in the Lake District.
- Westmorland Slate - also quarried in the Lake District and
possesses a green tinge.
- Delabole Slate - a dark grey hue,
quarried in Cornwall
- Ballachulish and Easedale Slate - a
classic slate colour, quarried in Scotland.
These
different British slate options are perfect for those who want their home to be
a true reflection of natural British qualities and craftsmanship. Plus, they
are ideal for homes that want to reflect the vernacular stone of the area.
The way that
slate roofs are constructed differ on whether they are being made from natural
or man-made slate. Typically natural slate roof constructions can be more
costly and take more time, butut natural slate does outweigh man-made in its
properties and character. Natural slate tiles are usually laid on top of one
another in a process which is called ‘double-lapping’, yet how much it overlaps
is dependant upon your roof pitch and the area that you live in. This is to
ensure that your roof remains fully waterproof, and can resist the different
climates. For example, your home may be in an area that is more prone to wind.
In contrast,
man-made slate is laid in a single bond to ensure that it has watertight
protection. And, man-made slate is often manufactured to be easier to construct
than natural slate, as it has pre-drilled holes for application. Man-made slate
though may not be able to retain its lustre for as long as natural slate, as
although it practically is resistant to weathering, the appearance is not as
hardy.
The time
that it takes to install a slate roof, also completely depends on whether you
choose man-made or natural slate. Plus, it depends on your roof dimensions.
Slate roofs are only possible on pitched roofs, including gable and pyramid
roofs. Unfortunately, despite the charm and modernity of flat roofs, having a
slate structure is not normally possible.
Slate Roof maintenance: Period Slate Properties
One of the
main benefits of slate is its longevity and that it requires little
maintenance. But what if you live in, or are considering purchasing, a period
property? As previously mentioned, there was a ‘slate boom’ in 1870, which
meant that a large majority of nineteenth-century homes and buildings were
constructed with slate roofs. This means that today, they still exist.
It is most
likely that nineteenth-century homes were constructed with a natural slate that
was either imported or originating from a British quarry, so you should keep
this in mind if you plan on changing the slate. Keeping the slate the same will
not only upsell the value of your home in future, but it will also retain its
natural charm.
If you find
that you need to change your period slate roof or get it repaired, Real Homes
have put together a
guide on how to restore and repair a Victorian roof. This highlights a key
point that it is unlikely that Victorian roofs were insulated, which would have
accumulated damp and resulting in leaks. So, you should definitely bear this in
mind when you are getting your roof redone or repaired, and be sure to add
insulation. Plus, having good insulation can reduce your energy bills by up to
40%.
We also
suggest that if you are getting your period roof redone or repaired that you
preserve many of the original tiles that are not broken; visit reclamation
yards to see if you can source any old slate. This will retain its characterful
appearance.
W R Leivers: Slate Roofers Based Near You
Based in
Nottingham and Derby, our experienced roof contractors can provide a variety of
knowledge about transforming your roof. We think that having a slate roof is
practical, durable and aesthetic. Providing next to no maintenance, it is
definitely a good choice for your home. We offer both traditional and natural
slate options, as well as Eternit slate. Eternit slate is a cost-effective
option with the same visual appeal that slate provides, yet it is more flexible
in its roofing designs.
If you
aren’t swayed to have slate roof, we also offer a variety of tiled roof options
from interlocking to plain. You can find out more about our roof options on our tiling and slating page.
Plus, our roofing company is multifaceted in
that it provides a variety of services including lead work, Velux windows, and
gutter maintenance.
Contact
us today to find out more.
