Slate is one of the finest
choices in roofs over fine homes, libraries, churches, government buildings,
and universities. Often sold gauged, its back surface is ground for easy
installation, which contributes to construction efficiency. Setup by slaters, these
tiles are fixed either with hooks, shingles, or nails. In England and Wales,
fixing is typically with double copper nails onto timber battens, while in
areas like Scotland and Northern Ireland, these are nailed directly onto timber
boards. Both these methods provide a long-lasting, weather-tight roof that can
last for a century, which explains why the material garners consistent and
insistent requests from engineers and architects.
The
Rock that Built the Roof
Slate quarried for roofing
is of dense, sound rock that has an extremely low water absorption index, making
it resistant to frost damage. Hence, roofing
contractors in Staten Island often speak of slate roofs that have
lasted a century, in contrast to other types of manufactured roofing that
require frequent repair. Set on mortar and grouted along the edges,
construction companies use chemical sealants to further improve appearance and durability,
increase stain resistance, reduce efflorescence, and moderate surface
smoothness.
Slate naturally has lines of
breakability, which are the cleavage and the grain. Both make it possible to
split the stone into sheets. Slate interestingly retains a natural appearance even
when broken. It remains relatively flat and easy to stack, making the job
easier for construction workers.
Versatility
and Multifunction
Slate tiles are also used
for interior and exterior flooring, walkways, and stairs. Providing a rudimentary,
damp-proof membrane on walls, the small offcuts of slate are also used as shims
to fill unevenness in floors. It is also conveniently used for building hedges,
usually in combination with other kinds of stone. Some manufacturers create
table coasters out of the same material.
Marketability
and Relevance
Celebrated in all its
functional properties, slate tiles and roofs were popular in 19th century United
Kingdom. This is why slate quarrying areas remain relevant to this day, with
many buildings constructed with pure slate. Roofing contractors in Staten Island, NY, offer natural slate roofing in
different colors, sizes, and texture, making possible many architectural effects
that contribute to the beauty of any building. Attentively providing detailed
information and architectural services, they typically source this material
from some two-dozen different quarries so they can offer options that attract
interest from the market.
