How to choose a slate

The use of natural stone in the construction of buildings has a tradition dating back to ancient times. Also, covering buildings with slate was used several thousand years ago. The effectiveness of laying slate on the roof is evidenced by the fact that this method is still used today. In the following text you will find information about what slate is, the price of a roof made using this technique, and what methods of slate installation exist.

Before deciding on a particular stone slate for roofing, find out what kind of material it is. The term shale refers to sedimentary rocks with a characteristic shale texture. Stones break down in layers, and mechanical tools help them to do so, creating slate for the roof. It should be noted that if you are interested in high-quality material, we recommend visiting Proslate using this link.

Subsequently, all individual items are processed and prepared for sale. Due to the relatively light weight of slate compared to other stones, the laying of this material has supplanted almost all other natural stone coverings.

Roof slate is extremely popular mainly in Western and Southern Europe. Spain boasts the largest production, but slate is also commonly used in Germany and France. The cost of obtaining and installing this material is high, so the slate on the roof increases the prestige of the building.

Unfortunately, because of the cost, composite slate imitation is often chosen. True slate is a material that does not use chemicals, plastics or processing processes. Thanks to this, natural slate is considered a completely environmentally friendly product. The price of the roof will not be high, given that this material has been serving for more than a hundred years.

Artificial or real slate?

Due to the difficulty of obtaining, assembling and the associated high price, many buyers pay attention to artificial slate. This material is made of composite materials, which is why it is structurally similar to roofing slate. The price of such material is much lower.

In addition, the weight and greater flexibility of polymer composites make artificial slate a popular choice among investors. Unfortunately, in the case of slate, the imitation will never be as good as the original. It is not possible to obtain such good resistance to changing weather conditions or high temperatures.

Artificial slate also loses its properties faster and does not last so long in good condition. Plus, after use, it becomes a nasty waste.