NSW Slate Roofing has been in the business of installing beautiful, durable slate roofs for decades. Our founder, Kinsley Dennings, has been working with slate since he was a teenager. Installed all over the world, slate roofs have a rich history, dating centuries. Slate offers superior durability and longevity compared to any other building material on earth. Industry knowledge and the art of slate roofing is typically passed down from father to son. Today, we’ll discuss a brief history of slate and why this roofing material is one of the most iconic in the world.
What is slate? A Brief History Of Slate
Slate is a fine-grained, homogeneous metamorphic rock that comes from shale-type sedimentary rock. Natural Slate sedimentary rock consists of clay and volcanic ash. Naturally produced by low-grade regional metamorphism. An entirely natural product, used for centuries. Today, homeowners can enjoy natural slate tiles as well as composite slate tiles for their floor or roof.
When and where was slate first quarried?
Slate quarrying began in the UK and North Wales hundreds of years ago. But with the influx of UK and Welsh immigrants into Australia in the latter half of the 19th century, slate roofs became a central feature in Australian building construction.
How is slate used in buildings?
Slate can be used as a roofing material or as floor tiling. It is incredibly durable, lasts for centuries, and is a beautiful material that comes in a variety of colours and textures.
Slate has two lines of breakability called cleavage and grain. It is, therefore, possible to split the stone into thin sheets, making tiles. Even when broken into tiles, slate maintains its natural appearance and structural integrity. When it is cut, the slate can be stacked and easily transported.
In the 19th century, slate was incredibly popular in UK building construction. Not only can you use slate for roofs, but an entire building can also be clad with slate. Slate buildings are an iconic feature of the Bethesda area in Wales. Also Slate offcuts are fashioned into shims and used to level floor joists, too.
How is slate used in Australia today?
Slate is an incredibly popular and sought-after roofing material in Australia. Because Australia derives much of its heritage from the UK and Wales, the craft of slate roofing installation is alive and well here.
Property owners enjoy the variety, durability, and longevity of slate roofing tiles. Natural Slate is available in shades of grey, greens, reds, and purples. The colour of the slate is determined by the quantities of iron or organic material present, within the rock.
Natural Slate can be quarried and cut into different sizes and textures too. Homeowners can choose from many different slate tiles that will fit any architectural style.
Best of all, slate will last for more than 100 years. It requires very little maintenance and is an excellent investment in the property. While popular roofing materials, such as asphalt shingle, are tough on the environment, slate is a green material.
Today, you can purchase and install Welsh, Canadian, Spanish, and composite slate tiles.
Natural Slate Roofing
Welsh slate comes from the 12th-century quarry in Bethesda, Wales. This Slate is renowned for its “heather blue” (purple) appearance. Moreover Welsh slate offers superior durability, colouration, and energy efficiency.
Spanish slate is from a quarry in the Cabrera mountains of Spain. Many slates will fade in colour, but Spanish slate maintains its blue-grey appearance for decades. Hence Spanish slate was used on Buckingham Palace and the British Museum.
Also known as Glendyne slate, this stone is famous for its fine, smooth texture. Canadian slate comes from a 500 million-year-old slate deposit near Quebec. Glendyne slate comes in blue tones that offer a distinct, polished look to the roof.
Artificial Slate Roofing
Natural slate is a heavy material, but due to its labour intensive content, it can be cost-prohibitive for many homeowners. Composite slate, a synthetic material, offers the look of a natural slate roof without the associated costs. Composite slate looks polished and is a low-maintenance material.
Completing many projects on a variety of homes and commercial buildings all over NSW. With decades of experience in the craft of slate repair and installation, we’re here to help. NSW Slate Roofing are happy install a quality slate roof that will last a lifetime, for our customers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your roof.