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Slate, up-close.
Slate is known as a metamorphic rock with the finest grain and metamorphic rocks are formed when there is a change in the form of rocks. The process is known as metamorphism.
Slate eventually forms as the layers repetitively form or when the metamorphic rocks foliate. Here, the low-grade mudstone or shale undergoes metamorphosis. The formed material is then widely used in many flooring and roofing projects.
Slate is famous for being a good electrical insulator and in being fireproof. This is why it’s widely used on roofing as it can protect your home from frost damage. It has a water absorption level of just 0.4%. Other uses include blackboards, tabletops, billiard tables, and even commemorative tablets.
Where Slate Comes From
There are two ways to quarry slate. First, from a slate quarry and the other one is a slate mine tunnel. This industry is focused on extraction as well as processing for flooring and roofing.
There are many cities all over the world that has slate mines including Wales, Cornwall, and many cities in Spain. Other places include New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.
Slate was initially quarried in North America in 1734. This was along the borders of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The very first commercialized slate quarry was later opened in Peach Bottom Township, PA two years after. At the moment, slate quarries are actively operating in various regions in NY, VT, and PA.
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Slate Roofing Now
If after the cold winter and wet spring you realize that it’s time to update your roofing, then you might want to look into durable materials for your would-be project. Picking a durable material like slate would mean the success of your roofing project.
Slate is a high-end material that may ask for you to spend more but this is one expense that you definitely won’t regret. Slate can last long this is why it is a preferred roofing material by many homeowners. Any material that stands the rigors of time and different weathers should be on your priority list.
Slate costs anywhere from $15 to $30 for every square inch installed. These amounts cost about five times more than your usual roofing materials. But the slate roof can last for 150 years or even more. Now you see why it costs more.
Slate also comes in various natural colors, sizes, and thickness. It can also be customized according to the pattern that you require. You can even mix different earthy hues of slate.
Here’s something interesting about slate – its color depends hugely where it was quarried. The hues could be anywhere from green to dark gray to purple.
Slate is known to withstand the worst weather conditions. This is why it is preferred by a lot of homes all across the United States especially those that experience a variety of climates.
Slate is also fireproof. The wood decking that is usually installed underneath the slate roofing may not be fireproof but fire is often transferred from one roof to the next so the slate roof is definitely one of the last to go.
Temperature fluctuations do not affect slate so mold and fungus will never be a problem with this kind of roofing material. Just be careful with the maintenance because slate is known for shedding a tile or two from time to time.
Visually inspect your slate roof after a heavy snow. If you see any broken, cracked, missing or loose pieces, then be sure to have those replaced straightaway.
‘Still worried about the cost? Its cost may be one of its biggest disadvantages but the only way it would be wrong to have it in your home is when an amateur installs it. If you want to be ascertained of the 150 years of durability, then have it installed by experts.
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