NEW SLATE ROOFING AND SLATE ROOF REPLACEMENT MELBOURNE
Slate Roofing is an Art
With over 30 years in slate roofing our team has seen it all. We provide predictable pricing and services, no surprises. You can rely on Classic Slate Roofing to provide a perfect slate roof everytime.
SO YOU WANT A NEW SLATE ROOF
History
Slate Roofing is one of the oldest roofing methods in the world. The first discovered slated roof in England dates back up to 1300 AD. Because of the tedious procurement and installation process, it was considered an expensive material only used for castles and military structures. During the 1800s, Spain developed a quarrying technology that made it possible for the commoners to have their roofs built with slate. The United States’ slate boom only began during the 2nd half of the 19th century from the state of Vermont because of its numerous quarries. Vermont still remains, up to this day, one of the major producers of slate in the US. For Australia, slate roofing flourished during the influx of UK and Welsh immigrants into the country during the 19th century. Up to this date, it remains a mainstay in the Australian construction industry.
What is Slate?
Slate is a natural metamorphic rock formed by intense heat and pressure. It has very fine grains that make it void of visible layers. Even without visible layers, slate is easily separated into slates or plates and can be used widely across several industries. Quartz, chlorite, and illite are the minerals that make up almost 95% of slate. It is accompanied also by carbonate minerals, iron oxides, and iron sulfides. Natural slate appears in a range of colors from blue, brown, green, tan, purple, blue, red, and more. Because of its inherent physical and mechanical properties, Slate is primarily used in architectural structures, most specifically, for tiling and roofing.
Slate Roofing
Slate Roofing is a roofing system that uses slate slabs and tiles to build sturdy, beautiful, and lasting roofs. Slate tiles are arranged in an overlapping manner and are tightly secured to an underlayer on a sloped roof. It is one of the most durable, weather resistant, and natural roofing systems available in the market.
Properties of Slate Roofing
Fire resistant
Slate in itself is fireproof. This means that slate can withstand extremely high temperatures without breakage and damage. Being fire resistant, it adds another layer of protection for the structures and its dwellers.
Water resistant
The water absorption index of slate only measures up to less than 0.4%, which is very low compared to other roofing materials. The water absorption index measures the amount of water a material can absorb from its environment. The lower the absorption index, the higher its resistance is to moisture, frost damage, and deterioration from extreme cold temperatures.
Non- corrosive
Because Slate’s composition is primarily non-ferrous, slate tiles are automatically non-corrosive or resistant to the formation of rust. This extends the roof’s lifespan substantially while eliminating any related maintenance costs.
High weatherability
Slate offers a level of durability like no other. It can withstand all kinds of weather, from typhoons, heat waves, snow storms, and even hail. In addition to this, mold and fungus do not form on its surface, making it the perfect choice of roofing material. This is the primary reason why slate roofing is perfect for Australian weather and climate.
Fade Resistant
Slate appears in different hues and colors and requires no additional layers of paint. Its natural color does not diminish or lighten and does not stain even under harsh weather and environmental conditions. Your roof’s rustic and classy look will remain timeless and constant even across generations.
Hard
Slate is considered a hard rock. Thick slabs of slate do not break or chip easily when great force is applied. Although not as hard as granite, the hardness of slate on the Moh’s scale ranks at 5.5, which is enough to scratch steel and glass.
Rustic and Classic Style
Slate roofs exude a unique elegance and class. Stale tiles come in a variety of shades of blue, green, grey, red, brown, etc. and it is also available in different grains and textures. You can choose the right colors and textures to match all your design and styling needs.
Is Slate Roofing sustainable?
Slate is a naturally formed and procured material. Its production does not require the use of great amounts of energy, which decreases its carbon footprint. Even after decades or a century, slate can be 100% recycled without the loss of its physical and mechanical properties. This makes it the perfect candidate for those who choose sustainable and green building.
How is a Slate Roof Cost Effective?
The cost effectiveness of using slate for your roof is unbeatable. Although the initial costs may be higher than other roofing materials, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs in the long run. The average cost of slate roof installations range from $11,000 to $30,000, depending on the size, slope, and pitch of your home or structure’s roof. Despite this seemingly high price, the maintenance cost of slate is almost zero. It does not stain, form molds, or corrode, therefore avoiding any special upkeep to maintain its beauty. And because it is a good insulator, having slate roofs can aid in the reduction of energy usage and expenses.
How long does slate last?
Slate has earned the name “Hundred year roof” because of its durability. Its properties enable slate roofs to last a very long time. Its longevity means less frequency of replacements and repairs. On an average, slate roofs can last from 75 to 200 years at best.
Is slate more expensive than tile?
Slate costs more than tiles. The material itself is pricey while its installation, even more. Installation costs are higher because the work can only be done by qualified roofers and the work itself is very labor intensive. The initial costs or investment may be large but its durability, functionality, resistance, and style is definitely worth the price.
Slate Roof Installation
Slate roof installation requires the expertise and coordination of structural engineers and highly qualified contractors. Due to the weight of slate tiles, Structural engineers are crucial to make sure that the house is able to hold the weight of the stale tiles. On the other hand, the roofing contractors ensure that these tiles are installed and flashed properly. Proper installation is very important to the roof’s lifespan and of course, the safety of the people who reside in the structure.
Builders and industry veterans prefer to use slate for their roof applications. Its renowned properties make it a top-choice despite higher initial costs. If you are looking to build an attractive roof that will last for centuries, slate will not disappoint.
Our team of highly qualified and experienced roofers and builders, backed up by a top-tier customer service, will be happy to assist you in choosing the best slate to fit your budget, aesthetic, and functional needs.
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