Slate Roofing

A natural slate roof is the ultimate in roof covering. It enhances the beauty and the value of your home. These roofs should last between 25 to 80 years depending on the system used and in one instance, namely the “conventional” system, the roof may last up to and beyond 200 years. This depends mainly on the nails used.

There are a variety of slates that can be used! Slates that are quarried above ground and below. These slates are generally “non-porous” and of a sedimentary nature. Slates are sourced from countries all over the world, namely Brazil, China, Spain, Whales, Germany and of course South Africa.

There are various colours to choose from, i.e. brown, blue, silver-blue, green and grey. The most popular is the blue. Slates are cut by hand and are usually 280 x 255 cm in size. They have a rough-hewn side and are laid in a double layer with two layers of a bituminous membrane to prevent water from entering. The longer-lasting system would be slates where the sides are diamond-blade cut and the slates fit smoothly together. Usually galvanized, aluminium or copper nails are used for fastening.

The ultimate slate roof is the “conventional” where we use a triple layer of slates and no bituminous membranes. This roof with annual maintenance the roof will last centuries.