Clearview National July 2019 - Issue 212 | Page 69
ROOFTECHNOLOGY
Why choose
natural slate?
Natural slate is a product that can vary
in quality and choosing the best product
isn’t always an easy option. Here Andrea
Ramirez, Product Manager – Pitched
Roofing, for SIG Roofing discusses the
history behind the foundation of natural
slate for roofing and why it could be
perfect for your next project…
» » DURING THE
Industrial Revolution, the use of
roofing slate soared. Landowners
began to take control of slate
quarries, which previously were
small-scale operations, and slate
became mass-produced.
A new building trade
developed, and craftsmen
emerged to fix this adaptable form
of covering that was relatively
easy to split, mine and easy to
stack. Over time, it became clear
that natural slate could provide
buildings with protection from
all the elements – particularly
frost and rain due to its low water
absorption – and that it required
little or no maintenance.
The biggest advantage of
installing a natural slate roof is the
aesthetic the roof provides and
the durability of the product as
most coverings have a lifespan of
30-60 years. Natural Slate is made
100% by the forces of mother
nature and is suitable for a range
of aesthetic finishes ranging from
traditional to contemporary.
Natural slates are also extremely
durable and most of the time can
outlast the building that they
are installed on. In some rare
cases where the material has been
installed and maintained properly,
it is not unheard of for a slate
roof to last for up to 150 years or
more.
Installing natural slate requires
more skill than most other kinds
of roof covering. Roofers who
are well versed in both British
Standard 5534 and BS 8000
Part 6 will have the right level
of experience to install a natural
slate roof. Slate can only be
installed onto a pitched roof, the
minimum recommended pitch
for natural slate is 25°, although
this can be lowered down to 20°
with specialist products and can
also be dependent on the slate
size. There are, however other
products, methods of fixing
and combination of slate sizes
available, which may help achieve
a lower pitch if needed. We
recommend roofers to consult
with technical slate specialists
about low pitch roofing projects
as guidance is applicable on
a project by project basis.
Depending on the complexity
of the structure, installation of
roofing slates can take anywhere
from one week up to a few weeks
or even longer.
One of the key benefits of
purchasing natural slate for
roofing is that they are fireproof
as well as being environmentally
friendly. Natural slate does not
produce or give off volatile
organic compounds (VOC’s)
or any other type of pollution.
However, care must be taken
by roofers to use suitable PPE
equipment such as gloves and
masks when cutting slate on site
to avoid harm. Once natural
slates have been used upon a roof
surface they can also be recycled
if they outlast the building they
are installed on.
Another great reason to use
natural slate coverings is that
they can provide insulation to
the building below, which over a
period of time can lower energy
costs.
At SIG Roofing we offer
a select range of natural slate
roof coverings through our
SIGA collection. SIGA slate
is renowned for its quality,
reliability and integrity. We
have our own dedicated team
and operations in the quarrying
region of Spain, one of only
a few suppliers to have this
direct investment. By providing
information about where the slate
comes from, how to work with it,
and clearly identifying different
ranges through colour coding,
along with notifications on any
changes in legislation, there
is always clarity and guidance
for roofers and contractors.
Furthermore, SIGA warranties
range between 30-75 years and
are fully backed by SIG PLC, a
FTSE 250 organisation, offering
security and peace of mind.
Looking back at the origin
of natural slate it serves to
remind us why this iconic and
aspirational material continues
to be revered amongst roofers.
As well as its outstanding
performance, beauty and
intrinsic design qualities, we are
confident that natural slate will
remain at the forefront of roofing
products.
For more information about
SIG Roofing, please visit
www.sigroofing.co.uk or follow
@sigroofing on twitter.
C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » J U L 2019 » 69