![]() There are installations that require the use of both weathering and non-weathering slate tiles to get a more blended look when the roof is finished. Some contain more hematite, which produces purple highlights, while chlorite will give the shingle a green hue, and carbon gives the slate its trademark blacks and grays. The different colors in natural slate are present due to the mineral composition of each piece. The rock is taken from the quarry and sent to mills where it is inspected for defects before being manufactured into individual roofing tiles and other products. In the U.S., it is mostly mined from Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virgina. Slate is found in large quantities in India, Brazil, Asia, and the United States. Still expensive, it wasn’t until the 1800s that slate became available to the average homeowner. Eventually, it started being used in America around the 16th century, and the first quarry opened in 1734 on the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Even then, it was expensive for most folks, and was mainly found on castles or military buildings. ![]() The first recorded use of slate as a roofing material on a private home was in approx. For most people, a slate roof will be their first and last roof. Slate is almost impervious to water, extremely durable, and is often called the Rolls Royce of roofing materials, or the lifetime roof. Slate roofing is found on homes of distinction and would be the roof of choice for most people, if finances allowed. Asphalt shingle roofing may be the most popular, but that’s only because it is cheap to purchase and install. When choosing a roofing material, it’s important to know all of the options that are available. The smaller pieces are fashioned by hand or machine into shingles. The larger pieces are used for countertops, blackboards, electric panels and flooring. Usually harvested in large slabs, it is then sawn and quartered along the layers, or cleavage lines, until the desired dimensions are reached. The different stages of compression form the layers in a piece of slate that allows it to be split or sawn into different thicknesses. ![]() Slate develops as fine clay compressed by the weight of the earth, transforming it into shale and finally into slate. Slate roofing shingles are mined from the earth and represent one of the earliest roofing materials used as civilization began to expand across the globe. What Is Slate Roofing (And Why Does It Matter)? Here is an all-encompassing rundown of slate roofing, including an explanation of why slate roofing is important, how to install slate roofing, several beautiful examples of designs, and 5 helpful upkeep suggestions if you’re new to slate roofing. It is fire and insect resistant, eco-friendly, and naturally sourced. If you are an architect, designer, or ready to build your own home, slate should be a consideration when specifying a roofing material. Unlike asphalt shingles, builders have used slate roofing on historic buildings, residential homes, and businesses for centuries because its look is timeless, and slate tile retains its value better than most options. Slate roofing is a premium roofing material that looks beautiful and is one of the most durable materials on the market.
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