Have you ever found yourself wondering just how slate makes its way from a quarry to your home? There are actually five distinct steps that are taken during the process, and each of them is vital to ensuring that you end up with a robust material to adorn your roof, house or garden.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each of the steps taken to prepare slate for your home, whilst also delving deeper into the background of slate as a material.
Before we get into the five steps taken to get slate from the quarry to your home, we thought we would give you some background on the material.
A metamorphic rock, slate is derived from the process of metamorphism from clay or volcanic ash. It is the finest grained form of metamorphic rock. Although the majority of slate in Europe comes from Spain, there are actually many UK quarries, with Wales and Cumbria forming the main source of the material on our shores.
Slate is not only perfect for use in roofing tiles, it’s also an ideal material for flooring too. This is mainly down to its characteristics as a naturally slip-resistant floor, making it ideal for wet areas of the home such as the bathroom or outdoor areas.
Firstly, the slate needs to be extracted from the quarry. This involves finding a vein of stone suitable for a particular use before harvesting the slate.
Once the quarry is discovered by a team of experts, they strategically extract the slate by using a variety of methods. This could be by blasting, wire cutting or circular saw cutting the material. Slate must be quarried with precision, as the extraction process can affect the integrity and yield of the slate. The blocks that are extracted on site are left in the largest possible size for transportation; this is done in order to prevent material loss during transport. After evaluating the stone, experts will then cut the slate into more manageable pieces before moving onto the next step.
Radial saws will cut the slate into appropriate shapes and sizes in two stages. First to the correct width and then to the desired length.
The blades used to cut the slate are diamond tipped for precision. Diamond is the hardest material known to man, meaning there’s little on the planet that it is not capable of cutting. It’s fair to say that each of these blades is extremely costly but essential to producing accurately cut pieces of slate for sale.
Splitting is considered to be one of the most specialised skills within slate production. Each piece which was cut during the last stage is split by hand from the blocks created. The expert will split the block into separate pieces, halving the thickness until they reach the final product. Due to the delicacy of the material and this process, a lot of the slate is damaged, with 85% of the slate being unusable or spoiled.
Once the slate is split, the rives (the split slate with sawn edges) will go for dressing.
This step is also where any other aesthetic details will be carried out, such as shaping into Schuppen slates for more decorative laying.
Roofing slates are often pre-holed at the quarry for the slater’s convenience. They are usually drilled in small groups or even one by one. All slate should be holed from the bed of the material (the underside) using a punch or boring method. This is a particularly delicate stage of the process, and if care is not taken then damage can be caused to the slate.
Occasionally you will find a slate un-holed, or with just one hole in the material; this can happen when a group of slates are particularly thick, and the drill piece is not long enough to reach the entire way through the pile.
The final stage before your slate is ready for shipping is packing, which sees every pallet from the factory being packed by hand in order to ensure minimal breakages or damage to the product. The slates are packed tightly on end so that the slate doesn’t move and shatter during transportation. Slate can break relatively easily, so it’s absolutely essential that care is taken during the packing stage, as any issues can cause the product to break. During this process, the wooden crates that are used to transport the slate are also treated with heat, and formally Methyl Bromide up until 2010, to kill any insects or parasites in the wood to prevent the spread of diseases and introduction of foreign species.
UK Slate stock a range of roofing slates which are sourced from only the finest quarries around the world. From our years of experience, we know that our slates exceed the expectations. If you would like to know any more information about our superb slate, simply get in touch with us today. You can call us directly on 01539 559289 or email our team on info@slate.uk.com and we will be more than happy to assist you further.
The roof is one of the most crucial and yet vulnerable parts of the home. It may not be something you think about very often or pay much attention to, but a well maintained, looked after roof is crucial to having a leak-free home. Here in the UK with our torrential weather for most of the year, no UK household can afford to skimp on quality roof maintenance and repair.
A good roof shouldn’t cause problems and should last for a very long time, but it’s paramount that you stay vigilant for any signs of problems. The sooner you can get a roof problem sorted, the less damage it will cause. Here are some of the ways your roof could be letting you know there’s a problem.
Water damage can often be mistaken for damp, but make no mistake, if you’re getting ceiling stains the cause is likely a leaky roof. Even the smallest watermarks could mean that water is seeping in from your roof, usually due to a hole or crack.
Water can do some real damage to your roof; even a tiny leak could lead to big problems such as mould, rotting, damaged ceilings and even roofing collapses. If you spy any water damage in your home and you suspect the roof to be the cause, getting it sorted as soon as possible will help prevent more catastrophic damage.
Aside from the mould that water damage can cause inside the home, mould and moss on the roof’s exterior can cause big problems. Roof tiles can be forced apart by moss, creating a gap that allows rainwater to seep in, which in turn will lead to water damage. Whole slates can also be broken apart as a result of freeze-fore weathering during winter as moisture can penetrate the slate via plant root systems before freezing. If you allow mould and moss to fester, it’ll create more problems down the line. Nip it in the bud early; you can use a chemical treatment to take care of moss, or if you’re planning a roof replacement, consider materials that are algae resistant.
When you check your roof for damage, examine whether you have any loose or damaged, or even missing, roof tiles. These are typically a result of wind damage, but fortunately they can usually be easily replaced with a Hall Hook Slate Repair Fixing. This is best done quickly, as missing roof tiles expose the house to defects that can lead to massive deterioration of the entire roof.
However, if most of your roof tiles are looking worn and worse for wear, why not consider an entire roof replacement? At UK Slate, we can provide you with high-quality sourced roofing slate from the finest quarries around the globe.
If the water damage hasn’t made it down yet into the central part of the house, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a problem. The attic should be the first place you check, as any leaks in the attic such as circular stains on the walls can be a sign that water is getting in. Attic leaks are often caused by missing tiles, broken seals or even condensation build up. Make sure you address these problems as soon as you notice them. It’s worth doing an annual roof check which includes going into the attic and inspecting the walls for any moisture. A good quality breathable membrane should always be used under slates to allow damp air to ventilate through the roof before costly damage is caused.
While gutters are known to catch leaves, twigs and other kinds of nature’s debris that often needs to be cleaned away, clogged gutters could also be a sign of a deteriorating roof. If you notice sand, sludge-like granules or even rust in the gutters, it could be a sign that your roof covering is deteriorating. A few loose granules are normal as your roof naturally ages, but if there is an increase in this residue, it could be a sign that the tiles are deteriorating faster than they should.
Perhaps the most significant warning sign of a severe problem, a droopy roof is an indication of a structural integrity problem with the house. The sagging could be caused by frequent exposure to moisture, faulty roofing materials during building, improper installation or in locations that experience frequent bouts of snow and ice. If your roof appears to be sagging, have this look at by a professional immediately, or it could lead to a roof collapse.
Perhaps not something you may have considered, but if you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills, it could be because you’ve had to start cranking the heating up higher than usual to keep warm. A roof can seriously contribute to maintaining a toasty temperature with its insulation properties. So a colder home could be the result of a faulty roof or ventilation problems causing the temperature to drop.
At UK Slate, we can provide you with a fantastic range of slate roof tiles to give your roof a brand-new lease on life. Contact us today for more information.
When installing a roof, the wide variety of materials to choose from can be overwhelming. Knowing which kind of tiles are best to invest in for a beautiful and durable roof is essential. Slate roofing tiles are one of the most high-quality and long-lasting roofing tiles around, yet durability is just one of the many benefits a slate roof may bring to your project. Here’s a look at some of the reasons slate makes a great choice for roofing tiles:
When properly maintained, slate roofs can last for decades, even centuries. Naturally strong, and absorbing little water, slate roofs are less susceptible to leaking and frost damage than other, less durable materials.
Here at UK Slate, we supply only those slates which attain the A1, T1 and S1 BSEN standards for water absorption, carbon content, and thermal cycling. Our Estillo 29 slate, for example, tested just 0.29% for water absorption. This means that when you buy from UK Slate, you can be confident that your roof will stand strong whatever the weather.
From time to time, prolonged extreme weather and general old age can leave a building looking tired and neglected. But once the slate tiles have been carefully removed and tidied up, they can often be re-laid to provide a home with decades more protection from the elements.
Here at UK Slate, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and durability. As well as being hard-wearing, slate tiles have a beautiful, classic, rustic look, undiminished by time or the elements.
When using slate, you have plenty of options to customise your roof in both size and colour. Not all slates are grey, they actually come in a range of colours, from the gentle green of our Elterdale, to the deep purples of Welsh Heather Blue. There is plenty to choose from when roofing with slate. Whether you wish to blend in with the colour tradition of your local area or make a statement with a more striking hue, slate tiles are the ideal material to achieve the desired aesthetic and provide an elegant finish to your project.
With a long-established pedigree as a roofing material, slate tiles remain the go-to for more traditional builds such as vintage homes, and historical restorations. Yet much of the beauty of working with slate comes in its versatility, as slate tiles can achieve stunning results atop more modern, innovative projects. The limit truly is your imagination.
But the colour of the slate is not the only factor to consider when choosing your slate. For centuries, slates have been cut into a variety of shapes for more decorative and prestigious markets.
Slate is very resistant to fire, able to withstand higher temperatures than many metals can. It’s great for enduring severe temperature changes, which is why it makes an ideal choice for the likes of roofs and floors. It’s why it also makes a great choice for the kitchen, due to its resistance to heat and burning. Slate slabs that are designed to be used as counter tops in kitchens are chosen for their ability to withstand the level of heat it may come across in typical kitchen conditions.
Slate forms naturally when layers of rock are exposed to extreme pressure and heat, so it’s no surprise that it’s so resistant to fire. This natural property makes slate a great choice for roofing material as it reduces the chances of a building’s roof catching alight in the event of a fire.
Waste from roofing is a substantial part of the total waste sent to landfills each year. Asphalt shingle roofing, for example, needs replacing every couple of decades. Waste is reduced substantially by choosing slate, due to its greater life-span. Choosing slate is a sustainable solution to ever-more prevalent environmental concerns, allowing you to rest-assured that your roof, while meeting your needs, does not do so at the expense of the environment.
Here at UK Slate, supplying quality natural slate roofing and excellent customer service to every client is our priority. If you require high-quality tiles for your roof, and want to know how we can help you, you can contact us on 015395 59289 to speak with our highly-skilled team and they will happily answer any query you may have.
Vermont Slate is one of the most highly regarded products world-wide. Within the slate world, this is at the top of the ladder. It has been used in the USA and the UK for centuries on many projects- from prestigious buildings to simple cottages – and is utilised by all sorts of people, from designers to builders. Details of projects in the UK date back all the way to the 1890s where the slate is still on the roof today, doing what it was made to do: protect the building.
Not only can Vermont slate protect your building and do so for years and years, it can be a mesmerising style statement. UK slate what exactly makes this slate so special? And can it enhance your building’s exterior? UK Slate investigates!
When it comes to home design, your roof can be the difference between a clean and modern aesthetic and a finish which lacks attention to detail. The versatility of Vermont slate means it can fit within any design approach. For a more contemporary approach to your project, consider the Eureka Vein roof tiles accompanied with a modern polymer render, and more glass entrances around your property. This is sure to ooze a modern, clean, and elegant air. An open brick aesthetic can also work well for a unique approach to an up-to-date design.
Vermont Green slate has been used many times within specific English Heritage projects including several National Parks and Crown Estates, and it’s not hard to see why! The simple yet elegant aesthetic presents a classic look which produces the perfect combination of a chic, ‘chateau’ feel whilst maintaining a remarkable fuss-free exterior.
If you are looking for a design which reflects a true classic and timeless style, then Vermont Slate can help. Its back-story and origin also gives you the perfect slice of history, right there on your roof!
Many interior designers, builders and even homeowners are designing and constructing houses now with the future in mind, and this comes to design too. With trends coming and going, keeping a slate style which will never go out of style and will last for a considerable amount of time is vital.
By utilising Vermont slate into your design, you can not only create a long-lasting and withstanding structure, but you can also ensure a lavish and sustainably styled visual.
Here at UK Slate our Vermont range is totally unique, and when compared to other tile and slate specialists, our methods of extraction are completely distinctive. The majority of our competitors tend to source their stock of Vermont Slate from more corporate companies. This loses the traceability factor, as repeatedly their slate will be obtained from several varying quarries and mixed in the production process.
We differentiate from our competitors here as when we procure our Vermont Slate, the slate extracted is from a single family-owned (and run) quarry. The raw block is cut in the production sheds on site to ensure that the slates are made ‘on the grain’ which not only improves the strength of the slate, but also the longevity and workability of the finished product. This is when we supply it to our fantastic customers.
We are the only exclusive Vermont Structural Slate merchants in the UK and the only suppliers of the unique Mottled Vermont Slate too! Get in touch with our team today to find out more about our Vermont Slate ant other slate roof tiles – our friendly team are more than happy to assist.
While fireplaces were initially a necessity for when the house became chillier in the winter months, in the more modern day it is also used for relaxation, style and to create ambience. So, when the summer sun has set and we are getting ready for the cosy winter nights in, a fireplace can make our evenings just a little bit more special.
Someone keen to add an aura of elegance to their home may be looking to add a fireplace to the room and, while there are plenty of choices out there, there is nothing quite like a slate fireplace.
They make for the perfect snug space, making it irresistible to grab a good book, a cup of tea and settle in for a truly relaxing evening.
So what benefits does a slate fireplace have and how does it really differ from any other gas or wood fire?
Modern day interiors and designs can sometimes seem a bit clean cut and not quite to your taste; however, a slate fire can come in both modern and traditional styles.
With both a contemporary yet rustic aesthetic to it, a slate fireplace can serve its purpose in many different spaces. It can fit into a modern-styled interior as well as a more classically-designed area, all the while looking like it was meant to fit there and creating a snug and elegant style.
If you ever decide to change up your interior design, you don’t have to worry about your slate fireplace or hearth, as it will naturally fit into any new interior.
Anything from floral wallpaper to metallic tile or even clean white painted walls; whatever your interior preference, your slate fire is there to stay!
Slate not only looks stupendous as part of your interior design but it also does its job perfectly. Due to the material’s thermal stability and chemical inertness, slate has been used for centuries for many kinds of heat-related things.
Slate is an excellent choice for a fireplace, since in its natural form it is not only fire resistant but extremely energy efficient as well. This means you don’t have to worry about safety considerations or your utility bill.
Of all the materials to choose your hearth to be made from, slate tiles themselves are completely fire proof, meaning you don’t have to worry about you and your family’s safety, leaving you to enjoy the atmosphere by the fire in relaxation.
One of the great hallmarks of slate is that it’s extremely easy and fuss-free to install in your home. When it comes to ordering and installing a slate fire hearth, an expert in the industry will usually work closely with you. At UK Slate, we certainly do.
Whatever the space you install it in, a slate fire can work around your requirements and the area you have to work with.
While slate is also extremely sturdy and unlikely to get damaged, if an incident or damage does occur, the costs for repairs are also extremely low. In certain instances, that small piece of slate can be replaced instead of the entire fire, avoiding any expensive replacements.
Unlike a standard electric or gas fire which you pick up in any store, a slate hearth can be much more unique and bespoke.
Every hearth supplied is crafted and tailored to every customers requirements and vision, meaning you have your very own custom product that is special and unique to you and your home. We don’t believe that one-size-fits-all when it comes to interior design, so we will change and adapt the size, style and design to match your room, meaning that, no matter what, it will fit effortlessly.
While the leaves are still falling and winter isn’t quite here, now is the perfect time to make your home even more cosy and comfy, ready to relax for some dark mornings and stress-free nights in.
We would love to hear your thoughts on how you would like your slate hearth to be designed. Additionally, we offer a wide variety of slate for other purposes, such as natural slate flooring and slate roof tiles.
So please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at UK Slate who would be more than happy to transform your ideas into reality.
This interactive tool considers key specifications such as shape, material, dimensions, and finishing details to generate a personalised quote tailored to your needs. We offer a wide range of shape options, from classic rectangular designs to sleek, modern curves, all crafted from luxurious, high-grade slate.
This interactive tool considers key specifications such as shape, material, dimensions, and finishing details to generate a personalised quote tailored to your needs. We offer a wide range of shape options, from classic rectangular designs to sleek, modern curves, all crafted from luxurious, high-grade slate.
