Slate is a naturally occurring, beautiful material that has been used in construction for centuries. It is an incredibly diverse material, able to create both a rustic and contemporary look for a property, depending on how it is utilised.
Cost-efficient and high performance, slate tiles are perfect for a wide variety of projects, for both floor tiles and roof tiles. Here’s a look at all the reasons you should choose slate for your next project:
Amazing Durability and Longevity
First of all, slate lasts a really long time. When you get a new roof or floor installed, you want the reassurance that you won’t have to redo it again in a few years. Well, slate can last well over 100 years and is one of the most resistant materials to use for a roof.
Its durability and longevity make slate an excellent investment that will keep your home warm and insulated for your entire lifetime. At UK Slate, we only supply slates which attain the A1, T1 and S1 BSEN standard for water absorption, carbon content and thermal cycling, so you can rest assured that our slate is strong enough to withstand any harsh weather conditions.
Environmentally Friendly
People are more conscious about their environmental impact these days, so you’ll be pleased to know that slate is an environmentally-friendly choice. Occurring naturally in nature, slate is an eco-friendly material at all stages of its lifespan. It is one of the most sustainable material options for any construction project.
Very Affordable
Slate is a surprisingly affordable material. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, its longevity makes it a very cost-effective option due to it not needing replacing in your lifetime. Slate also requires little maintenance and repairing during its lifetime so you will save costs in the long run. Invest a bit more now in slate tiles, and you will experience the financial benefits in the future when you don’t have to pay for a new floor or roof in your lifetime.
Good for Health
Slate is completely natural, it is extracted from quarries and does not require any additional treatment with chemicals, unlike a lot of other materials. The simplicity of the extraction process does not require any artificial materials, meaning that slate is a sustainable material that is better for people’s health. Slate is a healthy building material that won’t bring any unnecessary furnace or chemical products into your home.
Low Maintenance
When taken care of, a slate roof can last upwards of 100 years. Fortunately, the maintenance required for slate is minimal, so you won’t be expected to do too much. A simple yearly check is enough to ensure that no slates are cracked or broken, and these can be replaced if necessary.
Fire Resistant
Unlike other roofing materials, slate is completely fire resistant. The formation of slate occurs when rock layers are exposed to extreme pressure and heat, and these forces render slate extremely resistant to heat and flames. This makes slate an excellent choice for roofing material because it reduces the likelihood of your property’s roof catching alight in the event of a fire, helping to safeguard the wellbeing of you and your family.
Recyclable and Reusable
If you ever decide to change your slate roof or floor tiles, you can do so and recycle the slate. This has the added benefit of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, you could reuse the slate elsewhere, such as to make decorative items or kitchen accessories. Check out our previous post about unusual uses for slate for inspiration.
Aesthetically Beautiful
If all the physical benefits aren’t enough to convince you that slate is a great choice for a roof or floor, then perhaps the simple fact that slate looks beautiful will. One of slate’s most vital attributes is the strong, compelling aesthetic value it adds to a building. Its naturally occurring colours, varying textures and grain can deliver a clean, sculptured and striking look. If you want to make a true statement in your home, slate tiles can do just that.
