Slate: types, application, weight, size, colors, photo, review, description

Slate remains one of the most popular building materials. It has different areas of application and for many years has been considered one of the most affordable roofing materials. Modern slate, its varieties and applications are quite diverse, so in the selection process all this must be taken into account. A professional approach to the selection of this material will ensure the reliability and durability of the roof, which will create the most comfortable conditions for staying indoors.

What is slate?

Slate (“Schiefer” in German) is a roofing building material in the form of corrugated or flat sheets made from asbestos-cement mixture. The proportion of asbestos in it is 10–18 percent, the rest is Portland cement and water. In production, asbestos fibers are first fluffed and then mixed with other components. Next, a long sheet is formed from the resulting mixture, vacuumed and profiled, and then cut into sheets of the required dimensions and weight.

In Russia, chrysolite asbestos is used to make slate. Imported roofing products can be produced using its analogue, amphibole asbestos. Both of these silicate minerals belong to the group of carcinogens.

But peridot fibers, after being bound with cement in a sheet of wave or flat material, are no longer a dangerous material. But amphibole, even after pressing and hardening in Portland cement mortar, remains a carcinogenic substance. No wonder it is gradually being banned around the world.

At Russian enterprises, it is manufactured for the most part according to GOSTs 30340-95 and 18124-95, which specify the standard sheet dimensions, number of waves and weight. According to the standards, its color should be gray. If asbestos-cement sheets have a different color, then they are painted or the pigment is added directly to the cement mixture. In the second case, the product is marked according to the factory specifications; GOST does not provide for the introduction of pigment additives.

The composition of slate and the effect on health: which one to choose

Among the points in the characteristics of slate, its environmental friendliness is not the least important. If the choice fell on beautiful corrugated slabs, then those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle will choose a material that will not harm their health. Other owners, knowing what wave slate is made of, will still buy something that suits the functionality. Let's try to figure out which slate mix with a beautiful “wave” will not harm your health:

1. Plastic slate consists of 70% polyvinyl chloride (homogeneous), with the addition of fiberglass for strength. Does not emit environmentally toxic substances.
2. Bituminous slate is made from synthetic and bitumen resins, cellulose fibers, and mineral fillers. Natural materials based on it make ondulin environmentally friendly.
3. Fiber cement corrugated sheet is made of cement, PVA fibers, cellulose fibers, limestone. The absence of asbestos is an advantage of the material, which often influences the client’s choice.
4. The metal one is made of steel coated with zinc on both sides; varnish is applied to the inner surface. Sheets are considered an environmentally friendly material.
5. Rubber slate , a relatively new material on the market, is made from rubber-fabric waste, fiber optic twisted dense thread, and is non-toxic.
6. Domestic composition of asbestos-cement : 85-90% Portland cement M300 - M500, 10-20% asbestos fiber with the addition of chrysolite, water.

A dangerous element is asbestos fibers, which has been discussed since the beginning of slate production. In the European Union, such coverage is prohibited. The choice of material is up to the buyer, and since asbestos fiber coating continues to be in demand, its production has not stopped. Craftsmen working with such slate adhere to safety rules during production and cutting.

This is what asbestos looks like in nature - menacing beauty Source gorod55.ru

Asbestos cement slate

The most popular is slate roofing made from asbestos cement. To make this material, manufacturers mix just three simple ingredients: cement, asbestos and water. According to GOST requirements, the cement content of slate is 85%, asbestos 10%, the rest is water. The resulting mixture is poured into molds in an even layer and dried, after which it is cut into separate sheets. Asbestos-cement slate is produced in the following forms:

Brands of wave slate made from asbestos cement

Dimensions of asbestos cement slate sheets

1. Wave slate with a regular profile. GOST regulates the length of the sheet of this material, it is 1.28 m, the width is 0.68 m, and the weight is 20 kg. This material is used for roofing private houses and small buildings; its compact dimensions make it possible to avoid a large number of cuttings and adjustments if the roof has a small area. For the installation of the ridge, ends, and ribs, if the slate roof has a complex shape, special elements made of asbestos cement are used, supplied complete with sheets.
2. Wavy slate with reinforced profile. The dimensions of this type of asbestos cement sheets are superior to others. Manufacturers taking into account the requirements of GOST produce slate up to 2.8 m long, 0.94 m wide, and 0.8 cm thick. Reinforced sheets are used for roofing industrial buildings with a large floor area. In private housing construction, they are rarely used, since the weight of each sheet exceeds 35 kg, which increases the load on the rafter system and foundation.

3. 
   Unified wave. The dimensions of an asbestos cement sheet with a unified profile are larger than those of a regular sheet, but smaller than those of reinforced slate. Manufacturers make them 1.75 m long, 1.25 m wide, 6-7.5 m thick. Sheet weight varies between 26-30 kg. Unified sheets are used if it is necessary to cover a large area of ​​​​a simple geometric shape. The use of this type of material in such cases speeds up the roofing process, reduces the number of joints and reduces roofing costs.

Note! All types of asbestos cement slate are resistant to moisture, fading, temperature influences and fire. The main feature of this material is that asbestos, a mineral that is harmful to health, is used for production. During operation, the risk of asbestos dust getting into the respiratory tract is insignificant, but during installation, cutting and painting, respirators, eye protection goggles are used, and they work in the open air.

The first domestic slate

In the post-Soviet space, construction material began to be made in 1908. Production was officially launched in the village of Fokino, which is located near Bryansk. The production of coating has rapidly gained popularity, since Russia has the largest reserves of materials on the planet, from which slate was made in the USSR. Thus, even before the Second World War, 6 factories appeared in Rostov-on-Don, Voskresensk, Kramatorsk, Sukhoi Luga, Novorossiysk, and Volsk.

During the period of hostilities, some enterprises were transported to the east. Most of the factories were destroyed during the war and were not reconstructed after the end.

In the 60s, slate became the main building material - slate can be seen on almost every building of that time. In addition to covering roofs, the sheets were used for cladding purposes, as well as for the construction of fences. At that time, a large number of new enterprises were opened. But the volume of production of chrysotile cement sheets suddenly decreased during perestroika. Following the split of the Soviet Union, out of 58 factories, only 28 remained in operation, and some of them unwittingly reduced their product range.

Metal slate

Metal slate is a thin sheet of alloy steel or aluminum, which is given a wave-like or other shape during the production process using stamping. To protect metal roofing material from corrosion and destruction, a polymer composition is applied to the outer surface, giving it color, and a varnish is applied to the bottom surface, protecting it from moisture. Among the advantages of profiled metal, experienced roofers name:

• Long service life. A metal roof, provided that a material manufactured in accordance with GOST requirements is selected, properly installed and operated, lasts 25-50 years.
• A light weight. A square meter of this material weighs 5 kg, which is almost two times less than the weight of an asbestos-cement sheet of the same area. The lightness of metal slate allows you to save on the rafter system and foundation.
• Smooth surface. Due to its smoothness, the surface does not retain snow masses, but allows them to slide down without hindrance.
• Fire safety. The metal has high fire-resistant characteristics, so it does not burn. This property is taken into account when choosing a roofing material, since chimney pipes lead through the roof, which often cause fires.
• Easy to install. Installation of profiled sheets on the roof is carried out at any time of the year, regardless of the weather. Stores offer various different sizes of corrugated sheeting and auxiliary elements made of the same material: ridges, valleys, gutters. And colored metal slate can be matched to any shade of home decoration.

  
  Installation of metal slate on the roof slope

  Read also:  How to build a frame house: the main stages of construction

Important! When it rains, a metal roof does not dampen the sounds of falling drops, but enhances them due to its high resonating ability. This is a disadvantage that soft slate and asbestos-cement roofing materials do not have.

No. 6. Metal slate

Metal slate or profiled decking is made of galvanized steel. The sheets can have waves of different shapes and sizes (wave height from 8 to 50 cm); the material is covered with a protective layer of polymers on top. Previously, metal slate was used only for arranging the roofs of industrial buildings, but when manufacturers learned to give the material different shades, such slate began to be used in residential construction.

In terms of the mass of parameters, metal slate is not inferior to other types of slate, and in some it even surpasses them. Main advantages of the material:

• high strength and rigidity due to the presence of a profile;
• ability to withstand high temperatures and temperature changes;
• several protective layers make the material resistant to ultraviolet rays, moisture and mechanical damage;

• 
  durability. If installed correctly and properly maintained, metal slate roofing will last about 50 years. Moreover, due to the use of special substances, the material retains its attractive appearance for a long time;

• light weight, which greatly simplifies the installation of the roof;
• fire safety and complete environmental friendliness.

Among the disadvantages of metal slate, we note:

• the material conducts acoustic noise perfectly, so the sound of falling rain will be very clearly audible. The way out of the situation is to use a layer of vapor barrier or insulating materials under the roof that will absorb sounds;
• metal slate is not suitable for arranging roofs of complex shapes.

Ondulin

Ondulin is the name given to soft slate, which is made from a mixture of cellulose, mineral additives and bitumen impregnation. It looks like a wavy leaf that is brown, green, blue, black or red. Ondulin is distinguished from other types of roofing materials by its bendable, pliable structure, which is optimally suited for covering roofs of complex configurations and shapes. According to GOST standards, each sheet is 2 m long, 0.3 cm thick and has exactly 10 waves. The advantages of this material are:

1. Reliability. Ondulin does not allow moisture to pass through and is resistant to biological factors of destruction. The service life specified in GOST for this type of product is 20 years.
2. Ease. Ondulin weighs much less than other roofing materials, so it does not require reinforcement of the rafter frame and is easy to install.
3. Low thermal conductivity and high noise reduction ability. Compared to other options, this material more effectively retains heat inside the house and dampens external sounds, which makes it popular among private developers.
4. Acceptable price. The price of one sheet of ondulin is 450-600 rubles, so this coating option is gaining popularity among materials in the mid-price category.
5. Aesthetics. Colored slate looks quite impressive on the roof due to its combination with the shade of the walls. A wide palette of colors opens up wide possibilities for designers, allowing them to fully realize the architectural design.

Ondulin

Roofing made of ondulin in two colors, laid in a checkerboard pattern

Note! Roofers consider flammability to be a significant disadvantage of ondulin. When the temperature rises to just 300 degrees, it melts, so it is not used to cover roofs with a high risk of fire. In addition, colored slate fades over several seasons when exposed to sunlight.

Typical dimensions and weight

The most important characteristic of flat slate is its dimensions . They are regulated by GOST 18124−2012 or the manufacturers’ own technical specifications. According to GOST:

• the length of the sheets varies from 1200 to 3600 mm;
• width - from 1120 to 1570 mm;
• thickness - from 6 to 12 mm.

There is no need to calculate the mass of sheets in each specific case. It is indicated in the GOST reference appendix. If this data is not enough, you can use the density value in the calculations. It amounts to:

• for unpressed sheets - 1600 kg/sq. m;
• for pressed ones - 1800 kg/sq.m. m.

For the convenience of using flat slate, the dimensions of the sheet are of great importance: with significant dimensions, the weight can exceed 100 kg.

Transparent PVC slate

Transparent slate is a material that gets its name due to its resemblance to corrugated sheets. It is made from a durable polymer, polyvinyl chloride. Unlike other roofing materials, transparent slate allows light to pass through, which is why it is used for the construction of gazebos, terraces, canopies, and greenhouses. According to the GOST classification, there are two types: colorless and colored PVC slate. Transparent slate has the following performance characteristics:

• High degree of protection from moisture, wind and snow.
• Unlimited service life exceeding 50 years.
• The sheet's light weight and flexibility make it easy to install.
• Resistance to temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, thanks to which transparent slate retains its integrity and color even after many years of service.
• Fire resistance. Polyvinyl chloride is a non-flammable material that does not emit toxic fumes when the temperature rises to critical levels.
• High decorative potential. Due to the abundance of shades, PVC sheets are used for finishing summer cafes, restaurants, commercial buildings, even greenhouses. A variety of sizes allow you to choose the most economical options.

Installation of polyvinyl chloride slate

Different types of polyvinyl chloride slate

Important! Transparent slate is less durable than materials made of metal or asbestos cement. Therefore, during installation, you should not stand or lean on it. Any mechanical impact can cause deformation of the sheet. To maintain the integrity of the roof, temporary wooden flooring is installed on it during installation.

All types of slate have wide areas of application in private and commercial construction. When choosing among the varieties of this material, pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer, check the integrity of the sheets before payment.

No. 5. Rubber slate

Rubber slate is made from fiberglass and rubber waste . The result is sheets with a wave height of 2-3 cm. The material is not widely used and is used mainly for roofing small buildings. According to some characteristics, rubber slate resembles asbestos-cement slate.

Main advantages of the material:

• light weight;
• ease of processing. Rubber slate is quite easy to cut with a knife, it can be bent, so the material can be used for roofing complex curved roofs;
• strength. Such slate is often used for roofing flat roofs that need to be walked on to remove snow.

The main disadvantages of the material:

• low frost resistance;
• flammability.

These two disadvantages limit the scope of use of rubber slate.

What is slate made of - production materials

Asbestos is mixed with cement in an approximate ratio of 1 to 5. The resulting composition is poured onto a metal mesh, where it is gradually dehydrated and formed. At the same stage of production, cement is reinforced with asbestos. Then the thickened mass is given the desired shape, pressing, profiling and other actions are carried out. Finished asbestos-cement products are painted with silicate pigmented solutions, giving them additional protection from temperature changes and mechanical stress.

IMPORTANT!

Not only asbestos-cement roofing materials are called slate, but also slate ones. The extraction of clay shale is difficult and requires a lot of labor, so products made from this rock are expensive and are used only in luxury construction.

Chrysotis-asbestos (photo)

Safety requirements

Asbestos cement is a non-flammable building material and does not emit toxic substances. However, the presence of asbestos in the composition dictates the obligation to strictly comply with the necessary labor protection requirements when working with this material.

Mechanical processing of slate is always associated with the formation of chrysotile cement dust, from which the worker’s respiratory organs must be protected.

The conditions for safe work with the material consist of the following protective measures:

• If slate is used in individual construction, it is enough to protect yourself from dust with a respirator when processing it.
• If a company provides services for cutting slate sheets and it has organized a stationary site where asbestos-cement slabs are constantly processed, the mandatory installation of dust collection equipment is required. Such technical equipment must be equipped with devices that perform the function of air purification.
• When processing slate sheets, it is necessary to reduce the amount of dust emitted into the air of the work area. This can be achieved by cutting slate with a blade cutting tool. Such a tool should leave chips. It is strictly prohibited to use abrasive tools to process asbestos cement.

Slate sheets are a versatile building material suitable for use in the harshest conditions. It combines durability, excellent protective characteristics and ease of use. If all recommendations for the use of asbestos-cement sheets are followed, structures made from them will last for many decades.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

The advantages of slate include:

• Resistant to high temperatures and fire.
• Non-corrosive.
• Maintainability.
• Low sound conductivity - slate sheets do not “rattle” when it rains.
• Cheapness.
• Fairly simple installation.
• The service life of slate on a roof is about 35 years.

Slate also has disadvantages that reduce its value compared to modern materials:

• The service life of a roof greatly depends on the quality of its maintenance: on proper painting, on the timely replacement of sheets that have become unusable, and on other factors.
• A slate roof has low airtightness in places where the material overlaps , therefore it is necessary to install waterproofing.
• The possibility of moss growth on the coating due to the texture of the material, with a subsequent increase in the size of microcracks on the roof surface. The defect can be corrected by painting.
• Heavy weight and fragility . It is difficult to lift slate onto the roof and install it yourself.
• Some types of asbestos are environmentally harmful.

Advantages of the material

There are certain misconceptions regarding the health benefits of slate. The negative impact of this roofing material on the human respiratory system has been proven through scientific research, but this evidence only applies to products made from amphibole asbestos.

This mineral was used to produce European slate sheets, and domestically produced roofing materials are based on chrysotile asbestos , the harm of which has not been established.

NOTE!

Chrysotile-based sheets do not emit hazardous substances into the air, but when performing roofing work, harm to health due to inhalation of small particles of the material cannot be ruled out . To avoid this, installation of the slate covering must be carried out wearing a protective mask and a respirator.

If you have to deal with amphibole slate, then correct and timely painting allows you to minimize harmful emissions.

Is slate harmful to health?

Whether slate is harmful or not is a point that worries many consumers. In this case, opinions differ: some claim that the material is harmful to the human body, others tend to assume that this myth was created by manufacturers of more expensive roofing materials.

When mixing the mortar from which slate is made, asbestos fibers are included. This component is considered quite harmful, as a result of which a person can become seriously ill if this element enters the body.

However, it is worth taking into account the fact that asbestos fibers are divided into 2 groups:

• arizotyl;
• amphibole.

In this case, the second option is considered harmful, but it is used only in European countries due to the lack of the first component. That is why we can conclude that slate, which is made from chrysotile asbestos fibers, is the least hazardous to health.

Technical characteristics: slate size, slate weight 1 m2

Wave slate is classified by the number of waves. There are five-, six-, seven- and eight-wave varieties available and the size of the slate sheet varies depending on the type.

In private construction, the last two subtypes are used, which is due to the high ratio of total and usable areas of these materials.

Wave slate is also divided into standard, reinforced and unified.

Externally, such sheets differ in their length, which is 1120 mm, 2800 mm and 1750 mm, respectively (according to GOST). In civil engineering, standardized sheets are used, other varieties are used for installing roofs of industrial buildings.

Seven- and eight-wave sheets of a unified profile have the same length (1750 mm), but differ in their width.

• It is 980 mm and 1130 mm respectively.
• The wave pitch (the distance between the crests) is the same for both varieties and is 150 mm.
• The height of the wave crest is 40 mm.
• Variations of slate are produced with a ridge height of 54 mm and a wave pitch of 200 mm . Such sheets are highly reliable.

The thickness of the profile type 40/150 is 5.2 and 5.8 mm, the thickness of the profile type 54/200 is 6 and 7.5 mm. Such dimensions are typical for both seven-wave and eight-wave sheets.

Material characteristics

In addition to asbestos sheeting, there is plastic and transparent slate sheeting.

No. 1. Main types of slate

Due to the widespread use of asbestos slate, many people still mean exactly that by “slate”. However, slate can be made from different materials and using different technologies . Depending on this, today the following types of slate :

• 
  natural slate slate;

• asbestos slate;
• euroslate;
• plastic slate;
• rubber slate;
• metal slate.

Each of them requires detailed consideration, because it has its own scope of use.

How much does a slate sheet weigh?

The weight of the sheet depends on its thickness and the number of waves.

For example, a seven-wave sheet with dimensions 1750 x 1130 x 5.2 mm weighs 18.7 kilograms.

An eight-wave slate sheet with dimensions 1750 x 1130 x 7.5 mm weighs 35 kilograms . Weight per 1 m2 is respectively 9.5 kg and 18 kg.

The main characteristic that determines the durability of a roof is the potential number of freezing cycles without visible destruction of the material. It varies from 25 for light varieties of slate to 50 for heavy ones.

When designing a roof, it is important to take into account the usable area of ​​the sheet of material , that is, its area minus the end and side overlaps.

This parameter is standardized for each type of slate:

• The usable area (SA) of the 7-wave sheet is 1.3 m2.
• PP 8-wave sheet – 16 m2.

Flat slate is divided into pressed and unpressed . These varieties have the same length (3600 mm, 3000 mm, 1200 mm), width (1500 mm, 1200 mm) and thickness (6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm) options.

The main differences are density and the number of freezing cycles. The density of the pressed flat sheet is 1.8 g/cm3, the unpressed one is 1.6 g/cm3. A pressed sheet can withstand 50 freezing cycles, an unpressed sheet can withstand 25 . Flat slate is used in industrial construction.

IMPORTANT!

The number of freezing cycles does not determine the exact service life, since the durability of the slate sheet depends on many other factors.

Useful coverage area

The technology for installing slate on a roof is to lay it overlapping relative to each other. In this case, the overlap can be done in one or two waves. It is clear that this will reduce the area covered by the sheets.

In essence, it turns out that the usable area is the total area of ​​the sheet reduced by the overlap area. There is no need to count anything; there are tabular data that you can use. For example, for ordinary slate sheets, the usable area is:

• 7-wave – 1,336 m²;
• 8-wave – 1.57 m².

These indicators correspond to single-wave overlap. By the way, this is the technology most often used in construction.

Slate overlap in two waves Source krysha-expert.ru

Color solutions

Modern technologies make it possible to produce slate in almost any color range. Among the range of these products presented on the world market, there is both regular gray material and colored material. It is worth noting that only the outer side of the sheets can be painted, and the process itself is carried out using special paint based on acrylic and vinyl. This colorful composition allows you to create reliable protection against fading, thanks to which the slate perfectly retains its original color.

In order to increase the level of water resistance, the sheets are coated with a bitumen layer on the inside.

Slate roofing material can be painted blue, green, red, brown or another shade. In addition, it can be characterized not only by a bright color, but also by a more subdued one. If necessary, you can always paint ordinary gray slate yourself in one color or another using special rubber paint.

An applied layer of such paint will not only visually embellish the roof, but will also significantly extend its service life, protecting it from premature destruction. This feature should definitely be taken into account during the selection process.

How to care for slate so it lasts longer

Despite the positive characteristics of each type, manufacturers do not hide that the material has some disadvantages:

• fragility, inconvenience of transportation, toxicity (asbestos cement);
• sunburn, fire hazard (ondulin);
• high cost (shale);
• sound conductivity, high electrical conductivity (metal);
• flammability (ondulin, rubber).

Having paid for the material and installation, everyone hopes for the declared service life of the product. But a real owner will take practical steps that will extend the life of slate sheets:

• Step 1. Initially, when purchasing, choose those that have a protective coating of water-dispersed paints and varnishes. The slate will look good for 10-12 years, but every year the color will fade.
• Step 2. Start painting. First, he will clean the slate from dust, dirt, and moss, then paint it with suitable paint. For asbestos, this is a special weather-resistant paint with an acrylic base. Rubber paint is also popular; the coating will not only be renewed, but will also become frost-resistant and wear-resistant.

Coloring: pros and cons

Colored slate is in great demand among buyers, as evidenced by numerous reviews. It is environmentally friendly and has a low level of thermal conductivity, due to which it is widely in demand in various fields of application. In addition, a roof decorated with such roofing material is characterized not only by aesthetic appeal, but also provides reliable protection for a home or other type of premises.

Painted sheets are characterized by an increased level of protection against moisture , as well as other aggressive factors. In addition, such products are more fire-resistant and resistant to corrosion. They heat up less when exposed to sunlight, keeping the roof slightly cool in the summer.

All these advantages are a priority, which is why every year painted slate is increasingly used in the construction of houses.

No. 2. Natural slate slate

The ancestor of all known types of slate is slate, because the word “slate” itself is of German origin and is translated as “slate”. The material consists of slate plates of different shapes and sizes, the color is usually gray and gray-blue , greenish and brown shades are less common. The length of the elements usually varies from 25 to 60 cm, width - from 15 to 35 cm, height - from 0.4 to 0.9 cm. Due to its unique appearance and high price, the material is used for the construction of luxury roofs.

The main advantages of slate slate:

• unique structure and spring appearance, thanks to which the material can be used to form unusual roofs;

• 
  low thermal conductivity;

• resistance to sunlight, low and high temperatures, moisture, which allows the material to be used in any climatic conditions;
• excellent sound insulation;
• resistance to fire;
• durability.

With such high performance and decorative qualities, slate slate is not widely used due to its disadvantages:

• high weight and fragility of the material, which complicates working with it and requires the formation of reinforced rafter structures;
• high price.

Broken: application

A building material such as slate can be used not only to decorate the roof, but also as decoration. There are quite a few options for using broken slate, each of which is original in its own way. When repairs are done with your own hands, it is possible to turn the most extraordinary ideas into reality using these products.

Pieces of slate are often used to frame flower beds and beds. They are buried in the ground, creating a kind of fence. Various flower arrangements, complemented by plaster sculptures, look very beautiful and original in this design. Small slate pieces can be used to lay out neat paths in the garden or yard. In addition, crushed waste is perfect for filling ditches and holes.

Old and damaged sheets will become the optimal basis for the construction of foundation formwork. Such designs are practically not inferior in quality to options made from boards, so they are an excellent alternative to more expensive materials.

Many gardeners use broken slate to protect plants from cold and rodents. To do this, the tree trunk is fenced with pieces of slate, which are fixed with wire or rope.

With a little imagination, you can come up with a lot of interesting options for using broken slate. If there are minor cracks on the sheets, they can easily be repaired using a special grout with an antiseptic. This approach allows you to restore old slate, restoring the appearance of the entire roof.

Decorative features

Modern production offers not only standard sheets of flat slate, but also products with improved decorative characteristics.

To provide consumers with a large assortment, making it possible to select the necessary decorative characteristics for a specific design, slate sheets are produced in three types:

1. Unpainted. It is characterized by the absence of coating and has a classic gray color. It has low decorative properties, therefore it is not used for finishing or is used for finishing work without special requirements.
2. Colored. The sheets are primed and then painted with acrylic paints. Much less often, coloring of asbestos cement is used at the production stage using coloring additives.
3. Invoiced. The most effective option for slate sheets.

Textured decoration of asbestos-cement sheets can be created in different ways:

• Application at the production stage using a special stamp of a relief print on the uncured asbestos-cement mass. By using a special color, you can imitate not only the texture, but also the color of various natural materials: wood, stone, brick.
• Application of natural stone chips from marble, granite, serpentine, jasper. On top of the primer, an adhesive layer is applied to the slate sheet, which fixes the decorative chips. After the glue has hardened, a protective varnish coating is applied.
• Coating with a polymer textured layer.
• Coating with colored plaster.
• The use of iron oxide coloring pigments to produce a metallic color.

"Roman profile"

The main advantages of the “Roman profile” are its economy in terms of consumption, as well as excellent performance characteristics. This building material is presented on the world market in several colors and sizes. At the same time, it is always possible to choose an individual option for a particular type of roof. Such products are highly durable, resistant to moisture and frost, and are also characterized by ease of installation and impeccable sound insulation properties.

All this together makes the “Roman profile” truly in demand in the process of constructing a reliable roof not only in a residential building, but also in public buildings.

It is worth noting that this chrysotile cement material is characterized by an excellent anti-corrosion effect , due to which it perfectly retains its original appearance throughout the entire period of operation. During its manufacturing process, only the most environmentally friendly components are used, which makes the products absolutely safe for human health. The “Roman profile” practically does not heat up when exposed to sunlight, providing a comfortable microclimate in the room.

It is rightfully considered an ideal option for roofing, which is confirmed by relevant quality certificates.

No. 4. Euroslate

Having abandoned asbestos-cement slate, European countries switched to using euro-slate. It is otherwise also called bitumen or soft slate . The material appeared in our construction stores not so long ago, but customers have already managed to appreciate its advantages. Euro slate is made on the basis of cellulose fibers , which are impregnated with special polymer substances, after which the material is pressed under the influence of bitumen vapor at high pressure and temperature, and after drying it is painted in the desired color. Bitumen allows you to create an absolutely waterproof material.

Euroslate is represented by the following types :

• 
  

  Ondulin is produced on the basis of cellulose, rubber, bitumen, dyes and mineral components. The result is light, soft and flexible sheets;
• Nulin is also plastic, durable and has a wave profile, but is slightly heavier than ondulin and has a longer service life;
• Gutta is strikingly different from other types of bitumen slate. In its manufacture, organic fibers are used to reinforce sheets of material. Special impregnations are used to increase rigidity and strength. Gutta is usually used for roofing industrial buildings; this material is cheaper than other types of bitumen slate, but is not inferior to them in its basic properties.

advantages are common to all types of Euro slate :

• 
  lightness, sheets of bitumen slate can even be laid on top of the old roof;

• flexibility;
• strength. The material easily withstands significant wind and snow loads;
• durability. Service life reaches 50 years;
• excellent waterproofing properties. The material does not allow or absorb moisture;
• high level of sound insulation. When raindrops hit the roof, this noise will not be heard in the house.

some drawbacks :

• insufficient resistance to low and high temperatures. In summer, the material can soften, and in winter it becomes excessively brittle;
• low resistance to ultraviolet rays, so faded spots may appear on the surface of the slate;
• relatively high price.

Service life and selection tips

Modern slate, which is produced in accordance with all norms and standards of GOST, can last at least 50 years. Sheet roofing material is characterized by particular strength and durability, which, due to its parameters, as well as special manufacturing technology, has the highest quality indicators.

When choosing slate, it is worth considering some expert advice.

• Give preference only to trusted manufacturers with a positive reputation.
• It is necessary to purchase material taking into account the stock. It is always necessary to be able to replace a damaged product.
• For a roof with a complex shape, it is better to choose slate, which contains a plasticizer that promotes good flexibility of the sheets.
• Painted slate has more advantages compared to regular slate, so it is better to immediately purchase the material of the desired color.
• High-quality components will make installation as easy as possible. They will allow you to securely fasten the sheets to the roof, so you should pay special attention to the quality of the components.

Correctly chosen slate will allow you to create a truly durable roof, which will delight you with its unsurpassed appearance for many years and will become reliable protection for your home.

No. 4. Plastic slate

Plastic colored translucent slate is distinguished by its appearance and is used for roofing swimming pools, pavilions, greenhouses, attics , creating garage sheds, etc. The material is made from polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride .

The main advantages of plastic slate:

• translucency;
• moisture resistance;
• frost resistance;
• ability to withstand significant wind and snow loads;

• 
  fire resistance, self-extinguishing ability;

• light weight, which greatly facilitates both the roofing work itself and the preparation for it, because reinforcement of the sheathing is not required;
• high strength. A polycarbonate sheet, for example, is very difficult to break.

Of course, a plastic translucent roof is not an option for every building. The main disadvantage of the material can be considered the ability to expand under the influence of high temperatures, which must be taken into account when arranging such a roof.

Calculation of the amount of slate for the roof

Calculating the purchase of the required amount of slate for roofing is a very important point that needs to be emphasized.
The fact is that the sheets are laid with overlap, so simply knowing the actual area of ​​the roof slope is not enough. The number of slate sheets is calculated first horizontally. To do this, you need to add the length of the overhangs on the gables to the transverse length of the slope. Slate should not be laid only across the width of the walls below. It extends slightly wider to prevent the gables from getting wet. The width of the overhang is usually 1-2 waves on each side. Having received the actual width of the roof to be covered, you can calculate the number of sheets required. However, the calculated value must be divided by the useful width of the sheet, without the last wave, which will be under the overlap.

To calculate slate in a longitudinal row, you must first determine the covered distance of the slope. To do this, an overhang from the eaves is added to the length of the sheathing. Usually it is approximately 10 cm. This distance allows you to conveniently secure the gutters. The resulting actual vertical length of the slope cover must be divided by the length of the sheet without longitudinal overlap. The last value is 25-30 cm shorter than the actual length of the slate.

For the final calculation, you need to multiply the number of sheets in the horizontal and vertical rows. In this case, the indicator must be rounded up. For each slope, material is purchased with a 5% reserve for the battle. This is a fairly fragile material, so at least several sheets will be damaged during transportation, trimming or lifting onto the sheathing. If delivery is carried out by rented transport and over a long distance, then it is cheaper to buy a little extra slate than to transport it additionally.

physical and chemical indicators

The possibility of its use in specific conditions depends on the technical characteristics of flat slate. These indicators determine the maximum loads and durability of the material.

Among the main indicators are the following:

• Strength. The maximum permissible bending load for unpressed sheets is 18 MPa, for pressed sheets - 23 MPa.
• Impact strength. This value determines the resistance to impact loads. Pressed sheets are characterized by an impact strength of at least 2 kJ/sq. m, and non-pressed - at least 2.5 kJ/sq. m.
• Frost resistance. This parameter is defined as the number of freezing and thawing cycles that the material can endure without losing its performance characteristics. For unpressed slate the value is 25 cycles, for pressed slate - 50.

How to attach slate to a roof

An undeniable advantage of working with slate is the ability to use a minimal set of tools. Cutting sheets can be done in various ways:

• Hacksaw for metal or wood.
• Grinder with disc for concrete.
• A jigsaw with a metal file.
• Rotorizer.
• Reciprocating saw.

Even in the absence of such tools, cutting the material can be done with one hammer. To do this, you need to make a perforation along the dividing line. Holes are punched with a nail at intervals of 3-5 mm. After perforation, the sheet breaks. You can also make holes along the line using a drill, a metal drill, or a ceramic tile pen. Thus, you can work with slate with absolutely any tool that is available.

Video description

In this video, watch the process of cleaning and painting the roof:
Caring for plastic sheets involves periodically getting rid of dust.

Metal sheets (corrugated sheets) also lose color. Paint with alkyd enamel on metal.

• Step 3. All repair, restoration, and decorative work will be entrusted to specialists with permission, the necessary tools and a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill. When receiving an application, the first thing they will do is ask what the slate is made of in order to determine the scope of work.

Assembling the sheathing

When performing roofing work, the sheets are laid on the sheathing. For slate it is made sparse. Corrugated sheets are strong enough to avoid using solid plywood or OSB sheathing. They can easily support a person's weight. The lathing is nailed to the rafters in increments of 40-70 cm. It is made from bars 40x40 mm or 50x50 mm.

When using boards instead of bars, the lathing is made on 3 supports. A board is laid on the edges of the sheet and one is fixed in the center. The use of unedged boards instead of timber allows you to save slightly on the purchase of lumber, while the resistance of the sheets to mechanical pressure does not decrease. The sheathing must be fastened at right angles to the rafters so that when the slate is nailed, the nail heads look straight. In addition, distortion may result in a lack of support for attaching the outer sheets.

Additional lathing is made around the chimney to attach the edges of the slate to it. It should be located 130 mm from the pipe so that the wooden elements do not catch fire from the heat emanating from it. If you plan only to install a thin chimney, then reinforcement with timber around the perimeter is not used.

What is flat slate made of?

When materials are purchased for construction or renovation, the buyer must always look for information about what they are made from. The problem is that some ingredients tend to release certain products into the air (gaseous or in the form of tiny suspensions), some of which can negatively affect human health.

So, flat slate is made from cement and chrysotile (white asbestos), which is a mineral that has a pronounced fibrous structure. Cement in the finished product occupies 80÷85% of the total volume of the material, asbestos fibers, respectively, 15÷20%. Naturally, water is added to the mixture during production, which is a necessary component to launch a complex chemical reaction for the formation and maturation of cement stone. The finished solution is molded and rolled into folds, resulting in a sheet of a certain thickness being formed, which is then cut into sheets of standard sizes.

At its core, in its finished form, slate is thin slabs of concrete reinforced with asbestos fibers, and is called asbestos-cement sheets.

When purchasing slate, you should request a certificate of compliance with established standards from the seller

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the extreme harmfulness of asbestos fibers to human health and the environment. Almost all European countries have already completely abandoned the use of this material in the construction industry.

However, you should pay attention to the nuances. The fact is that the concept of “asbestos” is not entirely clear. This is a whole group of natural minerals, of which not all are used for the production of building materials. And those that are used are also not the same:

• Amphibole asbestos is truly harmful to humans, and when we talk about health hazards, they are what we mean. Due to greater availability and lower cost, they were previously very widely used for reinforcing cement products.
• Chrysotile is a different matter. This is white asbestos, which is an almost neutral natural substance, and is what is used today in the production of slate sheets.

There are certain and quite strict standards for its use. The controlled use of chrysotile in the production of building materials is approved by the International Labor Organization and WHO (World Health Organization). Another thing is that some people are unscrupulous when they use amphibole asbestos for mixing compounds. This is why it is so important to have information about the manufacturer and the batch of slate offered for sale, confirmed by standard certificates.

Cutting sheets according to the drawn up installation diagram

Preparation of slates for fastening is carried out at the bottom before they are lifted onto the slope. They must be immediately trimmed according to the selected installation scheme:

• With alignment and filing of corners.
• With offset longitudinal edges.

Sheets are stacked from the bottom row. The direction of laying does not matter. They can be nailed from left to right and vice versa. The fastest installation method is the method of shifting the longitudinal edges. In this case, the first sheet and all subsequent ones are nailed in a row, only the last of them is cut off. The first sheet of the second row is not laid whole, but cut lengthwise into 1-2 waves. With this layout, the last sheet will be correspondingly wider.

The number of waves for trimming is determined depending on the width of the slope with overhangs in order to achieve minimal material consumption. The third row is laid as the first, and the fourth, respectively, as the second. This installation diagram is also applicable for working with flat slate. However, when fixing it, it is better to make the same offset step on each row in order to get a semblance of a parquet layout, which looks much better than offset across a row.

A more aesthetically attractive, but also complex method of installation is to place even vertical rows with corners filed. The fact is that if you do not make an offset, then the corners of the slate do not fit tightly. As a result, cracks are created through which precipitation can seep in. According to the diagram, when laying slate from left to right, the first sheet of the first row is nailed intact. The rest are secured with a cut in the upper left corner. In each first sheet of subsequent rows, only the lower right corners are cut off. Starting from the second to the penultimate one, the upper left and lower right corners are cut off. All corners should be cut using the same pattern so that when laying, the cuts can be joined without gaps.

Sheet types

Sheet slate is produced on the basis of GOST 18124−2012. In this document, the material is officially called chrysotile cement flat sheets.

According to the standard, sheets are produced in two types:

1. Unpressed. They are characterized by the usual strength characteristic of asbestos cement. They are designated by the abbreviation LPN - flat unpressed sheets.
2. Pressed. Subject to additional compaction of the structure under pressure. They are designated by the abbreviation LPP - flat pressed sheets. They are distinguished by increased density and strength, but are much heavier than non-pressed ones.

Unpressed sheets are less durable, but easier to work with. Less weight simplifies installation work. The low density of such sheets allows them to be machined with minimal physical effort. It is the unpressed version that is preferable when placed horizontally. Such sheets are successfully fastened with screws on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Therefore, this type is usually preferable for finishing work and roof installation. When constructing internal partitions and cladding walls, creating fences, preference is always given to LPN.

Pressed slate is characterized not only by increased strength characteristics, but also by a significant increase in durability. It demonstrates better resistance to impact loads. Pressed sheets are used for structures in contact with aggressive environments and in conditions of increased fire danger. This type of slate is preferred in the construction of gas stations, technical and industrial buildings, and car washes. When arranging permanent formwork, it is recommended to use LPP, since they will provide the structure with additional strength.

An important difference between LPP and non-pressed ones is the possibility of reusing the material in case of dismantling.

How to fasten

The slate is fixed with slate nails or self-tapping screws. These are special fasteners with a wide head and a rubber gasket. They are placed on the crest of a wave. Two sheet fastenings are made on each cross member of the sheathing. On one side, it is nailed on the second ridge from the edge, if this sheet is a covering one. From the other end it is nailed to the third wave from the covered edge.

When using nails, holes for them can be punched or drilled. Drilling is more accurate. The hole is made with a diameter 2-3 mm larger than the nail shaft. If you punch it, the hole often turns out to be larger than the required size and the cap will not close it well.

The use of self-tapping screws and a screwdriver speeds up the work process, but in the future it will make it difficult to dismantle the slate if it needs to be removed carefully. The screw heads become rusty and do not engage with the pins of the bit. An alternative is self-tapping screws with a wrench head.

The fastener must be installed before the wave crest begins, without immersing it all the way, so as not to split the slate. If this happens, the sheet needs to be changed, since moisture will seep through the crack.

No. 8. Large slate manufacturers

At the moment, the slate market is 80% represented by domestically produced products , and these are mainly asbestos-cement sheets. The largest domestic slate producers:

• JSC "Belgorodasbestocement" has been operating since 1953, producing flat and corrugated asbestos cement sheets, as well as special fasteners. Production is carried out on 10 high-tech lines, the products meet domestic standards;
• Bryansk Asbestos Cement Plant LLC has been operating since 1908, when the First Russian artificial slate plant opened in Bryansk district. Today, production is equipped with modern technologies and a quality control system. Flat and wavy slate is produced, as well as colored slate in several shades;
• LLC "Combine "Volna" is the largest Siberian enterprise, existing for more than 60 years. To produce asbestos-cement slate, it uses high-tech equipment, produces sheets with different numbers of waves, painted and unpainted;
• OJSC "Lato" is one of the leading enterprises in the industry, specializing in the production of chrysolite cement products, producing slate and components for roofing;

• 
  JSC Orenburg Minerals was created on the basis of a deposit of chrysolite fiber. Today, they produce, among other things, chrysolite-cement slate, wavy and flat, painted and unpainted;

• OJSC Sebryakovsky Plant of Asbestos-Cement Products is one of the largest domestic manufacturers of roofing and flat asbestos-cement slates, located in the Volgograd region, supplies its products to all regions of the country, as well as to several CIS countries;
• Timlyuy Plant LLC has been producing slate for 55 years. Products always undergo serious control, so they are of consistently high quality;
• Fibratek LLC is a young Ryazan enterprise equipped with the most modern technological lines. Wavy and flat slate are produced.

With the advent of new types of slate, products from imported manufacturers appeared on the domestic market :

• 
  ONDULINE is a French company engaged in the production of bitumen slate. The material produced here using our own technology has become one of the varieties of bitumen slate;

• GUTTA is a Swiss company that produces gutta-type Euro slates;
• ONDURA is an American manufacturer of bitumen slate;
• ONDEX is a French company producing translucent PVC slate;
• SALUX is a German manufacturer of transparent polycarbonate roofing sheets.

Technology and equipment for production ↑

The production process involves the implementation of a certain technological cycle:

• prepare the pulp;
• take out;
• form;
• withstand pressure;
• cut to size.

The pulp is prepared from chrysolite-asbestos fibers, PC cement and water.
Cellulose and fiberglass fillers are also added to it. They help to increase the reinforcement of sheets and enhance their strength characteristics. Cellulose and glass fibers not only improve the technical characteristics of asbestos cement sheets, but also, on the one hand, increase their environmental friendliness, since this reduces the percentage of asbestos fibers in the composition, and on the other hand, make them more economical, since the cost is reduced, because chrysolite asbestos more expensive.

Over the years, the demand for this material has constantly grown and it was possible to ensure the required productivity per shift only through production automation.

Cost of flat slate sheets

The price for this material may vary depending on the region and, of course, on the seller of the product, but the differences in cost are not so significant. However, if the goal is to save as much as possible, then before purchasing any building materials, it makes sense to study prices in all available trading organizations.

However, when saving, we should never forget about the requirements for the quality of the purchased material - this issue should always be given special attention. It is recommended to purchase products manufactured only in large-scale production facilities, equipped with proper equipment that controls the technological process and provides certain guarantees to the consumer.

Below is a table of the approximate cost of pressed flat slate sheets of the most popular sizes, depending on thickness (for 2021):

In addition to standard sheet sizes, other material options can be found on sale. It is clear that prices there may fluctuate somewhat.

Area of ​​application of flat slate

Flat slate chrysotile cement sheets are used in the following areas of construction:

• The material is used for cladding internal and external walls of residential, administrative, public, and industrial buildings. Sheets of different sizes with a thickness of 8÷10 mm are suitable for this purpose.

Flat slate sheet, decorated to look like stone even at the production stage

• In hinged ventilated facades as decorative cladding. Slabs decorated with colors or patterns can be used here.
• Construction of enclosing structures. Here, ordinary gray sheets are also used, which are painted in the desired color independently, or tinted material is purchased in advance. The first option will be cheaper, but the paint will have to be updated periodically. If you purchase slate made from a composition dyed in the mass, then it will not be afraid of moisture, ultraviolet radiation or other external influences. It will not change its color throughout its entire service life, and the paint will not peel off from it.

Facing outbuildings and arranging site fencing
Fencing structures made of flat slate are not only fences, but also the walls of gazebos, firewood sheds, outbuildings, etc.

• The sheets are used in the production of sandwich panels used for the construction of residential buildings, as well as other buildings.
• Slate sheets are excellent as permanent formwork for the construction of foundations and walls of private one- and two-story houses.
• Arrangement of flat roofs covered with rolled materials. Sheets are used to create prefabricated screeds.
• Flat sheets are also used as roofing material for pitched roofs. Most often, small sheets are used for this purpose, laid according to the principle of installing tiles.

Sheathing the foundation with flat slate

• To create an enclosing parapet for loggias and balconies, as well as for cladding the basement sections of foundations, sheets of small width are used.
• Incorporation of sheets into building structures - laying on the base of floors as a “dry screed”, covering interfloor ceilings, creating rough and finished floors, arranging suspended ceilings, creating window slopes, window sills, boxes, etc.

Organization of paths between beds with flat slate walls

• Fencing raised beds on a summer cottage, as well as arranging paths between them.

Having considered the areas of application of flat slate, we can come to the conclusion that it is a multifunctional material that is applicable in different areas - both outdoors, where it is exposed to moisture, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes, and indoors.

If you wish, with skill and spending a certain amount of time, you can independently give a nondescript gray surface a decorative look. The sheets are painted in one color or even a stylized design is applied.

Flat slate can be painted before or after its installation.

Special compositions are even produced for painting slate, but you can also use those paints and varnishes that are intended for concrete.

If you purchase sheets painted on top (not in bulk), then when they are cut or chipped, the gray color of the concrete will certainly appear. It is best to paint such areas immediately before installation in a shade close to the main color.

Operating principle of the line ↑

The production of slate is organized on technological lines that fully support the entire production cycle. It includes the preparation of components and their mixing, and the release of the finished product.

Pulp preparation and extraction. The process takes place in special mixers. In them, the raw materials are evenly mixed with water. Then, with a special tool, the amount of material required to form the sheet is taken out from the prepared composition. The design of the extractor allows water to drain. When the bulk of the liquid has flowed out, the mixture is transferred to the next section. Molding. The required profile is obtained from the workpiece using a molder. The remaining excess water is pumped out during the molding process with a vacuum pump.

The molded blank, which has undergone initial drying, is kept in a press machine. Here, the squeezing out of excess liquid continues, and the product is initially strengthened.

Pressing. All excess liquid, both separated from the pulp and squeezed out, is returned back and used again in the manufacture of products. The time it takes for sheets to pass through the press machine (30–75 seconds) is determined by the technology and depends on parameters such as the type of press machine, the pressure it creates, and the feed speed.

After the asbestos-cement sheets acquire their design strength after curing, they are cut to size according to GOST slate. Of course, every manufacturer of slate (wave, flat) today has the right to develop their own specifications and manufacture products in accordance with the dimensions specified therein, however, most of them prefer to adhere to GOST.

Excess product scraps are subject to recycling. Waste-free production makes it possible to reduce costs. Finished products in stacks, which are placed on a pallet, are transferred to a warehouse, where they continue to gain the required strength.