THE CASE FOR SLATE

Natural slate is one of the oldest building materials known to man. It is also one of the most durable and most beautiful, with subtle nuances of colour and variations of texture. With its simple lines and versatile characteristics, it has for generations been the natural choice of architects and interior designers, especially when considering durability - its aesthetic qualities complementing both natural and man-made materials such as glass and steel. As it ages, it does so attractively, with minimal degradation, minimal maintenance.

Slate requires only two nails or a hook for fixing, which is inexpensive compared to the special fixings required by some artificial/ reconstituted products. Should a slate be broken, it is much easier to replace than a tile with specialised fixings.

The ease of installation of natural slate makes it highly suitable for any projects with hips, valleys, etc.

It is also a very practical material, making it superbly adaptable and ideal for a wide variety of environments. Amongst its many practical qualities are the following:

• Exceptionally durable, making it more cost effective than its artificial counterparts.
• Unaffected by normal extremes of temperature.
• Highly resistant to acids, alkalis and other chemicals.
• Retains its colour even in UV light.
• Impermeable to water.
• Easy to handle and maintain, making it an economical choice for all building purposes.
• Readily available in a variety of sizes, colours and textures.