Slate Roofing: A More Sustainable Option
12 April 2023Putting evidence that your firm is environmentally responsible is more important than ever to attract new customers. The number of homeowners on board with this movement is showing their support by adopting environmentally friendly practises and sustainable roofs is growing. Many people nowadays are searching for environmentally friendly options for all aspects of their projects, from their heating and cooling systems to their roofing systems.
Regarding how sustainable roofing materials are, we typically cannot restrict ourselves to selecting just one type of material. We need to think about how that material changes through time and whether or not it will be thrown away when it reaches the end of its life cycle. When discussing sustainability, it is important to consider the effects a certain industry has on the surrounding environment and the number of resources required for its extraction and production processes.
This article will demonstrate why slate roofing is one of the most long-lasting, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternatives available and why it has stood the test of time.
What Is a Slate Roof?
Slate has been used in the construction of roofs since the 12th century when it was first used to protect and decorate the cathedrals and churches of Wales. Stone from the surrounding landscape is quarried, shaped, and then laid atop the structure to serve as a shield from the weather. Some slate roofs have outlived the buildings they were attached to; in fact, numerous slate roofs have survived over 100 years or more.
Slate Roofing an Eco-friendlier Option
Natural slate is one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials available, and slate mining in the immediate area is your best bet. Due to its geographic isolation from the world’s leading slate producers, Australia cannot fulfil this need. Consequently, the best possible choice is to work with slate importers who have a solid reputation and actively manage their environmental impact. How can you be of assistance? You can reduce the requirement for interstate transfers if you shop locally, buy from vendors inside your state, and so on.
Chemicals, Re-Sprays, And Treatments
Other environmentally friendly roofing choices also involve the collection of natural materials that are recyclable and decomposable and offer long-term cost savings in the form of reduced energy use. When selecting a material for your roof, you should consider whether it “would require a lot of upkeep and treatments.” In contrast to most goods, slate does not need to be “re-sprayed” or “treated” every 10–20 years. Why, you ask? Due to increased knowledge of environmental best practices, it is now more difficult to discard items that have been treated.
Other Types of Roofing
In addition to slate roofing, which is sustainable in many ways, the following are a few additional roofing options that may be a part of your effort to make your home more environmentally friendly: clay tiles, concrete tiles, and metal roofing. Regarding sustainability, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; each has its interpretation of “how they are sustainable.” However, most still employ coatings (or paint, to put it more simply) to obtain the finish they want. How a product is produced, and its coatings, applications, fixes, logistics, maintenance, and post-mortem recyclability all contribute to its overall environmental effect.
Takeaway
The extraction, cutting, and transportation of slate are initially the sole processes involved in its production. But it is in a class of its own regarding longevity, with a colour spectrum that man and no need for significant maintenance cannot replicate.
Slate roofs typically have a lifespan between 75 and 100 years when properly maintained. Proven to require little upkeep. Additionally, it will assist in the thermoregulation of your home and is an excellent investment for the long term in your property. Because of its ability to conserve energy and be recycled, slate is an excellent investment for the present and future of our world.
