How to Identify Slate Roof Tiles?

Roofing slate can come in many types, and each of these types has its own quantities. If you are going to hire slate roofing specialists, it is imperative that you know a little bit about the origins, quality, longevity, and different types of roofing slate available in the world right now. Because when it comes to slate roof tiles in melbourne, the difference is can be quite striking, and the knowledge of these different types can be very valuable for homeowners.

It should also be noted that the life expectancy estimates of each of these types of slate roofs is only an estimate. It can vary quiet, depending on what exactly is the source of the slate. For instance, there are many see green slates that generally start softening after 100 to 110 years, but there are many others that remain hard even after 120 years. This generally depends on the quarry or the origin of the slate.

You can also judge the quality of this slate simply by looking at the exposed surface of the slate roof tiles in melbourne. Is the surface crumbly or flaking? Or is it smooth and shiny? Smooth surface is are generally considered good, but a smooth surfaced slate roof should also be preserved. On the other hand, flaky services can be preserved too, but flagging is generally considered a sign of deterioration.

You should also keep in mind that environmental problems like pollution are also very likely to change the appearance of the slates over but period of time. Slate roof tiles in melbourne in a suburb area may remain the same color even after decades common but if you live in a pollution prone area, it they may become black due to the soot.

Having said that, let's look at the most important different types of slate roof tiles available in the world right now:

1. Sea green slate

This slate which is the color of the sea when it is first extracted from the quarry, changes its color too light gray with buffs and tans after a period of weathering down. This process of fading is very common with slate roof tiles these days, and the life expectancy of this type of slate is generally 150 years on average. It's a very common type of slate and is very highly restorable.

2. Purple slate

This slate generally remains dark purple throughout its life. Sometimes it also comes in a variegated or speckled form with the color green. The maximum life expectancy of this type of slate is considered 150 years and more. It is also very highly restorable, and you can use these purple slates with horizontal see green bands in a variety of homes in australia.

3. Unfading green slates

This is an excellent slate and it comes in light green color. In most of the cases it does not show any signs of wear or tear even after 120 years of usage. This late can easily last in your home for 200 years or more.

4. Pennsylvania black slate

It's generally a soft slate with a reduced life expectancy at 75 to 125 years. But this is a generalization. In most of the cases, and this slate fails sooner rather than later. It also comes with a smooth surface. But if you find pennsylvania black slates that do not have smooth surface or art flakey, you should not use them.

One of the more common types of pennsylvania black slate is the bangor slate which is generally smooth surface and has a fine grain that will last you for about 90 years. Another type of this slate is ribbon slate, which is generally considered the worst type. It contains a band of soft carbon material which generally falls apart overtime. Moreover, urban slate roofs, once they start falling apart, are hopeless beyond any restoration efforts.

5. Peach bottom slates

These are generally dark black, hard, and very long-lasting slates. Sometimes it may be impossible to distinguish them from buckingham style slates. The last four 150 years to 200 years, or even more.

6. Buckingham slates

These gray black slates have a life expectancy of 150 years or more. You can see many tiny silica crystals in these slates when you are looking at them in the sun. This gives them a unique appearance. They also remain hard and strong for a very long time.

For more information on slate roof tiles in Melbourne, you can also consult with your local slate roofing specialists. Contact us now!