Materials
What is Slate?
Roofing Glossary · Materials
Definition
A natural stone roofing material split into thin, flat tiles from metamorphic rock quarried primarily in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York. Genuine slate is the longest-lasting roofing material, with documented installations exceeding 150 years. It is Class A fire-rated, pest-resistant, and highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. Its weight (700-1,500 lbs per square), cost ($15-30/sqft installed), and need for specialist installers limit its use to luxury and historic applications.
Related Roofing Terms
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Synthetic SlateA roofing product designed to replicate the appearance of natural slate using polymer composites, ru...
→Clay TileA roofing material formed from natural clay shaped into barrel, flat, or S-shaped profiles and kiln-...
→Fire RatingA classification system (Class A, B, or C) rating a roofing material's resistance to fire spread. Cl...
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