Brief classification of slate
The vast majority of modern buildings today are covered with different types of slate. It is a durable, durable material that does not burn and does not allow moisture, frost-proof and reliable, capable of withstanding small loads. Sheet slate for roofing has several varieties:
- asbestos - flat, wavy and with reinforced profile;
- cement-fiber or paper;
- fiberglass;
- polymer;
- rubber( bitumen) - ondulin, guta, zulin, ondura.
These types differ in the way of production and composition, the technical characteristics of them are also different.
The most popular varieties of slate
Soft slate onduline, referring to rubber, is the most popular roofing material today. They are roofs and houses. It is made from cellulose, bitumen, thermosmix, mineral additives and pigments by extrusion. The composition under the influence of high pressure and temperature is soldered into a strong material with unique properties.
This environmentally friendly material has been used for more than 50 years, withstands snow load and hurricane wind, it does not let water pass and is resistant to oil products. He does not excrete anything in the external environment, either in the sun or in the frost, you can drink water from such a roof.
Bituminous slate, which includes ondulin and other types of flexible slate, can be mounted over the old roof. This reduces the cost of construction and repair, allows in a short time to update the old buildings and extend their lives for decades.
Such material is easy to lift to the roof and easy to attach, and a variety of colors allows you to find original architectural solutions. Flexible slate firmly protects the roof also because in summer, at a positive temperature, the resin becomes plastic and closes the joints and fasteners.
Asbestos-free slate is considered to be environmentally friendly, and it finds the greatest application in Europe, where there are very strict requirements for environmental safety. Discussions on the health hazards of asbestos have not been completed so far. Of course, asbestos dust can settle in the lungs and damage them, but this requires a very high concentration.
In Europe, with a high population density, all possible harmful factors are taken into account, but in our spaces it is difficult to imagine a situation where dust from asbestos-cement slate will damage health.
Exotics of modern production of slate
Fiberglass slate or fiberglass is made of polyester resin, resistant to ultraviolet radiation. As filler and reinforcement, chopped fiberglass is used. In fiberglass, there are no voids, it is colored with pigments and organic dyes, is produced in rolls and is used for roofing of verandas, awnings and greenhouses.
Smooth slate is often called flat, and this is the cheapest and lasting asbestos cement option. This is an asbestos-and-cement slab that withstands human weight, is hygroscopic and breathable, can be compared to a ventilated facade or a sandwich panel. They not only cover the roofs, but also build small objects such as stalls, lodges and balconies from them, they are used for the erection of partitions. This slate can be painted to improve the appearance.
But completely new polymeric slate or building plastic gradually comes into use, constantly declaring its advantages. Chemistry in construction continues to replace traditional approaches to the manufacture of materials.
