How is slate formed?

Slate is a natural material formed millions of years ago. Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed when ocean or riverbed sediments were compressed and heated by the earths crust. Its main constituents are Quartz, Chlorite, Mica and Calciate.

Slate is blasted from quarries in large slabs, and then cut into smaller, more manageable slabs before being split to form roofing slates.

A quality building material

There are many countries producing slates and the quality of the slates between countries varies significantly. In our opinion, Welsh slate is far superior to that you would find from the Far East. Welsh slate benefits from a number of highly practical properties that make it an exceptional roofing material. It is the most durable slate in the world with a useful and efficient life of more than 100 years.

Slate roofs are known to be ‘one of the most fire resistant roofs’, as slates are completely fire proof, which is a big advantage when preventing fires caused by air borne sparks from fireworks, wild fires or from adjacent property fires.

Slates come in many different sizes and colours such as grey, green, purple and black. Historically roofing slates were fixed with wooden pegs, a practice that evolved into two radically different methods. In the UK the pegs were replaced by nails and on the continent they were replace by ‘s’ shaped metal hooks. Years ago each size of slate had a its own name such as, Duchess – 24” x 12”, Countess – 20” x 10” and the Viscountess – 18” x 9”.

Proctor roofing: laying slate tiles for over 100 years

At Proctor Roofing, we have been laying slates for over 100 years making us well experienced in slate roofs. Our roofers are more than adequately qualified and roofs are laid in accordance with British Standards.

What slate roofing requirements do you have?

Proctor Roofing can offer you a competitive quotation. We only use materials we know and trust from ethical suppliers. We are well capable of installing your new slate roof or to repair a damaged existing one.

We provide slate roofing services for domestic properties, social housing, care homes and commercial properties.