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Slate is a natural stone substance found deep underground that is routinely mined out of the earth at slate quarries around the world. Quarry workers split each piece of slate to it\u2019s desired thickness, and dimensions by hand. Because it is a high-density, fine-grained stone, slate can be split off into \u201csheets\u201d that can then be chiseled into the correct shape.<\/span><\/p>\n Slate is used in a variety of applications, from building and design to art and decor. Aside from slate roofs, you\u2019ll often see it on countertops in the kitchen, or on shower walls in the bathroom. Because of slates natural thermal stability, chemical inertness, and resistance to moisture, high-quality laboratory tables, and workbenches, as well as pool tables (billiards) are often made from a single slab of slate. Expensive cutting blocks used for food preparation and some gravestones are made from slate. Slate has been, and always will be a hallmark of quality, durability, and refinement, within the materials industry.<\/span><\/p>\n Slate roofing has been in use for thousands of years and is proven to be one of the most durable forms of roofing in existence. There are slate roofs in working order today, that were installed centuries ago. One reason slate is so durable is because it is a high- density, non- porous material. That means that nothing will penetrate the surface of the stone over time, therefore nothing degrades its internal structure over time. Other roofing materials, even plastic imitation slates will develop mold and mildew due to moisture penetration and UV degradation of the surface of the material. Not only is slate naturally waterproof and fireproof, but it is also UV resilient, and hail-impact resistant. The combination of UV degradation, surface penetration, and structural erosion is what limits the life spans of many man-made building materials.<\/span><\/p>\n You might ask yourself, what\u2019s the downside of slate? Why wouldn\u2019t everyone use slate for roofing and everything else? The answer is simple. Weight and cost, slate is expensive, and heavy to say the least. In terms of roofing, this is a double knock, because the extra weight translates into extra engineering and extra structural enhancements. This can all add up and sometimes it might not be worth it to install a slate roof, but most of the time, it is worth it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n An S1 rated slate roof has a life expectancy of 75 to 150 years, which means over time it will pay for itself. Not only that, slate roofs come with a certain level of elegance and refinement to their aesthetic, topping off some of the most picturesque homes and structures ever created. Slate roofs require little to no maintenance, and some lightweight slate roof systems even have preventive measures in place to prevent leaks if a piece of slate is broken or missing.<\/span><\/p>\n