Composition and types of slate - photo and video review

In the process of searching for durable, moisture-proof roofing material, people used slate plates, which are considered the “progenitor” of modern slate, to protect the home from precipitation. Now under this name combine a variety of roofing materials, similar in method of manufacture, type and installation technology. This article will tell you what types of slate exist, what this material is made of and how it is used.

Asbestos slate

The most popular slate roof of asbestos cement. To make this material, manufacturers mix only three simple ingredients: cement, asbestos and water. According to the requirements of GOST, the content of cement in the composition of slate is 85%, asbestos is 10%, the rest is water. The resulting mixture is poured into forms in an even layer and dried, then cut into individual sheets. Asbestos cement slate produced in the following forms:

1. Slate wave with a regular profile. GOST regulates the length of the sheet of this material, it is 1.28 m, width - 0.68 m, and weight - 20 kg. This material is used to overlap private houses and small structures, its compact dimensions make it possible to avoid a large number of cuttings and fittings if the roof has a small area. For equipment of the ridge, endov, and ribs, if the slate roof is of complex shape, special elements of asbestos cement are used, supplied with sheets.
2. Wavy slate with reinforced profile. The dimensions of this type of asbestos cement sheets are superior to others. Manufacturers that take into account the requirements of GOST, produce slate with a length of up to 2.8 m, width - 0.94 m, thickness - 0.8 cm. Reinforced sheets are used for the equipment of the roof of industrial buildings with a large floor area. In private housing construction they are rarely used, since the weight of each sheet exceeds 35 kg, which increases the load on the roof system and the foundation.
3. Unified wave. The dimensions of the sheet of asbestos cement with a unified profile are larger than those of the ordinary, but smaller than those of reinforced slate. Manufacturers make them 1.75 m long, 1.25 m wide, 6-7.5 m thick. Sheet weight varies between 26-30 kg. Unified sheets are used if it is necessary to cover a large area of ​​simple geometric shape. The use of this type of material in such cases accelerates the process of erection of the roof, reduces the number of joints and reduces the cost of the roof.

Note! All types of slate from asbestos cement are resistant to moisture, burnout, temperature effects and fire. The main feature of this material is that asbestos, a mineral that is harmful to health, is used for production. During operation, the risk of asbestos dust getting into the airways is insignificant, but during installation, cutting and dyeing, respirators and eye goggles are used, they work on open air.

Metal slate

Metallic slate is a thin sheet of alloyed steel or aluminum, which in the process of production is stamped or otherwise shaped by stamping. To protect the metal roofing material from corrosion and destruction, a polymeric compound is applied to the outer surface, giving it color, and to the bottom - a varnish that protects it from moisture. Among the advantages of profiled metal experienced roofers call:

• Long service life. The metal roof, on condition that the material produced according to the requirements of GOST is chosen, is properly installed and operated for 25-50 years.
• A light weight. The square meter of this material weighs 5 kg, which is almost two times less than the weight of asbestos cement sheet of the same area. The ease of metal slate allows you to save on the truss system and the foundation.
• Smooth surface. Due to its smoothness, the surface does not hold snow masses on itself, but allows them to slide down without any obstacles.
• Fire safety. The metal has high refractory characteristics, therefore it does not burn. This property is taken into account when choosing a roofing material, as chimney pipes, which often cause fires, are led out through the roof.
• Easy installation. Installation of profiled sheets on the roof is performed at any time of the year, regardless of the weather. Shops offer various different sizes of corrugated flooring and auxiliary elements of the same material: skates, valleys, gutters. A colored slate made of metal can be chosen to any shade of home decoration.

Important! During rain, the metal roof does not dampen the sound of falling drops, but strengthens them due to the high resonating ability. This is a disadvantage of which soft slate and roofing materials from asbestos cement are devoid.

Onduin

Ondulin is called soft slate, which is made from a mixture of cellulose, mineral additives and bitumen impregnation. It looks like a wavy sheet of brown, green, blue, black or red. Ondulin is distinguished from other types of roofing materials by a bending, ductile structure that is optimally suitable for covering roofs of complex configuration and shape. According to GOST standards, each sheet has a length of 2 m, a thickness of 0.3 cm and has exactly 10 waves. The advantages of this material are:

1. Надежность. Onduin не пропускают влагу, устойчив к биологическим факторам разрушения. Срок эксплуатации, указанный в ГОСТ на данный вид продукции, составляет 20 лет.
2. Ease. Ondulin weighs much less than other roofing materials, so it does not require reinforcement of the truss frame and is simple to install.
3. Low thermal conductivity and high noise-canceling ability. Compared to other options, this material more effectively retains heat inside the house and dampens external sounds, which makes it popular among private developers.
4. Acceptable price. The price of one sheet of ondulin is 450-600 rubles, so this option of coverage is gaining popularity among the materials of the average price category.
5. Aesthetics. Color slate looks like a roof quite effectively due to a combination with a touch of walls. A wide palette of colors opens up wide possibilities for designers, allowing them to fully embody the architectural concept.

Note! A significant disadvantage of ondulin roofers consider flammability. When the temperature rises to only 300 degrees, it melts, so it is not used to block roofs with a high risk of fire. In addition, the color slate fading under the influence of the sun over several seasons.

Transparent PVC Slate

Transparent slate is a material that got its name due to the external similarity with wavy sheets. It is made of durable polymer, polyvinyl chloride. Unlike other roofing materials, transparent slate transmits light, because it is used for the construction of gazebos, terraces, sheds, greenhouses. According to the classification GOST separates two types: colorless and colored slate of PVC. Transparent slate has the following performance characteristics:

• High degree of protection against moisture, wind and snow.
• Unlimited lifetime exceeding 50 years.
• Light weight sheet and flexibility that facilitate installation.
• Resistant to temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, thanks to which transparent slate retains its integrity and color even after many years of service.
• Resistance to burning. Polyvinyl chloride is a non-combustible material that, when the temperature rises to a critical one, does not emit toxic vapors.
• High decorative potential. Due to the abundance of colors, PVC sheets are used for finishing summer cafes, restaurants, commercial buildings, even greenhouses and greenhouses. A variety of sizes allow you to choose the most economical options.

Important! Transparent slate is less durable than materials made of metal or asbestos cement. Therefore, the installation can not stand up and rely on it. Any mechanical impact can cause sheet deformation. In order to preserve the integrity of the roof, temporary wooden flooring is installed during installation on it.

All types of slate have wide scopes in private and commercial construction. Choosing among the varieties of this material, pay attention to the manufacturer's reputation, check the integrity of the sheets before payment.

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