Sizes of the 7th and 8th wave sheet of slate
All Russian-speaking people, even remotely familiar with the construction terminology, “slate” is known as a wavy roofing material of gray. Although translated from German, this term means “slate”, it has been produced for a long time from asbestos cement or chrysotile cement. The various sizes of slate and reasonable price for a roof from it provide to material high popularity among developers. Even in the condition of competition with more modern and durable counterparts, it surely takes the rubbing of this market. In this article we will talk about the types and sizes of slate sheet.
Varieties
Slate is a roofing material made from Portland cement and water with the addition of asbestos or chrysotile. In the manufacturing process, the ingredients are kneaded in the required proportion so that a thick, viscous mixture is obtained, which is subsequently poured into forms. There it stiffens and becomes wavy or straight. Then manufacturers cut the slate, the dimensions of which are regulated by GOST 303040-95 and GOST 18124-95. According to these standards, there are 2 types of asbestos-cement sheet:
- Wave. Wave slate has a characteristic wavy relief, it is used to overlap roofs. Thanks to the gutters, it effectively and quickly removes thawed and rainwater from the slope. Manufacturers produce 5, 6, 7 and 8 wave slate. The amount of waves depends on the size of the slate, the height of the ridges, as well as the distance between them. Manufacturers recommend to mount this type of material on roofs with slopes of at least 12 degrees.
- Flat. Flat slate is a regular sheet of asbestos cement of rectangular shape. It is used for wall cladding, foundation formwork, as well as roofing material. The dimensions of the sheet of such material have a wide range, they are determined by the technical regulations adopted by the manufacturer. Flat slate has greater mechanical strength, but absorbs more moisture. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply such a coating on roofs with a slope of less than 19-22 degrees.
Note! According to the requirements of GOST, the main parameters of a sheet of slate are the wave height and the distance between two adjacent ridges. These indicators are reflected in the adopted labeling. Slate produced in two sizes: 40-150 and 54-200. In each size there are 7 and 8 wave marks of asbestos cement coating.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the old days, slate had not many competitors, but at the moment the construction market is littered with roofing materials that last longer and more efficiently. Despite this fact, more than 30% of roofs are still covered with asbestos-cement coatings. The fact is that slate significantly reduces the cost of roofing work. But not only affordable price makes builders choose this material. The years of operation in the harsh Russian climate have revealed the following advantages of using slate:
- Resistance to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature and frost. Slate is one of the most resistant to external environmental factors roofing material. He is not afraid of low negative temperatures, heat, does not burn, does not fade in the sun.
- Versatility. Asbestos cement coatings are used for the construction of any sloping roofs with a slope of more than 12 degrees. They have a fairly wide range of possible tilt angles.
- Wide range of sizes. Various sizes, different wave heights and sheet thickness make slate the best option for any type of construction. Material with a large surface area is used for the construction of roofs of industrial buildings of a large area. Material with a small sheet size is well suited for private construction.
- Easy installation. Technology laying slate does not involve the use of complex tools. Sheet cutting is done with a conventional grinder or hacksaw. Therefore, this type of coating is suitable for self-installation and repair of the roof.
- Affordable price. The cost of slate depends on the size and thickness of the sheet, however, it is 2-2.5 times less than metal tile, decking or ondulin.
Doubts are caused by the safety of using this coating, since asbestos is a danger to human health if it enters the respiratory tract or mucous membranes. Scientists who have conducted long-term studies of the material, will assure that during operation, when asbestos dust is in a bound state, there is no cause for concern. But when installing or cutting slate need to use a respirator and other personal protective equipment.


Important! Manufacturers produce plain and pressed slate. Roofing material from asbestos cement, which passes through the production process during the pressing process, eliminates the main drawback of this coating - brittleness. It is less vulnerable to pinpoint shocks, withstands heavy loads, and also lasts longer.
Standard sizes
In the USSR, where the issue of standardization in the construction industry was resolved comprehensively, it was easier to navigate in roofing products made of asbestos cement, since all enterprises were guided by GOST. Currently, this material is not subject to mandatory certification, and therefore does not have a typical sheet size. Manufacturers produce their own specifications, regulating the dimensions and quality of slate. However, most products have the following dimensions:
- The five-wave slate has a size of 1130x1750 cm with a thickness of 5.8 mm, which corresponds to the dimensions of the 8th wave material. Distinguishes its height and the number of waves in the profile. This kind of asbestos cement sheets is produced by one enterprise in the territory of Russia; it is not yet popular due to the small useful area.
- The six-wave asbestos-cement sheet is produced in the size of 1125x1750 cm with a thickness of 7.5 mm. It is called a coating with a reinforced profile, as it has a large bearing capacity, and also serves longer.
- The 7th wave slate is popular in private construction, where the roof usually has a small area, since its size is 850x1750 cm. It is smaller and lighter than the 8th wave counterpart, therefore during installation there are fewer scraps.
- Slate 8-wave is produced in the size of 1130x1750 cm, the thickness of the material is 5.8 mm or 5.2 mm. It is used in industrial construction due to its large size and useful surface area. Slate 8-wave suitable for overlapping roofs of simple geometry and shape.

Experienced roofers say that when choosing a roofing material from asbestos cement, you need to pay attention to the useful area of the sheet. Since during installation they are stacked in an overlap of 1-2 waves, due to the different width of the ridges, the two brands with the same size can have different usable areas. Least of all, this indicator is in 5 wave material, which when mounted 40% of the sheet goes to overlap.