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Seven advantages of fibre-cement slates
There are different roofing solutions for different types of roofs. For sloped roofs you can choose from a variety of roofing material, ranging from panels, tiles, shingles to slates. In this article we put artificial slates – made of durable fibre cement – to the test and compare them with other roofing options. So what are the benefits of fibre-cement slates for your home?
1. Fibre-cement slates are cheaper than natural slates
Slates are a good-looking type of roofing material. Housing in the Swiss Alps used to be made of slates, because of their weather resistance and durability. These stone roofs would easily last 75 to 150 years. Damage to the roof would be mainly due to ‘nail sickness’ rather than problems with the slates.
But as slates are a natural product that requires precision processes to cut this fine-grain foliated rock into the roof slates, it is very expensive. That’s why artificial slates made from fibre cement are an affordable alternative. Cedral slates are up to 65% cheaper than natural slates per m², but they look just as nice, including the rugged surfaces and edges, if you wish so.
2. The lightest option for your roof
Fibre-cement slates are the lightest choice of the traditional roofing solutions. They are composed of an ingenious mix of cement, fibres, water and air. The cement makes the slates hard as rock, the fibres give extra strength and the air adds lightness to the material. Thanks to the robustness of fibre-cement, the slates can be thinner compared to other materials such as clay or ceramic tiles, yet have the same strength.
Lightweight fibre-cement slates have the advantage that they are more user-friendly and easy to handle, a definite bonus for the roofers who have to carry them to great heights. Their limited weight makes them also compatible with more fragile roof-bearing structures. Lighter and thinner building materials also have a lower transport footprint, as more of them can be transported at the same time.
3. An easy-maintenance roofing solution
Fibre-cement slates are robust and low maintenance. Cedral slates come with a special coating that repels dirt. Thanks to the strong composition of fibre cement, the slates will not easily break, chip or split. The colour of the slates ages homogenously giving your roof a gorgeous patina. Cedral guarantees up to 15 years in even aging.
Over the years, natural residues such as moss, lichen or algae form on every roof due to environmental influences. This is more of a visual flaw than damage. The green formation only affects the protective function of the roof if the rainwater can no longer drain away properly. Then it is advisable to remove the vegetation from the roof. And if, after many years, the slates‘ protective coating wears off, it is easy to apply a new coating and you are set to go for another few decades.
4. Fibre-cement slates have a long life expectancy
Composite slates are very robust and stable. Fibre cement is resistant to extreme temperatures: Cedral slates don’t expand much in hot temperatures and they almost don’t shrink when it is freezing cold. The robust composite material, its protective coating and its temperature stability make that the fibre-cement slates last you for a life time. Cedral guarantees the intrinsic qualities of the slates up to 30 years.
5. A large choice of sizes and colours
A great advantage over natural slates is that the Cedral fibre-cement slates are made in our factories. This allows us to apply different colours and create different sizes so that you can choose from a large range of design options for your roof. Combined with different roofing patterns, the aesthetic effects are virtually endless. This gives you many possibilities to express your individuality with your home.
6. Fibre-cement slates are 100% identical
Natural slates tend to vary in size, as they are natural products. Factory-made fibre-cement slates are all identical. This makes installation a lot easier – think faster and cheaper – for a roofer, but it also gives your roof or facade a regular minimalist and pure effect.
7. Why not try slates for your facade?
It is increasingly trendy to use fibre-cement slates – in the colour of your choice – for your facade cladding. You could even chose to continue the same slates of your roof onto your walls, to create a special stylish effect. Or you can play with different colours to contrast between roofs, main walls and annexes. The choice is yours.
Want to have a closer look at what slates can do for your home? Request your free sample today!
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