There are a variety of materials available for the roofs on buildings, whether they be domestic or commercial. The design of the roof will influence the material choice. A pitched roof may use a different material than a flat roof, for example. Most roofing companies have their preferred materials, but they will also have a wide range of options in terms of look, texture, and durability. For Roofers Bristol, visit www.mogfordprescott.co.uk/roofers-bristol/
Slate is a good option for roofs. Slate is actually made from a shale that contains volcanic ash and clay. The composition of the slate will vary depending on where it is mined. The slate’s composition allows it to be broken down into thin layers while still being durable. In the past, it was an expensive material to work with and purchase, so was only used on high-class buildings like castles and military installations. Around 1300 AD, it is believed that the first slate roofed building was discovered in North Wales.
Slate is used in many countries, not just the UK. It’s a very popular material for roof tiles. Spain is believed to have 90 percent of all slate roofs in the world. Around 1800, the Spanish began to quarry slate for use in domestic buildings. Around 1785 was the time when quarrying slate in America began, although slate roofs had been used since the 1600s.
The development of newer materials that are as durable as slate, but easier to work with and cheaper to produce led the use of slate in roofing to decline rapidly. Slate roofing was rapidly reduced as a result. Slate has slowly become more popular in recent years as people have begun to look at it as a roofing material. This is due to the desire for historic buildings and new constructions in a historical style.