Roofing

Slate
Slate is Evolving, Don’t Get Left Behind
Nigel Tozer at Cupa Pizzaras looks at how natural slate has evolved and how this has offered roofers the chance to
expand their service offering.
Diffusion and Absorption
Cupa Pizzaras has also recognised that the solar
diffusion and absorption properties of natural slate
make it an ideal means of capturing and storing
solar power – and following an extensive research
and development period into renewable energy, a
Thermoslate system was introduced to enable the
integration of an invisible solar collector into any
natural slate roof or cladding.
With a lifespan of 150 years, and little or no maintenance required, slate’s practical
and aesthetic advantages have been enough to secure its enduring popularity. One of
the oldest roofing choices, Europe’s first recorded use of slate as a building material
dates as far back as the late 1300’s in North Wales. Originally, roofers would have
fitted slate tiles in the construction of castles and churches because of its durable
characteristics; but as slate was so expensive to install, only the very wealthy could
afford to use it.
As time passed, Spain’s quarrying processes adapted and developed to bring slate
roofs within the means of the average homeowner in the nineteenth century. Around
the same time, slate began to appear on institutional and government buildings
where longevity of structure is highly regarded.
Adaptability
However, the value of slate doesn’t stop at its practicality; slate’s unquestionable
beauty means it is often the preferred choice from a design stance. Indeed, slate’s
vast adaptability has earned its recognition as a credible cladding material - where
the position of the building in relation to water and its exposure to light can bring
astonishing results in relation to colour movement throughout the day.
A full range of natural slate rainscreen cladding systems suited to contemporary
building appearances, whether new build or renovation projects, is now available.
With the recently launched Cupaclad design concept, the beauty of slate is further
reinforced, with a collection of stunning finishes created by combining different
profiles, sizes and configurations. Each is inspired by current architectural trends and
designed to reinvigorate the market to think of even more new ways to use slate.
Natural slate is also the sustainable choice. Independent studies, such as one carried
out by the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE, University of Bath), have confirmed
that it is the material with least negative effects on the environment. Unlike other
materials and roofing adhesives that leave volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the
air around the building for years after being installed, natural slate uses only water in
the production process.
Thermoslate’s main component is natural slate
sourced from a number of quarries throughout
Northwest Spain, and as per traditional slate
production process, does not need additional
treatments. Unlike conventional solar panels, these
solar collectors are visually undetectable meaning
the customer can enjoy lower energy bills without
compromising the natural beauty of slate.
Previous installations have resulted in a family home
having 76% of their heating and hot water needs
covered by the collectors alone. Roofers can rejoice,
because opting for this system instead of solar
panels avoids the extra time needed to factor the
panel installations into the build plan. As a result,
roofers can expand their service offering to include
solar, renewable solutions without the extra labour
costs usually associated with solar panels.
Slate remains prevalent in the roofing industry for its
durability and environmental qualities, however its
potential to adapt may sometimes be overlooked. It
has already demonstrated that it can evolve to meet
changing design preferences as well as supporting
the sustainability agenda. With research continuing
to uncover new ways for this timeless material to
evolve, its only good news for those working closely
with the product.
For more information on Cupa Pizzaras visit
www.cupapizarras.com/uk.
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