Natural slate roofing has become increasingly in demand for quality contemporary and restoration work. The most commonly available slates are listed below.

Penrhyn

Australias traditional Heritage slate, PENRHYN is the slate by which others are judged. Originally shipped to Australia in the early 1800's as ballast, Welsh PENRHYN slate roofing has stood the test of time on such landmark buildings as the Sydney Town Hall, St. Marys Cathedral, Kirribilli House and Phillip Street Barracks. PENRHYN remains the traditional burgundy-grey in colour (also known as Heather Blue/Purple or Blue Bangor).

This slate provides not only unique aesthetic advantages in terms of colour, character and beauty, but also durability and longevity of performance proven over centuries of use both overseas and in Australia. PENRHYN is used extensively for period restoration work, but also for quality contemporary projects.

Cupa

Cupa are the highest quality Spanish slates available and their appeal can be demonstrated on such distinctive buildings as St. Marys Cathedral Presbytery and the Australian Golf Club, Kensington. Unlike other Spanish slates, CUPA is supplied with a 30 year performance guarantee and is increasingly in demand for quality domestic and commercial projects. CUPA is classic Spanish Charcoal in colour.

Hilltop Grassy Green

The Hilltop Slate Co. of New York have been producing Vermont Grassy Green slate for 150 years. During this time they have proved their durability and unfading colour in conditions ranging from the severe winters of Canada to the variable summers of Australia (e.g. ANZ Bank Collins Street, Melbourne).

Mazista

South Africas unique Mazista Silver Blue roofing slate is now available in Australia. Mazista have been producing slate roofing since 1927 and have won a reputation for adaptability and durability in both Europe and the United States.

Approximate Pricing

As a general guide, the labour cost for slate roofing is approximately $80 per metre for a typical slate roof. This price would usually include timber battens, sarking and ridge capping (e.g. lead, copper, colorbond etc.) The size and complexity of the roof may have a bearing on the final labour cost.

The Advantages of Slate Roofing

• Natural slate is guaranteed to last longer than the expected life of the building.

• Natural slate has a proven method of application and fixing which has withstood the test of time.

• Natural slate colour is stable and each slate has its own individual character due to natural markings.

• Natural slate is relatively light in comparison with most other forms of roof coverings, thus showing considerable savings in the cost of the roof sub-structure.

• Natural slate can be laid to roof or vertical slopes and is sufficiently versatile to incorporate sharp designs, angles and pitches and withstand extreme exposure to the elements.

• Natural slate is available in other forms and finishes for sills, claddings, copings, floorings, walls etc.

• Natural slate is non porous and allows a faster flow of water off a roof than any other comparable form of material.

• Natural slate has a very high resistance to both acid and alkali chemicals, is completely fire resistant and is not affected by fungus, moss, insects, animals or birds.

• Natural slate is not affected by extremes of temperature and is therefore suitable for any climate.