- Natural In our quarries, slate is removed directly in its natural state. Slate is made up of rocks and belongs to the shale family, a fine-grained rock that is generally black or iron grey and sometimes green or reddish. This type of slate is characterized by the structure of its parallel layers that are easily cleavalbe. Slate was originally formed by very thin, argillaceous marine sediments which settled deep into the sea and reached significant densities of 5/6000 m. Increased temperatures and pressure transformed the sediments into sedimentary rock, and the movements of the earth’s crust transformed it into slate.
- Historic Slate has been used for roof tiles since antiquity. This stone can easily be split into smooth and thin tiles. Slate is also used to manufacture objects such as pool tables, sinks, counters, interior and exterior design elements and for low walls. Neglected in Quebec for the past 100 years, slate is now taking on new life.
- Easy maintenance No sealing material is required for outdoor use, but may be applied to indoor tiles to protect them against markings and increase their impermeability. Slate can be cleaned using a soapy or plain water solution; it will not be altered by household cleaning solutions. Upon request, we can offer you suggestions of various compatible sealing materials.
- Durable Quality Ardobec slate has an impressive resistance to wear and will not crumble. In the Eastern Townships, there are roofs more than 100 years old which remain in good condition. Slate can withstand bad weather, frost and acid rain; it won’t fade and is unaltered by the sun and its UV rays. Laboratory test results are available upon request.
- Solid Slate is strong and rigid and can be used as structural slabs like steps in a room. The horizontal layering makes for a very strong stone.
- Easy to use Slate can be cut easily with a diamond saw and split with a hammer and cutter.
- Versatile Slate can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some uses include tiling, masonry, counters, roofs and décor. Its clean and simple colour allows it to blend well with its environment.
- Environmentally friendly This natural stone has not endured any chemical or calorific transformation following its extraction. Its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) makes it a green material as much during transformation, which requires very little energy, as during use. The material is durable and 100% post-consumer recyclable. We estimate that 0.0026 tonnes of CO2eq is consumed during the extraction and transformation of one (1) tonne of slate. For example one (1) tonne of cement consumes about 0.1 tonnes of CO2eq or in other words, 40 times more greenhouse gas than one (1) tonne of slate.
- Safe Slate is slip resistant if kept in its natural state.
- Heat storage Solid slate is a fabulous heat conductor with highly passive thermal inertia. It gathers heat from the sun which it emits as it gets cooler.