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Slate
Slate is one of the most commonly used materials in roofing and is used for the creation of shingles, most commonly in the United Kingdom and areas of Europe. The rock itself itself is metamorphic and is usually grey in colour but can occur in other shades such as purple, green or even cyan. There are still many slate quarries in the UK and Europe that produce materials for the roofing industry, however in modern times the demand for slight has decreased and many have closed. This means that reclaiming old slate from buildings that are being demolished or having their roofs replaced and using the reclaimed material in a construction.
Common grey slate tends to be the cheapest, with the more unique shades fetching higher prices. Certain quarries are also able to charge more than others due to the higher quality of slate that they are able to mine, like all rocks the weather resistancy, strength and hardness varies according to location and age. Since slates can be cut easily both along the cleavage planes and the grain it is perfect for using in roofing as shingles as it can be cut accurately with relatively simple tools to allow precise fitting on a roof or structure. Slate tiles are also used in the home for wall cladding both inside and outside the structure.
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