Seven advantages of fibre cement slates

1. Fibre cement slates are cheaper than natural slates

Slates are an attractive roofing material. Housing in the Swiss Alps used to be made of slates because of their weather resistance and durability. These stone roofs would easily last 75 to 150 years. Damage to the roof would be mainly due to ‘nail sickness’ rather than problems with the slates.

However, as slates are a natural product that require precision processes to cut the fine-grain foliated rock into the roof slates, it is very expensive. That’s why slates made from fibre cement are an affordable alternative which combine the benefits of modern slate technology with the look of a natural slate.

2. A lightweight roofing solution 

Fibre cement slates are the lightest choice of the traditional roofing solutions. They are composed of an ingenious mix of cement, fibres, water and air. The cement makes the slates hard as rock, the fibres give extra strength and the air adds lightness to the material. Thanks to the robustness of fibre cement, the slates can be thinner compared to other materials such as clay or ceramic tiles, yet have the same strength.

Lightweight fibre cement slates have the advantage that they are more user-friendly and easy to handle, a definite bonus for the roofers who have to carry them to great heights. Their limited weight also makes them compatible with more fragile roof-bearing structures. Lighter and thinner building materials also have a lower transport footprint as more of them can be transported at the same time.

3. A low maintenance material 

Fibre cement slates are robust and low maintenance. Cedral slates come with a special coating that repels dirt. Thanks to the strong composition of fibre cement, the slates will not easily break, chip or split. The colour of the slates ages homogenously giving your roof a gorgeous patina. Cedral guarantees up to 10 years in even aging.

Over the years, natural residues such as moss, lichen or algae form on every roof due to environmental influences. This is more of a visual flaw than damage. The green formation only affects the protective function of the roof if the rainwater can no longer drain away properly. Then it is advisable to remove the vegetation from the roof, and if after many years the slates‘ protective coating wears off, it is easy to apply a new coating and you are set to go for another few decades.

4. Fibre cement slates have a long life expectancy

Composite slates are very robust and stable. Fibre cement is resistant to extreme temperatures: Cedral slates don’t expand much in hot temperatures and they almost don’t shrink when it is freezing cold. The robust composite material, its protective coating and its temperature stability allow the fibre cement slates last you for a life time.

5. A choice of sizes and colours

A great advantage over natural slates is that Cedral fibre cement slates are made in our factories, allowing us to create a range of colours and finishes, providing a great variety of design options for your roof. Combined with different roofing patterns, the aesthetic effects are virtually endless. This gives you many possibilities to express your individuality with your home.

6. Fibre cement slates are uniform in size 

Natural slates tend to vary in size, as they are natural products. Factory-made fibre cement slates are uniform in size. This makes installation a lot easier – think faster and cheaper – for a roofer, but it also gives your roof or facade a regular minimalist and pure effect.

7. Why not try slates for your facade?

It is becoming increasingly popular to use fibre cement slates – in the colour of your choice – for your facade cladding. You could even chose to continue the same slates of your roof onto your walls, to create a special stylish effect. Or you can play with different colours to contrast between roofs, main walls and annexes. The choice is yours.

Want to have a closer look at what slates can do for your home?

Request your free sample today!