Due to the affordable price and quality, asbestos-cement sheets are quite well known to builders. Wave material is more often used for roofing, while flat slate has found application in other areas of construction, although it is also suitable for roofing .
Flat Slate Features
In the manufacture of flat slate, a mixture of Portland cement with asbestos fiber and water is used. The proportion of asbestos that is evenly distributed in it is 18%, which creates a reinforcing base of slate sheets. This ratio of components makes it possible to produce flat slate, the dimensions of which vary widely, resistant to stretching and impact.
In industrial conditions, according to GOST 18124-95, two types of slate are produced:
- asbestos-cement unpressed flat;
- asbestos-cement pressed flat.
Unpressed flat slate, unlike pressed slate, has lower strength and cost characteristics. It has half the freeze-thaw cycle, which is why it is more suitable for internal work. The slate characteristics are affected by the quantity and quality of asbestos included in its composition. So, the quality depends on the diameter and length of the fibers, its mineral composition and fineness of grinding. In addition, the parameters of a flat slate depend on the condition and technical characteristics of the equipment on which it is produced.
Slate Dimensions
Slate flat, the dimensions of which depend on the thickness of the sheet, according to GOST can be:
- 3600x1500 mm with a sheet thickness of 8-10 mm;
- 3000x1500 mm with a sheet thickness of 8-10 mm;
- 2500x1200 mm with a sheet thickness of 6-10 mm;
In addition, the average deviations of the width or length of a rectangular sheet should be no more than 5 mm. In pressed sheets, the difference in the horizontal plane should not exceed 4 mm, for non-pressed sheets - 8 mm.
Material scope
Pressed flat slate is widely used in various areas of construction. It is used for the fencing of technical mines and ducts, the installation of formwork in an industrial environment, as well as for facing external and internal walls. In agricultural conditions, slate is used in the installation of fences, the construction of pens for livestock and cages in poultry farms. Summer residents and gardeners also often apply material in their areas. During the construction of residential premises, flat slate is used for fencing loggias and balconies, installing shower cabins, etc.
Material Advantages:
- durability;
- affordable price;
- resistance to static loads (human weight);
- fire safety;
- excellent sound insulation from natural phenomena (rain, hail);
- lack of electrical conductivity;
- does not decay, does not oxidize;
- does not pass UV radiation and a magnetic field;
- the surface does not heat up when exposed to sunlight;
- it is resistant to freezing, thawing, temperature fluctuations.
To protect the flat slate, it is necessary to paint it after installation, which will increase its operation time. Acrylic paints are suitable for these purposes, which form a protective film on the surface of the slate .