Slate is an asbestos-cement sheet. Types, sizes, characteristics and application of slate

Slate is a group of roofing and finishing materials made of asbestos-cement mixture. They are durable, non-combustible, durable and environmentally friendly. The composition of slate is asbestos and cement - natural natural materials, the processing of which does not harm the environment.

Asbestos is a natural slate with a fibrous structure. So flexible and durable that it is used for the manufacture of fire-resistant fabrics. Asbestos fibers are thin and long, which gives the products flexibility, fire resistance and tear resistance. By mixing slate with cement, roofing and facade materials are obtained that are not susceptible to corrosion, rot, acids, high temperatures, with a service life of 30-40 years.

Types of Slate

Slate factories produce flat sheets for decoration, corrugated for roofs, tiles, sewer and water pipes. Conventionally, all products from asbestos cement are divided into facade, roofing and technological.

• Roofing wavy slate. These are thin sheets with a wavy profile and tiles of various sizes. For roof equipment use extruded material with 6, 7 or 8 waves of natural gray color or painted with a polymer dye. Multi-colored slate is a novelty in the market of roofing materials. In the recent past, roofs made of this material were not decorative. With the development of technology, slate coatings have become not only strong and durable, but also beautiful.
• Features and application of flat slate. For the decoration of facades use straight (without waves) asbestos-cement slabs of smaller thickness and weight than for roofing. They are used for ventilated facades, cladding of low-rise buildings, residential buildings. Pressed and non-pressed boards are produced. For ease of installation, they are cut into squares or rectangles in accordance with the design project. Manufacturers provide additional services for cutting and dyeing solid sheets according to customer specifications. Front plates have frost resistance, impact resistance, multifunctionality. With their help imitate a front tile, slate, tile. However, finishing slate is a whimsical material that requires strict adherence to installation technology.
  

Sheet sizes

Wavy slate differs in width, thickness, number of waves. Flat material is measured by side size and density. To calculate the load on the supporting structures of the building, tables of sheet masses are used depending on their size. The weight of one square meter of material is calculated and, based on the data obtained, reinforce the details of the rafter system, foundation and walls. According to GOST, flat sheets have a rectangular shape with a length of 3.6 m, 3 m, 2.5 m and a width of 1.5 m or 1.2 m. The thickness of the flat slate is 6, 8 or 10 mm. The mass of one product is from 35 to 115 kg, depending on size and density.

Asbestos-cement sheets with a wavy profile are produced with a length of 1.75 m and a width of 0.98 m, 1.125 m, 1.130 m, a thickness of 5.8 and 7.5 cm. For private construction, it is convenient to apply the classification according to the number of waves.

The strength and resistance to stress depends on the thickness of the product. In regions with high snow levels in winter, it is advisable to use slate with a thickness of 5.8 mm or more. In the southern regions, lightweight 5.2 mm sheets are used for the construction of private houses.

The advantages of asbestos-cement sheets

Slate made from a mixture of asbestos and cement has been used in construction since 1901. During this time, its composition and production principle have not changed much. The shape and appearance undergo modifications - dyes and effective cutting tools have appeared. The slate roof has become not only practical, but also beautiful, while retaining the advantages:

• Strength - you can walk on asbestos-cement sheet, it withstands snow load in the northern regions. Resistant to falling objects and gusts of wind.
• Fire resistance - does not burn, does not smoke, does not tolerate flame. Suitable for equipping roofs in institutions.
• Low thermal conductivity - the slate roof does not heat up in the sun and does not let the cold out in the cold. A house with such a roof is comfortable both in summer and in winter.
• It does not give in to corrosion - it does not rust, does not require the application of special protective compounds.
• Resistant to acids - in regions with unfavorable ecology it retains its properties during acid rains without changing its shape, color and heat-conducting properties.
• It does not conduct current, it is safe in a thunderstorm.
• It has high noise insulation characteristics. Raindrops do not knock on the roof, noise from the street does not penetrate the house, lined with slate sheets.
• Affordable - the cost of asbestos cement coating is 2-5 times lower than the price of popular roofing materials.
• Durable - the average life of a slate roof is 30-60 years, depending on the sheet thickness, installation quality and operating conditions.

disadvantages

• Carcinogenicity - Slate is fraught with danger if made from amphibole asbestos. In most countries, the use of this mineral in construction is strictly prohibited because of its ability to settle dust in the lungs of a person and to poison the body. It has been proven that workers in asbestos plants suffer from cancer more often than everyone else. Russian slate according to GOST is made from safe chrysotile asbestos. However, it is difficult to check in which mineral the roof is made from in private factories. Therefore, the use of asbestos-cement slabs is not recommended when facing interior rooms. When working with them, it is advised to observe safety precautions and protect respiratory organs.
• Weight - one square meter of slate weighs 9-17 kg. To work with such material is possible only with helpers or after cutting into several parts.
• Fragility - when heavy objects or blows fall, it splits into several parts. For delivery and installation requires special tools and fasteners.

Slate roofs

Slate has received widespread use and popularity as a roofing material. In view of the above advantages, it is applied everywhere and is produced at 11 plants in Russia.

Classical corrugated slate roofing is a familiar picture for all regions of the country.

Slate roof is able to support the weight of an adult, which greatly simplifies the process of installation, maintenance and repair.

Modern technologies give this material a fresh look, while retaining traditional characteristics and advantages.

Facing walls with slate

When facing walls with flat sheets of asbestos cement, house owners emphasize its low cost, the ability to imitate various finishing materials, ease of installation, durability and soundproofing qualities.

Direct slate sheets are used for wall partitions, sandwich panels, when installing floors, in livestock and farming.

Fences and barriers

The slate fence does not burn, does not rot, does not deform, is not afraid of moisture, the sun, heat and temperature changes. It is inexpensive, easy to install. It is easy to paint, bringing in line with the overall design of the site.

Asbestos cement pipes

Slate pipes are used for drainage from the site, for wells, chimneys, drains, garbage chutes, heating systems.

Due to the variety of sizes and types of slate, products from it are used in various fields of construction. Low cost, reliability and proven performance allow us to recommend asbestos materials in the construction and decoration of private houses, including without the involvement of professional builders.