Galician & Spanish Slate - Products and Company Details

Natural sustainability

Slate is a naturally occurring, organic material and is one of the most sustainable forms of roofing says galician & spanish slate. According to the firm, independent research has concluded that when compared to concrete or clay tiles, or to copper or lead, slate's minimal processing gives it the lowest embodied energy of all roofing materials. The same research also states that the material's long life expectancy, low maintenance and recyclability give slate further credibility in terms of environmental impact. Independent research has also been carried out to determine the carbon emissions created during transportation. Slates from Galicia and north-west Spain are claimed to create 800 kg of emissions compared to South American slate, which can result in total emissions of 4401 kg, says the firm.

Hooked on slate fixing

The hook fixing method for slates is becoming increasingly popular in the UK says Galician & Spanish Slate. Hook fixing is a system of holding double-lap slating to battens without the need for nailing through perforations in the slates. Instead slates are held in place by attaching a hook to the batten, which extends below the end-lap to secure the slate by hooking the bottom edge at the position of the vertical joint of the lower course of slates. The method creates a constant 2-3 mm vertical gap between the slates. The technique reduces capillary action and helps limit water damage and premature ageing of the slates says the firm. The hook fixing system reduces the risk of damage as slates do not need to be holed. The system also allows for greater flexibility in roofing design.

Exciting natural slate initiative UK launch

Galician & Spanish Slate is a new, multi-platform initiative created to inform UK specifiers about the origins, characteristics and long tradition of natural roofing slate manufacture in the northern slate producing regions of Spain. The initiative will promote Spanish slate through a variety of media, including a new website: www.spanishslateuk.com and a dedicated hotline 01892 752310. A limited-edition, hand-finished book has also been created, containing all the information you'll ever need about natural slate. To reserve a copy call the hotline or email your details to mybook@spanishslateuk.com