[MassHistPres] Synthetic slate

[George Shaw]

real slate has a proven track record of longevity, that generally extends well beyond the 50 years many quote. There are a significant number of slate roofs in Europe that are over 300 years old. Real slate roofs can be repaired quite easily by a skilled slate roofer, thus extending the effective life of the roof. As far as I know fake slate can't be repaired in the same way nor as effectively, as real slate can.  I'm sure that we could have a heated debate around questions of sustainability but in my mind a roof that can last for several hundred years, with care is a better choice than some recycled product that may last 50.  And given that there is a market for slate salvaged from roofs, that issue is further minimized. And honestly, I haven't seen a fake slate roof that comes close to looking like a slate roof.  Nor as real or beautiful. 
Cost wise: installation, and material costs aren't that different and fake slate ultimately costs more when you factor in life cycling. 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Eric Dray 
To: MHC listserve
Sent: 5/11/2009 2:32:40 PM 
Subject: [MassHistPres] Synthetic slate


Does anyone have information on the relative cost, and performance over time, of synthetic slate?

Eric Dray
Provincetown Historical Commission
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