Natural slate is probably the best roofing material in the world and has been used by man for thousands of years. Not only will good quality slate outlast other roofing materials, but when fitted properly, it will frequently outlive the lifetime of its building. The lively market for second hand slates bears this out.

Slate retains its colour and although it may weather with age, it will not fade. It is also an environmentally sound product, as it is quarried from a natural source rather than manufactured using industrial processes. In addition, it is non combustible and is compatible with all other building materials. A slate roof is easily maintained, making it an economical choice, and it is available in a variety of sizes, colours and textures.

Our product range includes (click to view):

Welsh slate	Spanish slate
American Slate	Brazilian slate
Chinese Slate

The Geology of Slate

Slate is a metamorphic rock, formed by heat and intense pressure being applied to sedimentary shale - This process causes the minerals in the shale to assume positions perpendicular to the compressive forces, producing the familiar slate cleavage. This gives slates its splitting properties and makes it suitable for roofing.

Slates range in age from the Cambrian period circa 600 million years ago, the time when life first appeared on earth, to the Silurian period around 425 million years ago, when mountains were forming in Europe and the first small land plants appeared.

The Slate of the Nation

LBS offers Ireland's most comprehensive range of quality natural roofing slates. These have been handpicked from the highest quality quarries in Wales, Spain, North and South America and China. Each slate offers its own unique characteristics, adheres to BS EN 12326: Part 1: 2004, and comes with quarry backed guarantees ranging from 30 to 100 years.