Slate quality
A quality system that goes far beyond the required national and European testing standards. It is based on decades of experience in the production of roofing and facade slate. This has resulted in a testing system for evaluating slate qualities worldwide. Only the best deposits meet our strict requirements.
We ensure compliance with the Rathscheck quality criteria by using self-developed test methods and by constant on-site inspections of all production processes as well as production facilities. We are also supported by independent testing institutions.
We ensure compliance with the Rathscheck quality criteria by using self-developed test methods and by constant on-site inspections of all production processes as well as production facilities. We are also supported by independent testing institutions.
Not all slate is the same!
A look at the formation of slate shows why this is the case. Initially deposited as the finest clay silt on the seabed and solidified into mudstone, slate was formed around 400 million years ago during the subsequent formation of mountains under pressure and high temperatures by transformation from the mudstone.
Good slate, which is suitable for roofing and wall cladding, was only formed in places where few pollutants such as lime, carbon, sulphur or oxidizable ores were washed in and where optimum pressure and temperature conditions prevailed. It is therefore important to always specify the desired deposit in tenders and orders in order to ensure the corresponding quality.
Good slate, which is suitable for roofing and wall cladding, was only formed in places where few pollutants such as lime, carbon, sulphur or oxidizable ores were washed in and where optimum pressure and temperature conditions prevailed. It is therefore important to always specify the desired deposit in tenders and orders in order to ensure the corresponding quality.
What you should know:
- Slate is a sedimentary rock. The deposit was formed 400 million years ago under different conditions and in different locations.
- Not all slate is the same in composition and quality.
- Even slate from a quality deposit must be “checked and selected” by a professional technician to avoid any foreign inclusions, impurities, etc. Professional advice is essential.
- The nature of slate makes the intervention of an expert essential, as European standards and regulations provide only partial information.
- The European Construction Products Regulation also regulates the requirements for slate and stipulates the validity of European standards and the granting of the “CE” marking.
The purchase of slate will always be a matter of trust.
Summary
- Best slate, only from tested deposits
- Continuous control of rock quality
- Constant monitoring of the production processes
- Strict selection of the finished cover stones