01/27/2024
A mansard is a type of roof, easily identifiable by its two slopes at different angles that allows for better use of the interior space. It is said that was named by François Mansart but…was this French architect the true inventor of the design? In 1546, almost half a century before Mansart’s birth, Pierre Lescot […]
09/14/2023
Nowadays there are so many types and styles of roofing materials that trying to choose the proper one for your roof can be a really tough work. Before taking any decision, you have to take into consideration how long you want that roof to last, if you want it to complement the design of the […]
06/02/2023
Natural slate is a classic but at the same time contemporary material. For many centuries it has been used in many and different types of constructions and buildings. The slate roof tiles tradition is higher in those areas where natural quarries were originally found, such as Spain, England, Wales, France and Portugal. Actually, most slate in […]
04/20/2023
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals used to strengthen materials. As such, it has been used in the construction sector until it was banned in many countries for health reasons. Today, it’s banned in more than 67 countries, including the UK and all the European Union members. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) […]
Dr. Víctor Cárdenes Van den Eynde
Geologist and roofing slate independent consultant
03/14/2022
A well-installed slate roof can last without any problems for decades or even centuries. Slate is a durable, compact, dense, fine-grained rock, but above all a natural product, which makes it unique. Each slab is unique and slightly different from the rest with its own character. As it is a natural rock, slate is alive […]
12/01/2021
The best natural slate roofers in Europe are competing for the title ‘Best Skills’ of the year until the 10th December. The five finalists will compete in an open vote process in which you decide who wins: take a close look at their skills and vote for your favourite! Pinpoint accuracy, craftmanship, expertise in handling […]
10/29/2021
Winter is coming, and this season is synonymous with snow in many regions. A reason for joy for many as it offers us wonderful scenery, but is also a real headache for your roof. Buildings are put to the test during winter with low temperatures, snow and ice. When snow accumulates on the roof, it […]
Dr. Víctor Cárdenes Van den Eynde
Geologist and roofing slate independent consultant
09/16/2021
For a while now that I hear more and more people asking about the asbestos content of roofing slate. There are two ways to give an answer to this concern, the short one and the long one. First, the short one: Roofing slates do not have asbestos, it is mineralogically, chemically and geologically impossible. In […]