How long do Fibre cement slates last?

Category: home and garden indoor environmental quality
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around 50-60 years



Similarly, you may ask, are Fibre cement slates any good?

Due to the material used in the manufacturing process, fibre cement slates are a more cost-effective option than natural slates. This is good news for people working on a tight budget and for building companies who also have to carefully watch their margins.

Furthermore, what are Fibre cement slates? Fibre cement slates are slates that have been manufactured from fibre cement, to produce an alternative to natural slate that has economic and environmental advantages, as well as a number of other benefits.

In this manner, how long do cement roof tiles last?

50 years

Is Slate cheaper than tile?

Slate tends to be more expensive than tiles. It is also double lapped to perform a watertight layer, which adds to the cost of installation. However, it's long-lasting properties usually mean that after the initial cost, you will have very few expenses on your roof for many years to come.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How many slates are in a m2?

How many roof slates per M2? The amount of slates you need per square metre (m2) depends on which slate size you're using. For example, if you're using a 20×10 slate (500mmx250mm), you will require 21 slate per m2. A 24×12 slate (600mmx300mm) demands only 13 slate per m2.

How much do slates cost?

Natural Spanish slates
Slates (3,547 slates @ £1.27 each) £4,504.69
Universal dry hip and ridge system and ridge and hip tiles £3,989.00
– Labour (5 days) £1,260.00
Valley lead £92.42
– Labour £36.12

When should I replace my concrete tile roof?

This means that a replacement will be necessary after around 30-40 years. In many cases, battens and underlayment of concrete tile roofs need replacing even sooner than that due to inferior installation procedures or materials. In the worst cases, this could even be within just 5-8 years after their first installation.

How do you cut fiber cement roofing sheets?

Mitring roofing sheets involves the cutting of opposite corners of roof sheets to prevent four overlaps of roof sheet occurring. To do this, use a hand or power saw to cut a clean and straight line. Each sheet should have two mitres, apart from roof sheets on the perimeter of the roof.

Are concrete roof tiles any good?


Concrete tiles can simulate the appearance of traditional clay tiles, wood shake, slate and stone. Like clay, concrete tile surfaces can be textured or smooth, and tile edges can be ragged or uniform. They are resistant to hail, wind, and fire, making them a very safe roofing material when properly installed.

How long does roofing felt last under tiles?

When it comes to a felt flat roof's lifespan, the majority of guarantees will only last for ten years. If well installed and maintained, roofing felt could last longer but it will require time and money to keep it in a decent state.

Can you walk on a slate roof?

Working on a slate roof requires delicacy. Some roofs have been up for nearly a century and while the stone is still effective, damage is possible. Experienced slate installers never walk on a slate roof, but instead erect scaffolding or prop hook ladders to the side of the building before beginning repairs.

How do you work out slate gauge?

Batten and Holing Gauges for Natural Slate
It also allows you to determine the holing gauge (distance from hole to tail of slate) and the number of linear metres of batten per m2 of roof. Batten gauge = (length of slate-headlap)/2. Holing gauge = batten gauge + headlap + 10mm.

How do you cut slate?

Buy or rent an angle grinder or circular saw to cut through thick slate. Angle grinders and circular saws are suited to cut slate. Make sure to use a carbide or diamond tipped blade because slate will dull weaker blades. Also, your cutter wheel should be as thin and fine as possible, which will reduce spalling.

How do you cut synthetic slate?


For common straight cuts it is easiest to use an asphalt shingle cutter. Mount the cutter on the roof and set the guide to the desired depth. Next, press the synthetic slate tile firmly against the guide to ensure the cut is perfectly straight. Finally, lower the cutting arm to shear the tile in two.

How do you use a slate ripper?

How to Use
  1. Locate to be repaired piece of slate.
  2. Slide the ripper underneath the broken piece of slate.
  3. Hook the “ear” of the ripper on the nail that is holding the slate.
  4. Use a hammer and hit back on the handle portion of the ripper to remove the nail.
  5. Once the nails are removed, slide the broken piece of slate out.

How do you repair roof tiles?

Cracked or Broken Roof Tile
  1. Carefully pry up the tile (or tiles) just above the cracked or broken one.
  2. Break the faulty tile, and remove the pieces.
  3. Spread a small amount of roofing cement along the underside of the replacement, and slide it into place.
  4. Press all tiles down gently but snugly.

Do cement tiles need to be sealed?

Like all concrete and natural stone, cement tiles are porous. When installing cement tiles, whether on a floor or wall, they must be sealed before and after grouting to prevent the grout staining the tile.

Can I walk on my tile roof?

First off, we don't recommend that you walk on your concrete tile roof, if you can avoid it. Sure, concrete tiles are strong. But they're not really made to be walked on. Every time you walk on the tiles, you put stress on them that can crack them or loosen them.

Why do concrete roof tiles crack?

Many roofing tiles are designed with a longitudinal interlock to allow proper water shedding in order to match the current surface elevation. The high kinetic energy of the hail impact on the lower corner of the roof tile can cause a point load break, or crack at the over lock corners.

Do concrete roof tiles absorb water?

If concrete roof tiles are laid properly on a slope surface, they will not leak or absorb water. This is even true of properly installed porous roofing material such as clay roofing tiles, as long as water does not pool on the roof and they aren't damaged in some way, then they will not leak.