WHAT IS SLATE?

Slate is formed by the metamorphosis of shale and clay. The specific density of each slate is determined by the amount of metamorphic action that occurred during its formation.

Many slate tiles are dense enough to be classified as freeze thaw stable. This means you may use them on your exterior, even in climates with harsh weather conditions.

The consolidation of shale and clay deposits during metamorphism creates a layered fabric called foliation. This foliation gives slate its characteristic cleft finish. This undulation gives slate its inherently non-slip surface and makes it comfortable to walk or stand on for prolonged periods of time.This natural foliation also creates layers in which air has become entrapped throughout the slate. These capillary like structures allow slate to easily take on the ambient temperature of your room; leaving your floor warmer to the touch than other hard surface options like ceramic tile.

The primary components of slate are quartz, mica, and chlorite. Other minerals often found in slate are hematite, graphite and magnetite. The combinations of these minerals, combined with local plant, animal and insect life; give slate its unique varieties of colours and textures.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT STYLES OF SLATE?

There are basiclly four main styles of slate, they are:

Gauged -This type of slate is 1/4" thick and is quite consistent in both its colour and its uniquely smoother cleft. These are the easiest to install.

Semi-gauged -This variety is generally 3/8" thick and has a cleft face surface. The back of these stones are mechanically ground to a more or less flat finish. This grinding gives the slate less variation in thickness and helps facilitate an easier installation. Some semi-gauged slates are able to achieve a polished finish. Please consult our product lines to find out which stones are stocked in this format.

Ungauged -These are generally 3/8" to 5/8" thick, but can vary to more extremes. Both sides of the stone have a cleft finish and are more difficult to install.

Random -Sold by weight, these are installed much like a jigsaw puzzle and have extreme variations in shape, size and thickness. This style is more challenging to install.

WHAT SIZES DO SLATE COME IN?

Slate are generally available in 12" X 12", 16" X 16" or 24" X 24". If a smaller size is required, you may simply cut larger tiles into smaller formats. An Ashlar pattern uses multiple sizes to construct a modular effect, which appears random. Ashlar is only available in theIndigo colour and is sold in 16 sf increments.

WHAT ARE SEALERS?

Slate, being a natural product, requires sealing. We recommend using quality products available from Blanchette Slate Ltd. or your local dealer. Quality sealers generally last from 5 to 7 years on an interior application, and 1 to 3 years on an exterior. Sealers are typically applied using a brush, roller or sprayer. Options for sealers are as follows:

Natural - Does not alter the color or look of the stone. Penetrating Leaves slate non-slip.

Enhanced - Darkens and highlights the natural colors. Penetrating found within the stone. A proper enhancer will enrich the colors but not leave the stone looking wet. Leaves slate non-slip.

Surface - These sealers are designed to enhance the color and look of slate by making it appear wet.
These sealers are not recommended as they scuff and show scratching on their surfaces. May affect slate’s non-slip properties.

We recommend using Blanchette’s specially formulated grouts for slate installations. Using our grout eliminates the need to pre-seal your slate prior to grouting. You may then seal your stone and grout simultaneously, skipping unnecessary steps and saving time. As each job is unique, we recommend that you consult our trained staff or your local dealer for each project’s requirements.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE DOES SLATE NEED?

Slate flooring requires very minimal maintenance. A typical cleaning would require sweeping or vacuuming the slate and then cleaning your floor using a neutral cleaner with hot water. A neutral cleaner is pH balanced (usually 7.5) to work in conjunction with your sealers.

IS SLATE EXPENSIVE?

Slate prices can vary depending on the rarity of the stone and the format in which it is purchased. Generally speaking, slate is exceptionally well priced for a natural product and fares well against quality alternatives such as hardwood or ceramics. PROPERLY INSTALLED, SLATE LASTS A LIFETIME!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE APPLICATIONS OF SLATE?

INTERIOR - Flooring, shower stalls. jetted tubs, fire places, counter tops and back splashes, table tops, feature walls, etc.

EXTERIOR - Patios and decks, walkways, cladding and roofd, sheds, fireplace stacks, swinning pools, etc.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENIFITS OF SLATE?

Warm, creates a comfortable enviroment, non-slip, aesthetic appeal, always in style, non-allergenic and easy to clean!

IS WEIGHT SOMETHING I MUST CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A SLATE FLOOR?

Any properly built home is engineered to take the weight of all common flooring, gauged stone, tile, or wood, as well as the appliances and furniture that will be on the floor. The concern with tile and stone is not the weight but the amount of movement or deflection between the joists. The extra preparation required for a stone floor is usually quite minimal and most often consists of the addition of a layer of plywood or lath, and in some cases just a bond coat over existing linoleum or tile. *A good installation will create a floor that will last you a lifetime.*