The use of welsh slate is an ancient art, dating back to Roman times. In fact, it was first used to build a fort in Segontium. Today, the slate industry continues to flourish in Wales, with many homes and businesses made of it. Read on to learn about its history and use in construction. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of welsh slate.
The slate industry grew in popularity as the Industrial Revolution rolled in. However, the decline in the industry started much earlier, with an explosion in demand for roofing tiles and the advent of the Victorian age. As a result, the market for slate shrank from 54,000 tons in 1958 to less than two thousand tons in 1970.
Slate from Wales is highly durable, making it a popular choice for many construction projects. This material is completely water-proof, making it the perfect choice for buildings near the ocean. Additionally, unlike most other materials, it is untouched by UV radiation and pollution. Even if the slate is exposed to sunlight for several hours a day, it will stay untouched.
The landscape of the Welsh slate industry is a striking example of the industrial sublime. Three of them are open-air, and are characterized by steep staircases and stepped terraces. The underground quarries are even more striking. Visit Murnane Slate Roofing to see some of these quarries up close. There, you will be able to take a tour of the industry and view the amazing landscapes that surround it.
Slate mining used to be an artisanal process that was dominated by men working alone and in partnership. However, with the advent of mass-production, the process of extraction became much more efficient. The process of extracting slate was incredibly labor intensive, with a great deal of shifting stone required to make a single block that could be split easily. Consequently, the area was left with high unemployment and a low population.
The stone is 500 million years old and is made by compressing clay over thousands of years. In addition, the Welsh Mountains were formed due to the movement of tectonic plates. This combination of factors makes the Welsh slate an incredibly durable material for construction. There are numerous reasons why slate is so durable and popular, and it is the perfect choice for any project.