Marley Eternit, the UK’s only fibre cement slate manufacturer, has launched a new SLATES brochure. It contains up-to-date technical information covering the extensive range of fibre cement and concrete interlocking slate offered by the company. Slated roofs are increasingly being specified for design-led projects in commercial, public, leisure and retail sectors, as well as traditionally adorning some of the country’s important historic buildings. Marley Eternit expects the new slates brochure to support this growing popularity.
The new brochure showcases the qualities of fibre cement and interlocking slate ranges which can exceed the outstanding roofing design aesthetics provided by natural slate products. Fibre cement and interlocking slates deliver the economic, functional and environmentally friendly benefits of the very latest slate manufacturing technology. All Marley Eternit slates can achieve an A or A+ rating in the Building Research Establishments (BRE) Green Guide to Specification, the lowest environmental impact. In particular, as Marley Eternit’s fibre cement slates are manufactured in the UK, they are the only slate product of its kind to also achieve the BRE’s highest A+ rating in its Green Guide to Specification.
Recent research undertaken by Marley Eternit highlights the common misconceptions among architects and specifiers when it comes to the perceived green credentials of natural slate - when compared to fibre cement alternatives. Slates produced from natural sources draw on rapidly dwindling resources and only 5% of mined natural slate ends up being used. Cheap imports from abroad are now commonly being selected on UK projects, despite the significant environmental impact of transportation over vast distances. This combination of natural source usage and the impact of long-distance sourcing, vividly highlights the alternative benefits of fibre cement and interlocking slates which supply outstanding design aesthetics, consistent product quality, proven cost effectiveness and real green credentials.
Slates in action
A recent Marley Eternit project is testimony to some of the inherent attractions of slate. New builds often have to meet stringent planning considerations in terms of design proposals and the final aesthetic look. This was the case during the construction of a new 81-bed hotel near the A38/A50 in Derby. Thanks to Marley Eternit’s Edgemere concrete interlocking slate, the roofing solution has addressed both these important issues to produce a stunning, design-led roofing finish.
The hotel’s roofing contractors worked closely with Marley Eternit to choose an appropriate roof slate which not only supported the architect’s design vision, but allowed the finish to blend seamlessly into its surrounding environment and thereby satisfy the requirements of the local planning authority.
As part of the approval process, the 800 sq metre construction had to meet strict appearance conditions to proceed. Specifying the Edgemere Smooth Grey Concrete Interlocking Slate enabled the building to fit in perfectly within its location. One of the product characteristics of the Edgemere interlocking slate is its thin leading edge which promotes an attractive, ‘slate-like’ appearance. This, coupled with the grey colour finish, gives the roof a traditional ‘look and feel’, an essential factor for this build.
Rebecca Farren, marketng executive for Marley Eternit says: “With the growing popularity of slated roofs come many considerations, ranging from product quality to the impact on the environment of the specified solutions. Our new slates brochure clarify these important issues by helping to demonstrate that our slates range, and the options within the range, not only delivers on a pure aesthetic level, but also really hits the mark when it comes to minimising environmental impact, when compared to the selection of natural slate products.”
The Marley Eternit fibre cement slate range encompasses four options – Rivendale, Birkdale, Garsdale and Thrutone - each offering differing design and cost perspectives to match individual project considerations. The interlocking range, covering Melbourn and Edgemere closely resembles natural slate, as well as having the benefit of quick and easy installation.
The entire Marley Eternit slate range is complemented by a comprehensive selection of fittings, as well as ventilation and dry fix systems.