Enhances sustainability

SlateSpacer™ enhances sustainability by extending the lives of the roof slates, the roof structure and the quarry.

Beyond the roof — Some effects of extended slate life

Roofing slate is naturally "green", but with SlateSpacer™, slate sets a new standard for sustainability.

Other products have to be manufactured and then processed. Already formed, slate removes manufacturing from the equation. Slate is natural, non-toxic, not petrol based, and long-lasting.

No human exertion is without consequence. And the consequence of slate production is the creation of big holes and debris piles. SlateSpacer™ reduces both substantially.

By significantly increasing slate life, SlateSpacer™ significantly reduces:

• the rate of depletion
• the rate of debris accumulation (quarry burden)
• the rate of disposal (landfill burden), and
• carbon emissions

Rate of depletion

Slate is a remarkable natural resource that awaits sensible use. But it is non-renewable, and care is required to shepherd it well. Quarries have a life. At some point, the vein runs out, property constraints exert themselves, or the cost of extraction becomes prohibitive.

A quarry's life relates directly to the life span of the slate it produces. A significant increase in slate life amounts to a significant increase in the life of the quarry.

Rate of debris accumulation

Quarriers work hard to maximize their yield — their ability to extract more finished product out of a given block of unfinished stone. Yields have improved over the centuries. Still, trimmings (what is cut away as blocks become slates) accumulate. A significant increase in slate life means a substantial reduction in the rate of debris accumulation.

Rate of disposal

When a slate roof reaches the end of its life, it is sent to the landfill. Extended slate life directly reduces the rate of disposal and the landfill burden.

Construction-related debris fills a large percentage of our landfills. And it is a global problem. An audit of an urban landfill in Australia, for example, showed that construction and demolition debris accounted for 53% of the landfill by weight, with demolition accounting for the majority of this.

Less durable roof choices may go to the landfill two, three or more times before a slate roof with SlateSpacer™ has reached the end of its life. And when they do, they may leach toxins. Slate, and SlateSpacer™, are non-toxic.

Service does not deform SlateSpacer™. Spacers (and slates) can be removed and re-used. SlateSpacer™ is made of stainless steel and is 100% recyclable.

Carbon emmissions

Extended life directly reduces carbon emissions by reducing the activity needed to produce and deliver replacement roofs.

Also, SlateSpacer™ is completely passive, requiring no power to perform its air circulating function.

To do more with less — this is the essence of sustainability. SlateSpacer™ helps.