You have spent hours picking out the right slate tile for your home. You’ve found the perfect colour and are ready to install it, but then after sealing, you notice that your slate tiles are changing colour. Is this a problem? Are you sealing them too soon?
Initially formed 400 to 550 million years ago from sedimentary silt that washed up from ancient oceans, natural slate is a microcrystalline, fine-grained metamorphic rock. These sediments have accumulated on the ocean floor for over 150 million years, forming a clay and shale layer that is thousands of feet thick.
Slate is formed by heat and pressure, which are two things that can cause cracks in our tiles. Heat causes changes within the sedimentary rock, causing it to become less dense than the surrounding rocks, allowing for expansion and other physical changes within the structure of your tiles. Any cracks present may cause discolouration or shrinkage depending on how many cracks exist within each slab before sealing begins.
Continue reading to find all you need to know about slate roof tiles, their colour, texture, and if sealing them affects their colour quality.
The Colours of Natural Slate Roof Tiles
Slate is a natural material that is formed from the metamorphosis of shale. The chemical and mineral composition of the slate tile dictates its colour. Red slate stone is produced by hematite and iron oxide, grey and black slate is created by carbon, green slate by chlorite, and purple hues are determined by hematite.
The colours in slate come from iron oxides (hematite), which is what gives it its red-brown colouration; carbonates (limestone), which is what gives it its whitish tone; and silica (sandstone), which gives it its grey-black colouration.
Red, grey/green, purple, variegated purple, and green are the standard colour descriptions for natural slate roof tiles. Though they can differ significantly from provider to provider, some common characteristics do exist.
Red is generally associated with a natural slate tile made from either clay or shale. It has a reddish-brown colour that tends to darken with age. This type of slate is commonly used on roofs in areas where the climate is hot and dry.
Grey/green is a combination of grey and green colours that often occur together in nature. The appearance of this colour may vary depending on the lighting conditions at different times of day or year. Grey/green slate tiles are typically used for outdoor applications as well as in commercial buildings.
Purple is a combination of red, blue, and green hues that appear like an intense version of violet when viewed under certain lighting conditions. Purple-coloured slates are most commonly found in commercial buildings where they are used for architectural applications such as parapet walls and other decor elements that give a sense of elegance or classiness to the overall look of a building’s facade.
One of the defining and appealing characteristics of natural roofing slate is its colour, tone, veining, and grain variety. You should be prepared for these colours if you are considering installing natural slate tiles.
Will sealing slate tiles affect their colour and texture?
Slate tiles are a beautiful addition to any home, but you may be concerned about sealing slate tiles, especially if you want them to retain their natural look and feel. Your thoughts are valid, and several homeowners share the same concerns. However, slate tiles can be sealed without losing their authentic appearance and texture.
To ensure your slate tile will stay beautiful for years, you should use a sealer specifically formulated for sealing slate tiles. This sealer is designed to be lighter and thinner than other sealers. It will penetrate the slate tile’s surface and leave a thin layer of protection.
How do different sealants impact slate tiles?
Slate tiles can be sealed without losing their authentic appearance and texture. Sealing is the best option if you’re a homeowner who wants to protect your slate tiles from the elements and damage. Sealing will also help preserve the natural beauty of your slate tile’s colour.
Some sealants may not be able to withstand extreme heat, while others may be too expensive. Some sealers work better than others at keeping water (and other liquids) from seeping into the surface area of your slate tiles over time. You should ensure that you understand each sealant’s advantages and disadvantages before deciding.
You can select an enhancing sealer to give your natural slate tiles a more appealing appearance than their initial dusty and chalky appearance. To strengthen the durability and tenacity of the slate tile’s surface, you can also apply topical glossy or both solvent- and water-based sealants.
Different brands and types of sealants can affect how much they cost in comparison with each other depending on what type of material they’re made out of, what kind of additives they contain, and how easy it is for users themselves to apply them.
Why You Should Consider Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are a popular choice for many homeowners. However, it is important to remember that sealing them can cause a change in colour, which can be a problem if you’re trying to match the existing tiles in your home. Thus, it’s essential to know how the sealing process works so that you don’t ruin your new slate tile by sealing it with the wrong product.