Technical Information
Inspire Roofing Material - Only plum colour is still available
THE Inspire Slate CAMBER: BRILLIANT DESIGN FEATURE
Each Inspire slate is concave in shape and tapered toward the head of the slate. The slates are packed in bundles of 25 Inspire slates weighing just over 17kgs - very easy to pick up with one hand! You may notice that the bundle (pictured) is slightly concave upward in shape due to the slate's camber.
The camber is a brilliant idea as the slate flattens out on the roof when nailed down allowing an extremely tight fit with the slate below. This design changes the dynamics and performance of the product when compared to natural slates - it creates downward pressure on the slate lowering wind uplift and water infiltration.
The camber allows Inspire slates to be used on roof pitches as low as 14.5 degrees. Traditional slates are rarely used under 26 degrees.
MEASURING UP A ROOF
The number of slates required for a roof is determined by the roof area and the length of the eaves for the “eaves course”. The area of roof is determined by multiplying the length X diagonal distance to the top x the number of sides or sections. This is explained in the Measuring Guide.
The number of slates required decrease as the pitch of the roof becomes steeper. The roof of a church will typically require 18 slates/m2. A flat roof home will need better coverage to insure total moisture protection e.g. 22 slates/m2
You will notice from the Installation or Fixing Guide (see below) that you need to add slates at the rate of 3.5 slates per lineal metre of the length of all the eaves. This is easily measured and explained with drawings in the downloadable fixing guide.
Slate Fixing - Nails & Spacers
The slates can fixed with large headed galvanised steel nails 20mm in length and 2.5mm in diameter using nail gun or hammer. Copper or aluminium nails may also be used but driving them through the slate may cause bending, so care is needed. Longer nails (75mm) may be required for fixing ridges and hips.
The position of the two nail holes are imprinted on the slates surface with 2 circles for ease and speed. The inner circle is strengthened and recessed to prevent movement and damage.
Each slate has spacers on either side calibrated to 5mm. this makes positioning the slate accurate and unbelievably easy. This is another brilliantly thought out design feature.
Cutting The Slates
The slates may be cut with a fine toothed saw or scored with a utility blade (Stanley knife) and broken in the opposite direction.
Gauge & Roof Pitch
The lap or gauge as the Americans refer to it, is primarily determined by roof pitch and wind. The gauge is imprinted on the top surface of each slate for ease of application. There are 4 options - 6, 6.5, 7 & 7.5 inches (the US use imperial measurements) that relate to roof pitch and thus the number of slates required to cover a square metre.
LOWER FIXING COSTS WITH Pneumatic Nail Guns
The slates may be fixed using nail guns. In the UK & Europe Bostich equipment is popular. In Australia, Paslode nail guns and Arco stainless steel, ring shanked, gunnable nails (45x2.5mm) have been successful but nails 35mm in length will probably work better on battens.
RIDGE CAPS
Ridge caps that match the colour of the slate provide a clean elegant finish to the home, gazebo or Bali hut.
Allow approximately 5.5 ridge caps per lineal metre.
TECHNICAL INSPIRE DOWNLOADS
COMPLIANCE WITH AUSTRALIAN BUILDING STANDARDS
Inspire slate has been tested by Stone Initiatives Materials Testing Group (SA) in July 2011 and was found to comply with the design and construction requirements of the Australian Building Code Board.
US & UK FIRE TEST RESULTS
Fire tests in the US & UK show that Inspire tiles performed well on tests for flammability. When tested to BS476 part 3, an AA fire rating was achieved. In the US, class A & C fire rating standards were achieved. Reports for these tests are available by clicking on the Australian Building Codes Compliance button above.
Australian Tests & Bushfire Risks
Australian tests reveal that Inspire slates placed in a furnace at 750 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes (AS1530 -1) eventually flamed and combusted. As a result, they are NOT recommended for high risk bushfire areas because of the possible threat of intense heat or burning embers landing on the roof.