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When it comes to selecting the perfect paving material for a patio, homeowners tend to remain confused and most get advice from local patio builders. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered such as the cost, strength, and reliability. With that said, slate is one of the options considered by many. In this article, we are going to discuss whether it is a good option for a patio. Let’s begin!
Is It Slippery?
Perhaps the most common concern when it comes to using slate for a patio is if it is slippery. The answer is no. If the patio has been built by an expert and is laid reasonably well, you should not be concerned about anyone slipping. One might be at risk of slipping if a liquid or anything of the sort is dropped on it but even that is minimal.
This means that pavers should never be used for elevated areas. Surprisingly, some people opt for pavers for stairs, which might sometimes require wheelchairs to transport patients as well in hospitals. The reason is that the elderly find it hard to grip and maintain their stability. In case of a fall, one may suffer from extreme injuries.
It’s A Natural Paving Option
One major reason slate tends to be a popular and good option for outdoors is that it does not fade and is durable. Most concrete pavers out there will look as good as new for the first few years until the first session of acid rains takes place. Soon, the concrete pavers lose their visual appeal as well as the shine.
In addition to that, man-made pavers will only last for a few years in terms of colors. The reason is that since they are exposed to the UV rays during the summer season, their color will turn dull. However, slate tiles as compared to that are made from high-density metamorphic rock, which means they are not even slightly affected by rain and its pollutants. Furthermore, this also means that slate is extremely durable and hard warring.
Finally, slate does not contain any color additives or dyes, which removes the possibility of color fading. These factors overall make it a fine option for the outdoors.
Laying Slate
Although slate has several benefits to offer such as extreme durability and high permeability, but when it comes to laying slate, the contractor needs to consider some things since slate does not absorb water very well. This means that it will give a tough time bonding to mortar.
When mixing mortar to lay the slate, the contractor should add a sealant adhesive to increase its stickiness or a rapid hardener for less chances of bond breakage.
Cost
Cost is another key factor that needs due consideration as mentioned earlier. Most experts are of the view that slate gives value for money. If you were to hire a professional for the job, he/she could easily end up making the slate look like an expensive patio material. Furthermore, there are no additional costs other than laying slate patio and the labor of the patio builder. If you want to do it yourself, you may save some money, but patio may crack sooner than expected. So, hiring an expert is advised.
Slate Tiles
Apart from using slate for outdoor improvements, slate is also used indoors. Slate tiles are quite common nowadays and come in a variety of color and design options to choose from. For flooring, high-quality slates are used since they are non-porous and stain-resistant.
Then again, to utilize slate the right way, you will need to consult and hire a professional. Slate as compared to other materials can be costly depending on the size of your floor or patio. This is why it is important for you to pick the right person for the right job.
Final Word
Concluding, slate is a good choice for your patio as it is extremely durable and doesn’t get damaged easily. However, its water-absorbing ability is not impressive. With that said, your patio will require some preparation work that will ensure proper stability and durability. If you are confused about the process, do not hesitate to consult a patio contractor Long Island.
