Slate was not commonly quarried for construction purposes in this country until the late 1800s. However, slate roofs topped buildings were commonly used among the settlers, as evidence from Jamestown, Boston, and New York has shown. The fireproof nature of slate made it a popular choice, and most of the slate used was a Welsh import.

In the late 18th century, a Pennsylvania man began to quarry slate for commercial purposes along the Susquehanna River in a township known as Peach Bottom. The yield was small, but was enough to supply local builders throughout the mid-1800s. A population boom, combined with a growing understanding of quarrying techniques, and the burgeoning railroad system all contributed to the development of a full-fledged, demand-driven slate industry. The cross-section of Welsh immigrants who had worked in the quarries of Wales also contributed mightily to the growing number of slate quarries in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia. It was no longer necessary to import a material now so abundantly available domestically. By the 1900s there were 200 slate quarries in operation, with the highest concentration located in Pennsylvania.

The fusion of natural materials and intricate design appealed to the aesthetic sensibilities of consumers, and architecture was elevated to a noble calling which sought to unify the natural and the manmade world, bringing as much of nature as possible into the construction of homes, churches, and municipal buildings. The myriad tints which slate naturally posses also contributed to its popularity, and the most discerning of architects were able to identify the origin of the slate. For example, Vermont slate is identifiable by its unique purple hue. A soft green variety of slate is also quarried in the state.

Many roofers would combine two or more colors of slate for an attractive pattern unattainable with other building materials. Throughout the early part of the 20th century, Queen Anne houses were by and large built with slate roofs, as well as decorative slate exterior walls. Slate roofing was also popular in the Tudor-style homes which were gaining popularity. Slate shingles could be cut into a variety of sizes to accommodate the many eaves and overhangs on the roofs of Tudor homes. However, several factors lead to the bust of the slate industry. Among these were a reduced number of quarry workers, combined with fewer craftsmen who specialized in the shaping and honing of slate shingles. Moreover, the slate industry no longer dominated the construction market owing to the development of alternatives like asphalt shingles, which, because they were mass-produced, could be had with greater ease and affordability.

Happily, a renewed interest in slate roofing has developed in the form of historical preservation societies. Slate roofing has also gotten more attention because of its strength and durability, which make it a more sustainable roofing material. This also insures that maintenance costs will be kept to a minimum. These qualities, along with its resistance to mold and weather damage, make it a popular choice among homeowners looking for “green” building materials.

Whether you are looking for slate flooring or slate roofing, www.VirginiaSlate.com has a fully stocked inventory which makes delivery for contractors as simple as picking up the telephone.

Whether you are looking for slate flooring or slate roofing check out http://www.virginiaslate.com, they have a fully stocked inventory which makes delivery for contractors as simple as picking up the telephone.

Author Bio: Whether you are looking for slate flooring or slate roofing, www.VirginiaSlate.com has a fully stocked inventory which makes delivery for contractors as simple as picking up the telephone.

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