<\/p>\n
Yorkshire Stone slates, otherwise known as \u2018Yorkshire greys\u2019, are increasingly popular in new builds, as their strength and durability is second to none. Because of their extreme durability, slates are often recycled from dilapidated old buildings, and used in the repair of existing roofs in restoration and repair projects. Reclaimed slates are sometimes over 100 years old, and none the worse for it.<\/p>\n
History<\/strong><\/p>\n Many old mills, houses and farm buildings in the north of England have Yorkshire stone roofs, and they are a huge part of our architectural heritage. Yorkshire Stone slates roofs were described in \u2018The Pattern of English Building\u2019 as creating \u2018complete visual harmony with the architecture of the buildings on which they are placed\u2019. This is perhaps not surprising, since the stone for the slates and the stone for the walls are taken from the same source. The colour and texture of the stone creates a natural organic feel to the buildings, which seem totally at home in their setting. Stone roofs lend a building a strong sense of cohesion and unity. The family name \u2018Stonehacker\u2019 dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, establishing the importance of quarrying and tile making. It is not uncommon to come across roofs dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries which have survived the test of time.<\/p>\n Modern Usage<\/strong><\/p>\n No wonder then that such care is taken in the recycling of Yorkshire stone slates, and the common insistence of planning departments that roofing slates on older buildings be replaced like for like. It also explains the continuing popularity of Yorkshire stone roofs in new builds. Their beauty and longevity make them a natural choice.<\/p>\n Environmental Credentials<\/strong><\/p>\n Yorkshire Stone roofs are extremely durable, meaning that they seldom need replacing once they have been laid. This makes them not only highly cost effective as a roofing material, but also means they have a low environmental impact. This impact is even lower when the slates are recycled from existing old buildings due for demolition. Whilst there are some concerns surrounding the quarrying of new stone within the Yorkshire Dales, the industry is of relatively low environmental impact. Stone has been quarried in the Dales for centuries, and the impact of modern day quarrying is closely monitored. In terms of emissions and energy usage, Yorkshire Stone is considerably down the scale. As an organic material, chemicals composition and fumes are not an issue, nor are replacement costs.<\/p>\n