Slate is Great

Discussions and Resources for Slate tile with Peter Phillips
Filed under Slate shipping logistics

slate-pallets-in-container.jpg

This is a photo taken at one of the Indian factories that we contract to produce slate tile.

We ensure that the pallets are an appropriate size so that two fit neatly across the internal width of a container. They are then stacked tightly together to ensure there is no movement whilst the container is in transit (the pallets at the front of the container are secured with wooden braces).

The amount of pallets that fit into a container is restricted by the maximum weight limit in the country (and area within that country) that we ship to. We ship slate tiles and pavers in 20’ containers.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008


Filed under Slate sealing and cleaning

b-x-stone-sealer-number-2

“Environmentally-friendly & long-lasting, B-X Stone Sealer is a reactive silicone polymer emulsion in water.

B-X Stone Sealer penetrates and seals all types of stone surfaces and forms an invisible protective barrier that allows the stone to breathe and release moisture vapors.

Ideal for strict clean air standards - no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Also helps prevent mold and mildew growth on grout.”

Click here to read more about it.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008


Filed under Slate book reviews, Slate mining history, Slate processing techniques, Slate quarrying methodologies, Slate shipping logistics

the-slate-industry-by-merfyn-williams

This book describes the rich history of extraction, processing and transportation of slate in Britain. Click here for more info.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008


Filed under Slate Installation, Slate sealing and cleaning

miracle-sealants-company-epoxy-grout-remover

Epoxy Grout Film Remover from Miracle Sealants Company is designed to remove epoxy grout from slate (it also works on other natural stone, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and concrete).

Epoxy Grout Film Remover is a non-acid cleaner that is fast-acting, easy to use, has a low odor and is biodegradable.

Coverage: 50 - 150 square feet per gallon (4 - 14 square meters per 3.785 liters). For more information, please download the product data sheet here and for a list of distributors, click here.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Monday, June 30th, 2008


Filed under Slate geology, Slate mining history, Slate photo of the week, Slate quarrying methodologies

Diffwys slate mine in Wales. Photo by kind permission of simonrl of www.aditnow.co.uk

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Friday, June 27th, 2008


Filed under Slate mining history, Slate processing techniques

Photo by kind permission of Dave Sallery. For more information from his tremendous website, please click here.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Thursday, June 26th, 2008


Filed under General Slate Tile

slate-and-natural-stone-blog-amalgamation

My colleague, Marc McPherson, posts on his terrific Natural Stone blog and covers granite and travertine. My Slate blog will soon be amalgamated within Marc’s blog to give a more diverse and interesting view of natural stone. There will still be dedicated slate posts – just not on a daily basis. Our writing styles are pretty different, so you can easily tell who the author is on any particular day!

Thanks to everyone who is presently subscribed to my Slate blog. To ensure an uninterrupted flow of posts during the transition, please subscribe to the Natural Stone blog by clicking here. The change should be happening over the next few days.

Thanks!

Peter Phillips.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008


Filed under Slate geology, Slate mining history, Slate quarrying methodologies

Honister is a unique award winning experience and England’s last remaining working slate mine.

Located at the head of the Honister Pass in the centre of the Lake District, this mine produces the world famous Westmorland Green slate – a beautiful, functional material that has been extracted here for centuries. This slate is 400 million years old!

Within the visitor centre, you’ll find a wealth of activities, attractions and information. Guided underground tours can also be arranged. They have live displays of traditional slate processing skills which provide a fascinating insight into the region’s industrial heritage.

Honister is owned by a local family and is a supporter of the Lake District community, economy and the environment. To visit their website, click on the image below:

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008


Filed under Slate sealing and cleaning

“How stone is created is important to understand, because the composition affects its density, absorption rate, hardness and its appearance. Ultimately, these characteristics determine how natural stone should be maintained to keep its beauty for life. Every region of our world is different and therefore contains unique mineral deposits.”

Custom Building Products has produced a very interesting PDF brochure on stone care. Click on the link to download it: stonesealerbrochure

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008


Filed under Slate Installation

“The following procedure for the installation of interior gauged natural slate flooring may be used over any wood or cement floor that is structurally sound and dry. In new home construction where plywood is used as a sub floor, it is suggested that sheets of 1/2″ or 5/8″ plywood be laid to insure rigidity where slate floors will be installed.”

To read the full article from Camara Slate Products, please click here.

Comments (0) Posted by Peter Phillips on Monday, June 23rd, 2008