According to astm test c 406 roofing slate falls into three grades of classifications.
Grades of roofing slate.
Greenstone slate is measured by eye to thickness and is then split by hand.
Slate grades are intended as a prediction of the slates expected service life.
Slate from cupa 5 and 18 quarries have more of a textured finish.
This further highlights the traditional regional variations.
Grade s1 slate has an expected service life of more than 75 years.
N is cupa s natural selection.
Grade s2 slate s service life is 40 to 75 years.
A standard grade slate cupa h selection will be less uniform and will require more sorting prior to use.
Standard grade rough texture.
Grade s3 slate has an expected service life of only 20 to 40 years.
But the finished project will look as good if due care is taken of the slate grading.
Welsh slate being very flat and smooth as well as a nominal 5mm thickness.
Roofing slates are rated through the american standards of testing and materials and given a slate classification from s 1 to s 3.