Discover the latest news about natural slate: new projects, top news, installation guides, tips about how to place slate tiles, roofing sector innovations…

Bending Strength, also known as Flexural Strength, Breaking Load or Modulus of Rupture, is one of the main properties of roofing slates. This test is found in the four roofing slate standards: European EN 12326, USA ASTM C406, Chinese GB/T 18600 and Indian IS 6250. Together with the water absorption test and sulphur atmosphere exposure, […]

When choosing a roofing company, you should consider your choice very carefully. It is a hard task but spending some time looking for a competent roofer will be worth it. Hiring a good reputable roofer is the best way to reduce potential roofing problems. All roofing contractors are not alike! Finding a competent roofer for […]

As some of you may know, I have been teaching courses about roofing slate for the last few years. People that are new to roofing slate usually think that slate is a rather dull material, as to them, all roofing slates look the same. Well, we know that this is not true. Roofing slates have […]

Leeds College of Building is one of the six academic institutions being part of CUPA PIZARRAS sponsorship. As part of the programme, every year each college select a student for their ‘Apprentice of the Year Award’, a recognition aimed to support the academic excellence. John had the pleasure of lifting this year’s trophy. Chris Messenger, […]

Heavy 3 slate has been used to rebuild a previously run-down village hall, into An Talla Loch Ness Visitor Centre, a visitor gateway to Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. The renovation project used Heavy 3 slate for its similarities, aesthetically and characteristically, to the traditional Scottish Ballachulish. Part of a £2.5 million project, the […]

After an intense week, the CUPA PIZARRAS European Tour came to an end, we hope you enjoyed this virtual trip as much as we did. Six roofers from different locations in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom showed us their best skills and taught us some natural slate secrets. In case you missed one of […]

Why do we use slate to cover roofs? There are many good answers to these questions: slate is waterproof, can be split into thin, regular and flat shingles. Slate is durable and has been used for centuries in many exceptional buildings, and (my favourite) slate is a beautiful natural rock with outstanding aesthetics. However, have […]

At CUPA PIZARRAS we’re hitting the road to explore different countries and show you natural slate through the eyes of the roofers. How can you join us? Quite easy: from 22nd March check out our Instagram stories. Throughout that week we will stop at different locations in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom, where local […]