Artificial slate
Artificial slate is a replica of slate that is used as a building material for roofing . Artificial slates are made from fiber cement , glass fiber reinforced plastic or synthetic resin . Artificial slate panels are offered with a smooth or structured surface as well as in common formats. The cover corresponds to the real slate.
The use of artificial slate is much cheaper than that of natural slate.
Until the 1970s and 80s, asbestos was often used in fiber cement , so that the disposal of the old artificial slate roofing must be treated as hazardous waste .