The TapcoSlate Classic brings a combination of elegance, durability, and tradition to any property. Designed with authentic shapes, textured surfaces, and riven edges, it closely resembles natural slate while offering a refined and consistent finish. Unlike traditional slate, it is highly resistant to cracking, breaking, or delaminating, thanks to its advanced formulation and manufacturing process. This ensures long-lasting performance while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
One of the standout features of TapcoSlate Classic is its lightweight nature, weighing as little as 12kg per square metre. Its design simplifies the installation process, featuring pre-marked nailing and exposure guides along with built-in spacers for precision fitting. The slates are customisable and can be easily cut using a fine-toothed saw or utility blade. Each slate also has a built-in camber, ensuring a secure and snug fit when installed.
Packaged in bundles of 25, these slates require no sorting, clipping, or drilling before roof loading, making them efficient and easy to handle. The ridges and hips are mechanically fixed, enhancing the security and stability of the installation. Available in seven standard colours and a mixed option, TapcoSlate Classic provides a wide range of choices to suit different architectural styles.
Durability, Compliance, and Environmental Responsibility
TapcoSlate Classic is backed by a 40-year warranty, ensuring long-term peace of mind. It meets all relevant BBA, UKTA, and ETA standards, holding UKCA and CE markings for fire resistance, wind-driven snow and rain protection, and water absorption. In BRE wind-driven rain tests, TapcoSlate Classic outperformed comparable materials, demonstrating superior waterproofing capabilities even at lower pitches.
Committed to environmental sustainability, TapcoSlate Classic is manufactured using 100% virgin limestone and polypropylene, rather than recycled plastics. This ensures consistent performance while remaining fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact.
Key Features & Benefits
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Lightweight Design – Ideal for structures that cannot support traditional heavy roofing tiles, making it suitable for various applications.
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Low Pitch Compatibility – Can be installed on roof pitches as low as 12°, accommodating both felt and batten as well as fully boarded roofing systems.
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Fire Safety Compliance – Fully tested to UK and EU fire regulations, making it safe for boundary construction and compliant with building codes.
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Easy to Cut and Shape – Easily shaped using a utility knife, plastic saw, circular saw, or power jigsaw, simplifying the installation process.
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High Wind Resistance – Can withstand wind uplift velocities up to 110 mph, providing reliable protection against strong winds.
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Impact Resistance – Achieves Class 4 Impact Test rating, ensuring exceptional resistance to storm and hail damage.
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Waterproof at Low Pitches – Successfully tested for wind-driven rain penetration at 12° and 14°, maintaining a watertight structure even on low-angle roofs.
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UV Protection – Built-in UV inhibitors meet industry-standard ASTM ratings, protecting against prolonged sun exposure.
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Highly Durable – Resistant to cracking, splitting, or breakage, allowing it to be walked on without damage.
Technical Specifications
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Material: Manufactured from a recyclable blend of limestone and polypropylene
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Slate Size: 445mm x 305mm (including 5mm horizontal spacers on each side)
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Slate Weight: 0.7 kg
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Slate Thickness: 5mm
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Ridge Cap Size: 150mm x 445mm
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Ridge Cap Weight: 0.7 kg
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Minimum Pitch: 12°
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Maximum Pitch: 70°
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Coverage:
- 22 slates/m² at 12° to 25°
- 20 slates/m² at 25° to 27.5°
- 19 slates/m² at 27.5° to 30°
- 18 slates/m² above 30°
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does TapcoSlate Classic compare to natural slate?
TapcoSlate Classic replicates the appearance of natural slate with its riven texture and authentic edges, but offers improved durability and ease of installation. Unlike natural slate, it does not crack, split, or delaminate, making it a more reliable and cost-effective option.
Is TapcoSlate Classic suitable for low-pitch roofs?
Yes, TapcoSlate Classic can be installed on pitches as low as 12°, making it ideal for modern low-slope roofing applications. It has been wind-driven rain tested at 12° and 14°, ensuring exceptional waterproofing performance.
What makes TapcoSlate Classic environmentally friendly?
TapcoSlate Classic is manufactured using 100% virgin limestone and polypropylene, making it fully recyclable. Unlike traditional roofing tiles, it does not rely on recycled plastics, ensuring consistent performance while reducing environmental impact.
