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a close-up of North Country Black slate roof

North Country Black

Arguably the most black North American slate available, this dark slate does not fade or weather and remains smooth in texture. Used prominently throughout the world, North Country Black is a favorite among architects.

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History

Historically, Canadian slate quarries are common to Quebec, Newfoundland, and the eastern part of Ontario. From the early 18th century onwards, numerous regional quarries have opened and sometimes prospered, with most eventually closing.

Today, Canadian slate is still quarried on the border of Maine and Canada in St.-Marc-du-Lac-Long where the company North Country Slate operates. Established in the mid 1990's, North Country Slate produces North Country Black, a slate similar to Monson Slate (quarried in Maine); both are smooth and black in appearance. North Country Black can be seen on the B&O Railroad Museum in Maryland (pictured),  buildings throughout Cornell University in New York, and St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto.

Info

Also called:
  • 100% natural product
  • Exceptionally durable, 125+ year useful life
  • Proven historic performance & aesthetically pleasing
  • Non-combustible—Class A Fire Resistant
  • Resistant to acid rain, ultra-violet light & chemicals
  • Withstands freeze/thaw cycles & high temperatures
  • Rated Class 3 and Class 4 Hail Impact Resistance (3/4 to 2 inch ice balls)
Before
after

Data & ASTM

This Slate*
ASTM Standards*
Breaking Load
712 pounds
575 pounds minimum
Water Absorption
0.160"
0.25% maximum
Depth of Softening
0.0010"
0.002" maximum
ASTM Rating
S1
Lengths
Widths
Exposure**
24
12
10.5
22
11,12
9.5
20
10, 11, 12
8.5
18
9, 10, 11, 12
7.5
16
8, 9, 10, 12
6.5
14
7, 8, 9, 10, 12
5.5
12
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
4.5
Thickness (Inches)
Pounds per Square
Nominal 3/16
750 - 750
Nominal 1/4
850 - 950
Nominal 3/8
1200 - 1300
3/16–3/8 Medium Texture
850 - 1000
* As tested by ASTM. Test report available upon request.
**3" Headlap, inches
More than a roof.
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