SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1999
STP13300S

The Deteriorating Artificial Slate

Source

Wood fibers were substituted for asbestos fibers as reinforcing in cement-fiber shingle products used as imitation roofing slate when governmental action outlawed the use of asbestos in this application. Our field experience with many installations of one brand of these new products, however, has been unsatisfactory. We have observed the rapid deterioration, often within two to three years, of shingles in service, primarily by the development of extensive cracking. Our research finds that these failures result from layering of the mortar materials during manufacture, combined with petrifaction and loss of ductility of the organic fibers. We suggest changes to the requirements of the applicable ASTM standard to help ensure that the product has the attributes necessary for satisfactory performance in service.

Author Information

Gumpertz, WH
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Consulting Engineers, Arlington, Massachusetts
Condren, SJ
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Consulting Engineers, Arlington, Massachusetts
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: D08
Pages: 93–111
DOI: 10.1520/STP13300S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5399-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2494-3