Bangor Blue Slates, Penrhyn Quarry, Welsh Slate Quarry,

Blue Bangor Slates – Ireland

Blue Bangor slates are recognized universally as the best quality roofing slate in the world.  They come from our family owned Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales which has been producing Blue Bangor slates for over 600 years.

Traditionally the Blue Bangor slates were shipped from the port of Bangor (Porth Penrhyn), which is a few kilometres from the Penrhyn quarry.  From here they were shipped all over the world – to all over Britain, Europe (France, Germany, Holland etc.), the Americas and, of course, Ireland. Today we still export Blue Bangor slates all over the world with strong international demand for the world’s best quality roof slate, particularly for Heritage Buildings .

So, why are these slates are regarded as the best in the world?

● Blue Bangor slates are over 600 million years old, and they come from a period in the earth’s history known as the Cambrian era.  This was a period when the planet was a lot different than it is today and it was long before there was any animal or indeed human life.  So these slates have been “baking” in the earth for many millions of years longer than most other slates.  As a result they are harder, stronger, denser and more durable than most other roofing slates which are, in geological terms, hundreds of millions of years younger.

● There is an extremely low water absorption in Penrhyn slates (0.13% compared to a European standard of 0.6%), which makes them effectively non porous.

● There are no damaging inclusions in Penrhyn slates that nay be found in slates from other parts of the world.  In particular, there is no pyrities which is metallic inclusions found in some other slates which can be extremely damaging.

● Due to the quality of the rock, Penrhyn slates can be split into almost any size and format.  Although the quarry now produces standard sizes of 20×12” (50x30cm), the quarry can also produce large format slates such as 36” slates which are particularly popular on conservation and heritage projects.

● Blue Bangor slates have a lifespan measured in centuries and it is not uncommon for Blue Bangor roofs over 150 years old, to be stripped off buildings and to be re-used again.  Indeed, a second hand 150 year old Blue Bangor slate may have the value of one third of a new slate.  As time evolves and this finite slate resource becomes less available, then the value can only increase.  Indeed, Blue Bangor slates are probably the only building product which actually increases in value (in real terms) over the life of a building and be worth more than for what it was originally purchased.

● Blue Bangor slates are manufactured and produced in the UK and have a low carbon footprint.

● Bangor Blue displays an attractive and rich “heather blue” or “purple” colour which is very unique and distinguishable.  Due to its low calcium carbonate content, Blue Bangor slates do not lose their colour or fade over time.

● The quality selection criteria selection at the Penrhyn quarry is unrivalled throughout the world and there is minimal wastage or grading needed with these slates.

● Finally, Blue Bangor slates are “built to last”.  The Blue Bangor slate history proves they have been tried, tested and proven to last for centuries.  We recently supplied new Blue Bangor slates to the Cathedral in At, Asaph, Wales onto which the original slates had been fixed 400 years ago!  These slates were still able to be cut down and re-used for other projects, despite being from the 1600s!

Get in touch with our Specialist Slate Team and we will be happy to answer any questions regarding your project.

Tel: 01 820 1551 Today and let the LBS Team get your project moving!