SlateTec™ installation technique used to install genuine slate cladding on Iowa Zero Carbon Certified building
Iowa’s first Zero Carbon Certified* building which broke ground in May 2023, has been completed. Star Lofts, a three-level sustainable mass timber construction build, has 6,000 sq ft commercial space on the lower level and 20 affordable housing units on the upper levels. The exterior of the building is protected by Greenstone Slate® genuine Vermont S1-rated slate installed as cladding. The Non-weathering Gray / Green slate, which comes with Greenstone’s 100-year slate warranty, was installed using the SlateTec installation technique.
Siding a building with Greenstone Slate® using the SlateTec™ installation system is comparatively lightweight and provides significant cost-savings over traditional stone cladding installations. The key is the SlateTec™ patented interlayment—also covered by a 100-year warranty— that allows for the reduction of slate overlap (or headlap). The result is that each slate can protect up to 40% more area, reducing the number of slates overall. This reduces costs in slate and the structural requirements of a traditional installation. This is particularly important when applied to roofing. The slates were cut to 16×12 ¼-3/8” and installed with an 8″ exposure.
Slate Cladding has many benefits! It is:
- A natural material
- Highly durable
- Can last over 100 years
- Offers unique aesthetic appeal
- Features no environmental impact upon disposal
These are all important qualities to consider when planning zero-carbon construction projects. Slate’s physical stability protects better than any man-made material. In addition, it does not absorb water; is impervious to mold, mildew and insects; and because it is natural stone it is 100% fireproof.
The Star Lofts sustainable building, which is part of a revitalization effort in the Ingersoll Neighborhood of Des Moines, is replacing an old gas station and will help fill the need for affordable housing in the area.
Roofing Contractor: Cutler Development
Slate Quarrier / Manufacturer: Greenstone Slate Co. • Poultney, VT
Project Location: Des Moines, Iowa
*Accredited by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).