Cembrit Blunn - Diamond Slates from Cembrit Blunn restore lodge to its former glory

Cembrit Blunn, specialist in natural and fibre cement slates, has supplied red diamond roofing slates for the renovation of a Scottish gate lodge, originally built around the turn of the 20th century by WR Thomson & Co of Edinburgh. The lodge was commissioned by a prominent English aristocrat who leased the country estate as a retreat. When an authentic match for a traditional diamond-shaped slate was required for this unusual project, the owner enlisted the help of Cembrit Blunn who supplied red diamond slates from their comprehensive and diverse range of roofing slates.
Originally a timber framed pre-fabricated sectional structure, Cairnsmore Lodge has been extended and renovated by the current owner to bring it up to current standards. The owner felt it was important to maintain an authentic appearance and took great care in sourcing materials to reflect this. The whole project has been re-roofed with red diamond fibre cement slates, as well as blue/black fibre cement ridges – all from Cembrit Blunn. The existing eaves projection has also been extended to give additional protection from the elements as well as to improve overall appearance.
“Diamond slates are unusual now and Cembrit Blunn were the only UK supplier who could provide us with suitable replacement slates for the lodge” says the owner. “The staff at Cembrit Blunn’s Yorkshire office were extremely helpful and were able to provide an exact size and colour match to replace the original slates. The new slated roof successfully maintains the architectural integrity of the lodge. We are delighted with the finished result and our home is much admired by all who see it.”
Once the most commonly available imported man-made slates available in the UK (and popular in the 1920s and 30s) diamond shape roof slates fell out of fashion in the UK during the 1960s. The new roof using Cembrit Blunn’s Diamond slate range successfully preserves the architectural integrity of the lodge by matching the size and colour of the original slates.
Reminiscent of the original ‘red diamond’ slates, the ‘Diamond’ range from Cembrit Blunn is ideal for the specifier or contractor working on refurbishment projects. Available in three colours (blue/black, russet and brown) the finished effect supplies a ‘retro’ feel whilst closely recreating the traditional appearance. One of the additional benefits of the diamond shape is that the slates are single rather than double lap. This ensures that the less material is used per m² (i.e. only eleven are required instead of thirteen).
Diamond slates are manufactured from Portland slate, together with a non-asbestos formulation of superior blend synthetic and cellulose fibres. Diamond slates are manufactured in accordance with a quality assurance system to BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000 and the requirements of BS EN 492 : 2004 product specification for fibre cement slates and their fitting.
Using skills built up over 80 years, Cembrit Blunn select natural slate from Spain, Canada, Brazil, China, India and the countries of Western Europe. From UK quarries Cembrit®Blunn offer Welsh, Cornish and Westmorland slates. Quality levels at Group factories are rigorously maintained to high standards with many products manufactured under the control of ISO 9001 and British Board of Agrément. Cembrit Blunn is a member of the Dansk Eternit Holding A/S Group of Denmark, one of Europe’s major building material producers of fibre reinforced cement products for the roofing and cladding industry. The ultimate parent company FL Smidth this year celebrates its 125 year anniversary.

Email: sales@cembritblunn.co.uk