Slate hearth for combustion heater - sturdiness?

**suzer** · 25-05-2010, 07:51 AM

Wondering how sturdy these (slate) should be, as we dropped a not so large log from not much of a distance on ours and it has a big crack in it now. I thought slate was as sturdy as tiles and am wondering if I need to go after the installer for providing something shoddy:(

**Tyke** · 25-05-2010, 09:33 AM

I reckon it depends on how thick the slate is and how well it is fixed. They should put up with a fair bit though!

**suzer** · 25-05-2010, 09:37 AM

That's what I thought:(

**ratters2005** · 28-05-2010, 10:01 AM

Certainly don't tell them you dropped anything on it. Slate is fragile due to its composition. Its multi layers which over years of pressure form a flat plate.
They may have bedded it down unevenly which can go to ensure the slightest drop causes a crack.
Trouble is the guarantee here will be null and void as soon as they finish brushing up//
Good luck

**suzer** · 29-05-2010, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by ratters2005

Certainly don't tell them you dropped anything on it. Slate is fragile due to its composition. Its multi layers which over years of pressure form a flat plate.
They may have bedded it down unevenly which can go to ensure the slightest drop causes a crack.
Trouble is the guarantee here will be null and void as soon as they finish brushing up//
Good luck

Thanks for that - actually makes me feel a bit better:/ Next hearth we'll get made from proper tiles I think.