Cyclones have become a common occurrence for many cities in Kazakhstan. Meteorologists confirm that strengthening winds and abrupt temperature changes are becoming increasingly routine. Given the climate changes, even during winter, rain or wet snow has been recorded in the northern and central regions of the republic, followed by a sharp drop in temperature. Such precipitation leads to the icing of various roofing materials that are not designed to withstand such loads and operating conditions.
In November 2024 alone, winds damaged dozens of roofs across several regions of the republic and in Astana. In the capital, the wind tore the roof off one of the stores, and several nearby parked cars were damaged. In the Pavlodar and Karaganda regions, roofs were completely or partially ripped off at around twenty buildings, including residential homes, warehouses, and schools. Fences made of light, highly aerodynamic materials were also swept away by the wind.
If we analyze the practices that have developed over the past fifteen to twenty years, it is noticeable that during repairs or the construction of new buildings, lighter but less durable materials are being used more frequently than before. This trend applies not only to decorative elements but also to load-bearing structures. On one hand, this is driven by the desire to save costs.
Designers explain this practice by the emergence of new construction materials on the market that are supposed to last longer and expedite the building process overall. However, builders themselves note that replacing, for example, slate with profiled sheet metal does not always result in long-term savings. The roofs that are torn off by the wind every year serve as evidence of this. And this is just one of the risks.
In the harsh conditions of northern Kazakhstan, properly calculated snow and wind loads can address a wide range of problems. There have already been cases in the republic where roofs have collapsed under the weight of snow. In Semey, at the beginning of November, the roof of the Akshyn shopping house collapsed, which had recently suffered significant damage due to a fire. The metal structure could not withstand the loads.
For some time, consumers chose trendy roofing materials over those that have been tried and tested for decades. The average buyer focused on aesthetics and the apparent simplicity of their installation. However, the realities of today indicate that people are returning to time-tested solutions for roofing that are suited to local climatic conditions. The risk of roof failure is now being assessed in monetary terms, with people opting for reliable materials.
For instance, the popularity of slate, which was considered outdated in the early 2000s, has surged once again. This is due to its quality characteristics, aesthetic appeal, and reasonable price. Today, painted slate is produced, which looks respectable and has a lifespan of 40 years or more. Importantly, unlike its counterparts, slate is made from natural components: cement, water, and chrysotile mineral fiber.
Consumers have started using chrysotile-cement slate not only for roofing work. Domestic companies have begun manufacturing fiber-cement facade panels with protective and decorative coatings. This is a relatively new direction in the industry.
The so-called flat slate is used in the installation of ventilated facade systems, both in new buildings and during the renovation and reconstruction of structures. The material works well as cladding for the exterior walls of buildings and structures of various purposes. A rich color palette provides ample opportunities for implementing diverse architectural designs in facade decoration.
Large developers have taken note of slate, as they strive to construct safe housing and infrastructure, including within the framework of the national project “Comfortable Schools.”
“Flat chrysotile-cement sheets are an eco-friendly, durable, and affordable building material. They allow for the creation of complex construction designs. The scope of application is extremely broad: from non-removable formwork and fences to quickly assembled flat roofing systems and wall cladding,” say the manufacturers.
One Kazakhstani builder, Auezhan Urdabaev, has been repairing multi-story buildings in the Kostanay region for several years. In his work with clients, three key issues arise: price, safety, and quality.
- The housing stock in cities, especially smaller ones, is aging. People want to renovate and forget about the current roof not for three years but for 10-20 years, - noted Auezhan Urdabaev. - I have been working in this field for a long time, so I know how expensive quality roofing materials can be. In this regard, slate is a good solution that satisfies both us as contractors and the clients, represented by the people.
The specialist mentioned that in recent years, he has received numerous inquiries about slate roofing. Word of mouth plays a significant role as well. The first roofs were updated with slate, produced in Kazakhstan, in Zhitikara. The geography has begun to expand. By the end of 2024, there will be a total of around 60 multi-story buildings.
Five winters and regular news about roofs being torn off due to strong winds or heavy snow loads have led to interest in slate in Lisakovsk, Rudny, and Kostanay.
“In my opinion, it is important to bring slate back into state construction projects. This is largely a matter of safety. One cannot overlook its 100% Kazakh content either. The price of slate is less dependent on external factors compared to imported roofing materials. At least because domestic factories use local raw materials in their operations,” emphasized the head of the design organization, Aydar Orymbaev.
This type of roofing has low aerodynamic drag. Slate effectively dampens sounds and withstands high snow loads. Moreover, working with this building material does not require rare or expensive equipment, which is relevant for farmers and villagers who try to carry out repairs on their own.
Buildings constructed using slate genuinely do not require major repairs for decades. Even after the established normative period, they continue to protect homes from wind, rain, excessive heat loss, or overheating. And this is after at least 50 years.
Slate is not just a roofing material, but a strategically important resource for Kazakhstan. Its widespread use in construction helps address several pressing issues:
- Enhancing the safety of buildings and structures.
- Developing domestic production.
- Creating a comfortable and sustainable urban environment.
In the face of economic challenges, slate represents a reliable and effective solution for Kazakhstan's construction industry.