re-roofing with artificial slate

[marier]

We are considering re-roofing our 90-year old gable slate roof with artificial slate because natural slate is so expensive. We live in Sydney where artificial slate such as "Eternit" and "Barrington Shingles" are not extensively used. Has anyone had good or bad experiences of these products? Are they water-proof? Apparently they weigh 20kg laid per square metre versus 34kg laid per square metre for natural slate. Would "tie-down" strapping be needed for the roof, as it would be for the even lighter colorbond (weighing 4.9 kg laid per square metre. Apparently "Eternit" is fibre cement. Could this contain asbestos, or something equally unpleasant. Any feedback much appreciated.

[markharrison]

No building materials sold today are supposed to contain asbestos. I would be more worried about the rest of the house which is certainly full of it.