How long does natural slate last? Does natural slate break easily?
A quality natural slate roof that's been professionally installed can last over a hundred years, with some natural slate roofs even outliving the building itself! It also resists cracks, scratches, breaks and chips. Del Carmen slate has one of the longest life expectancies of all natural Spanish slate, which is why we guarantee all Del Carmen roofs for up to 100 years. Read More
Does natural slate fade or darken over time?
Quality natural slate is the preferred option for restoring period properties as it will not fade over time. Our Riverstone, Del Carmen, and Matacouta slates will not fade or become discoloured even when exposed to the harshest environments.
Contact usIs natural slate waterproof?
Thanks to a very low water absorption index, natural slate is renowned for its excellent waterproof qualities. Our Riverstone natural phyllite boasts exceptional durability and water absorption features.
Is natural slate slippery when wet?
Strong and durable, the impermeable surface of natural slate provides fantastic anti-slip qualities that’s ideal for a wide range of applications including bathrooms and shower rooms.
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Does natural slate absorb heat?
Natural slate is one of the most heat resistant building materials available to-date. Read More
Does natural slate expand?
Natural slate can withstand extreme temperatures, making it the most durable option for hearths, kitchens, and roofs. With an exceptional melting point of 2000 centigrade, high grade natural slate will not expand, contract, or warp. Read More
Is natural slate fire resistant?
Natural slate and phyllite products are 100% non-combustible, which means they will not burn if exposed to fire. Read More
Contact usHow do you know if you have low quality slate?
High quality natural slate is certified to BS EN 12326 – W1-T1-S1 standards. Signs of poor quality include brittleness and sounding dull or rattling when tapped. When grading and selecting natural slate, if it has a 'ring' to it when you tap it you can trust that it is high quality slate. Read More
What is the average price of natural slate?
The average material cost for a natural slate roof can range between £40 - £80 per m².*
To provide a realistic idea of the cost of natural slate, it’s a good idea to consider the longevity of the slates alongside the initial financial outlay. Slates are one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials. Therefore, the initial cost is almost always outweighed by the years of use they provide with virtually no maintenance required. Read More
*Correct at time of publishing, August 2022.
What is natural slate commonly used for?
Thanks to its exceptional strength, resilience, and insulating qualities, natural slate is most commonly used for roofs, floors, and fireplaces. As well as natural slate roofing tiles and natural slate paving, other popular uses include snooker tables, headstones, and landscaping. Read More
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Testimonials
Everyone liked Sarria: the client was delighted with its appearance and its consistency made it easy to cut and lay.
Gary Lambert, Complete Roofing Contractors
Testimonials
Working in a conservation area brings a special responsibility. SSQ Riverstone slate fits perfectly, its tone and texture blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Joan Kinane, Architect
Testimonials
SSQ Matacouta slate was chosen as the most sympathetic option. Its consistency and competitive price make it a clear winner over indigenous slates.
Historic Scotland
Testimonials
It is a very attractive development and we needed something equally attractive and of equally high quality for the roofing material. SSQ Del Carmen slate is top quality, and we liked the colour and texture. What’s more, it is very good value. I’d have no hesitation choosing it again.
Mr Keith Wills, Clancy's Building Manager
Testimonials
SSQ Rocaber Blue-grey slate was actually chosen at the initial design-concept stage. A natural slate roof was in keeping with the traditional local architecture.
Tom Ewan, Architect at Model Developments
Testimonials
The choice of slates was made easier due to the quality of product you provide and the support of Gary Firth throughout the process – which I much appreciate. Gary is a good ambassador for your company.
Pat Murray, Senior Project Engineer, Alvance Group
Testimonials
With the roofs being such a visible feature, the choice of roofing slate was a significant decision. We involved the roofing contractor at an early stage in the selection process and they recommended SSQ’s Del Carmen Blue-black slates. Although it’s not an indigenous slate, it is an excellent match for the originals and, having used Spanish slate on other projects, we know the quality is there.
Richard Thorpe, Ridge and Partners LLP
Testimonials
The choice of SSQ Del Carmen was made easier after confirmation that it had gained approval for use in the Welsh National Parks as an alternative to indigenous materials. We were also pleased with the level of technical, design and on-site support we received from SSQ.
The Hafod Renewal Office
Testimonials
SSQ Ultra Del Carmen slates come with a 75-year guarantee and that was important. Not only that, the on-site services promised – and delivered – by SSQ enabled a smooth and easy workflow.
Stuart Howes, Architect
Testimonials
The quality and strength were there, the colour was similar to indigenous Welsh slate and its ‘traditional’ look was in keeping with the surrounding community. In fact, as I had used it on my own Edwardian house, I knew it was a good slate!
Julian Bohling, OSP Architecture
Testimonials
Being both high quality and cost-effective, Matacouta slate from SSQ is proving very popular with specifiers and contractors alike for refurbishment as well as for new build projects.
Mr Roy Clark, Baxter Clark and Paul
Testimonials
With so many ‘interested parties’ the local planners set their minds on a natural slate roof at a very early stage of the project and, from this starting point, we needed something that would satisfy a number of technical and aesthetic requirements – SSQ Domiz blue-grey, was the one chosen for use to compliment the local ‘Shere Green’ colour.
Ben Hunt, Total Project Integration
