Natural slate is renowned across the construction industry as one of the best roofing materials. It is durable, weather resistant, attractive, and sustainable. It is the roofing material of choice for many architects and developers and is often the only roofing option for replacement roofing on heritage properties and buildings in conservation areas.
Much of the slate used in the UK today comes from Spanish quarries. Spanish slate is indeed one of the best slates in the world today. There are, however, different types of Spanish slates; some are among the industry’s best while others are not as high performing or attractive. When you’re planning a roofing project, you want to use the best materials. That’s why at SSQ, we supply only the best Spanish slate available today.
Del Carmen: Our Flagship Spanish Slate
One of our highest-performing and most popular Spanish slates is Del Carmen. Mined in the slate-producing region of Northwest Spain, Del Carmen is known for its deep blue-black colour that will not fade with exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It features a distinctive, slightly rippled texture and a fine longitudinal grain that delivers a refined, authentic finish.
Del Carmen slates offer outstanding longevity. We’re so confident in their performance that SSQ guarantees Del Carmen for up to 100 years — often longer than the lifespan of the building itself. Del Carmen has been accepted for use by Heritage England and Heritage Scotland across the UK as an alternative slate to indigenous materials, a testament to its premium appearance and similarity to traditional British slates.
How to Choose the Best Spanish Slate
- Proven source: Ask for a named quarry and consistent batches for predictable colour and texture.
- Colour stability: Look for a natural blue-black tone that weathers gracefully without fading.
- Workability & finish: Refined grain, accurate sizing and dependable thickness help achieve a flat, elegant roofscape.
- Track record: Heritage acceptances and UK reference sites indicate long-term confidence.
- Guarantee: A robust written guarantee (like SSQ’s up to 100 years on Del Carmen) shows supplier commitment.
Is Spanish Slate Right for Your Project?
Spanish slate is ideal for:
- Heritage/conservation: Where a traditional, authentic appearance is required or preferred by planning authorities.
- Premium new-builds: When you want long service life, low maintenance and a timeless finish.
- Refurbishments: Where a like-for-like natural material is needed to complement the existing streetscape.
Phyllite – educating the market
If you’re an architect or developer looking to source roofing slates in a competitive market, have you ever considered using a slate alternative? Phyllite is a type of metamorphic rock which is formed over hundreds of millions of years. It is harder, denser, and stronger than slate and has a subtle green grey Phyllitic sheen which is similar in appearance to Cornish and Scottish slates.
Riverstone Phyllite from SSQ is mined from the SSQ owned quarry in Argentina. We have thousands of pallets of Riverstone stored in the UK; so, when you need large quantities of slate delivered quickly, we can help. Phyllite is an excellent and viable alternative to other slates and is a popular choice alongside some of our Spanish slates.
If you’d like to find out more about Riverstone slate or any of our Spanish slates, get in touch with SSQ today. Give us a call on 020 8961 7725 or fill in your details using our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Next Steps: Get Technical Guidance or Samples
Share your drawings, roof pitch and exposure details with our team and we’ll advise on suitability, thickness ranges, fixings and detailing. We can also arrange samples of Del Carmen and Riverstone to help you compare texture and tone on site.
FAQs
Which is the best Spanish slate?
The best Spanish slate combines proven quarry provenance, natural colour stability and long service life, backed by specialist support. Del Carmen is a leading choice for UK projects because it delivers a deep blue-black finish, heritage acceptances and up to a 100-year guarantee.
Will Spanish slate fade?
High-quality Spanish slates like Del Carmen have a deep blue-black colour that will not fade under UV exposure and that weathers naturally over time.
Is Spanish slate suitable for heritage projects?
Yes. Del Carmen has been accepted by Heritage England and Heritage Scotland as an alternative slate to indigenous materials, making it highly suitable for conservation settings.
What if I need a different look or performance?
Riverstone Phyllite offers a subtle green-grey sheen and exceptional strength — a premium natural alternative often chosen alongside our Spanish slates.
