Why Choose SSQ Slate for Listed Building Roofing?
SSQ provides heritage-grade natural slate solutions specifically engineered for listed buildings, combining historical authenticity with modern performance standards.
Our Del Carmen and Riverstone slates meet BS EN 12326 S1 certification requirements while delivering 150+ year lifespans—critical for preserving architectural heritage under stringent conservation regulations
The Hallmark of Listed Building Roofing
Unlike mass-market providers who source from multiple quarries, SSQ maintains strict control over our exclusive quarries in Spain and Argentina. Every slate we supply can be traced to its exact source, ensuring consistent quality and appearance that discriminating homeowners demand.
Heritage Compliance and Regulatory Expertise
Meeting Conservation Standards
All SSQ slates comply with BS 5534 and BS 8000-6 workmanship standards for traditional roofing, essential for maintaining listed building status. Our Technical Department collaborates with conservation officers to ensure:
Technical Specifications for Heritage Roofs
SSQ Slate vs Traditional Alternatives
| Metric | SSQ Slate | Reclaimed Welsh Slate | Concrete Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan (years) | 100–150+ | 80–120 | 30–40 |
| Maintenance Cost (per m²/year) | ~£0.18 | ~£0.50 | ~£1.20 |
| Water Absorption (%) | ≤ 0.3% | ~0.4–0.5% | 1.5–2.0% |
| Fire Rating (Euroclass) | A1 | A1 | A2 |
| Carbon Footprint (kg CO₂/m²) | ~0.03 | ~0.04 | ~0.19 |
Material Advantages for Historic Structures
Del Carmen Heritage Slate
Backed by historical quarrying records dating to the 19th century, Del Carmen, one of our premium spanish slate has been proven in traditional installations for over 100 years.:
Riverstone Phyllite for Conservation Projects
The Bodmin Jail restoration demonstrates Riverstone’s heritage capabilities:
Professional Support for Heritage Projects
SSQ provides comprehensive assistance throughout your luxury roofing project:
Sustainability Credentials
Commercial buildings increasingly require verifiable environmental credentials. SSQ slate delivers:
Technical Support for Commercial Projects
SSQ provides comprehensive technical support throughout your project:
Featured Heritage Projects
Our slate graces some of the most prestigious residential properties:
Discuss Your Project
Discuss Your Project
Our technical team specialises in commercial and public building applications, providing tailored recommendations for your specific project requirements.
View Case Studies
View Commercial Case Studies
Over the last forty years, we’ve built up a huge amount of expertise covering natural slate, roofing, geology, specifications and so much more – and you can benefit from that, along with case studies, CAD drawings, technical PDFS and a wealth of other support.
Case Studies
Request a Sample
Request a Sample
The best way of judging the quality of slate and phyllite is to hold it in your hands, and examine it in detail for yourself.
If you’d like a sample of any of the products we provide, don’t hesitate to fill in the form below.
Book a CPD
Book a CPD
At SSQ, we love sharing our decades of natural slate expertise with architects, and our CPDs are always extremely popular.
On our RIBA-approved Why Specify Slate CPD, you’ll learn about:
- How to guarantee a perfect slate roof
- The secret to specifying
- Unusual roof designs
- How to avoid specifying defective slate
- The difference between CE tested and true quality slate
- The legal requirements when it comes to specifying slate
- How to specify random coursed roofing slates
- The difference between hook and nail fixing
- The environmental benefits of natural slate
- Specifying heritage roofing slates
… and a whole lot more.
If you’re interested in booking a place on our next CPD, simply fill in this form.
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
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
We put forward Riverstone as a cost-effective, yet high quality alternative to Welsh Slate, and it was accepted on that basis. The refurbishment work has now been completed and both the owners and ourselves are very happy with the result.
Keith Hicks Architect at Pave Hall
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 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
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 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
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
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
It was an absolute pleasure to meet you today, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and a wonderfully informative CPD.
The whole team really enjoyed it, and you definitely conveyed your passion and knowledge of your products!
I would say I will keep SSQ in mind for future projects, but they always have been. However, I have definitely left with a need to utilise more slate in my design work!
Michael Clifton BSc ACIAT - Oakbridge Bespoke Homes Ltd
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
