Natural slate: stunning natural material that can last a century
For centuries, when people have needed a material that lasts, they’ve chosen natural slate. Neolithic hunters used it to tip arrows and spears. As far back as Roman times, it was being used to roof palaces and forts.
So it’s no surprise that, even thousands of years later, natural slate is still prized for its strength, low maintenance and long lifespan.
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Timeless aesthetics
Do you live in a conservation area? A listed building? Perhaps your house had a slate roof already – or perhaps, like an increasing number of architects, builders and homeowners, you’re working on a new-build made of natural, traditional materials. If this is the case, then natural slate is the only choice.
Natural slate from SSQ
At SSQ, we supply the highest quality natural slate for a wide range of applications. Our selection of natural slates are often specified for use in listed buildings and conservation areas. They provide some of the best weather protection available today with a sleek attractive aesthetic, unique to natural slates.
Many of our natural slates come from the renowned slate quarries of North West Spain. Our Del Carmen slates, for example, are chosen by architects from around the world for their unique aesthetic appearance. Del Carmen slates, a kind of spanish slate, have a unique deep blue-black colour. A faint rippled texture and distinctive longitudinal grain sets Del Carmen slates apart from other slates, making them a popular choice for premium roofing projects and aspirational renovations.
Slate: the greenest roofing material of them all?
The clue is in the name. Natural slate is 100% natural. It’s the product of hundreds of millions of years of geology, and contains none of the chemicals that many synthetic alternatives do.
When it comes to embodied carbon – in effect, a material’s carbon footprint – natural slate is even more impressive. Concrete tiles create 0.19kg of CO² per kilogram. Clay tiles are worse – they produce 0.43kg per kilo. Natural slate, however, contains far less – between 0.005-0.054kg per kilo.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, great-looking roof, then natural slate is the eco-friendly choice.
Contact usMaterial that lasts a lifetime
Perhaps the biggest benefit of natural slate is that it lasts. A quality slate roof, for example, that’s expertly installed, can last over a hundred years – in many cases, longer than the building it’s originally fitted on! Those lengthy lifespans mean that, over time, it’s much more cost-effective than the alternatives.
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Outstanding in all winds and weathers
Heat, cold, rain, snow – natural slate can withstand it all. Slate has been gracing roofs in windswept coastal parts of Wales and Cornwall for hundreds of years, and offers outstanding longevity and performance in a huge range of climates and conditions.
For more detailed information, our brochure contains all the vital specifications you need to make a fully informed decision about our slate products.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
