Slate Solutions for Commercial & Public Buildings

Why Choose SSQ Slate for Commercial Applications?

SSQ delivers superior natural slate roofing and cladding solutions specifically engineered for the demanding requirements of commercial and public buildings. With exclusive quarry access and stringent quality control, our slate achieves BS EN 12326 S1 certification—the highest grade available for architectural slate.
Our Del Carmen slate withstands 2,500 Pa wind loads – 23% above BS 5534 minimums, ensuring exceptional durability even in the most challenging environments. This performance standard is why leading architects and contractors consistently specify SSQ slate for landmark commercial projects.

Sensational slate, all from the same source

Some quarries mix and match slate from different seams of rock, and even different quarries, then sell it under the same brand name. At SSQ, that goes against everything we stand for. When you buy slate from us, you’re guaranteed the very finest quality – and we can point to the exact seam it came from.

A slate roof equipped with solar panels, highlighting eco-friendly energy generation.

Public Sector Roofing

Public buildings demand roofing materials that balance aesthetics, durability, and value for taxpayer investment. SSQ slate has been specified for numerous schools, hospitals, and government buildings, reducing lifecycle costs by 62% compared to asphalt alternatives.

Healthcare Facilities: Meeting NHS Estates Fire Code 2.2 with non-combustible A1 fire rating
Educational Institutions: Delivered 100+ year warranties for academy and university buildings nationwide
Local Authority Buildings: Providing heritage-compliant solutions for conservation areas

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Commercial Roofing & Cladding

Beyond roofing, SSQ slate provides exceptional façade solutions with distinct advantages:

  • 30mm thickness options delivering 75dB noise reduction – ideal for urban environments
  • CAD-cut lintels and windowsills customised per project specifications
  • Resistant to pollution, acid rain, and environmental degradation
  • Zero maintenance requirements for decades after installation
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    A building with roofing slate installed and a Blue glass on a cladding installed building
    Del Carmen quarry

    Regulatory Compliance

    BS 5534 Compliance Checklist

    SSQ slate solutions exceed the British Standard for slating and tiling, providing:

  • Mechanical fixing systems engineered for UK weather conditions
  • Batten spacing calculations specific to building height and location
  • Wind uplift resistance exceeding minimum requirements by 20-30%
  • Frost resistance certification for all climate zones
  • Third-Party Certifications

    BBA Certification #04/4133
    SafeContractor Approved
    ISO 9001 Quality Management
    ISO 14001 Environmental Management

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    The SSQ Advantage: Performance Comparison

    Metric SSQ Slate Concrete Tiles Metal Roofing
    Lifespan (years) 150+ 40 50
    Maintenance Cost/Year £0.18/m² £1.20/m² £0.75/m²
    Fire Rating Class A1 (non-combustible) Class A2 Class B
    Wind Uplift Resistance Excellent Good Good
    Sound Insulation Superior Moderate Poor
    Aesthetic Longevity No fading Significant degradation Moderate degradation
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    slate tiles at quarry

    Sustainability Credentials

    Commercial buildings increasingly require verifiable environmental credentials. SSQ slate delivers:

  • Carbon footprint: 0.03kg CO₂/m² vs. 4.2kg for synthetic slates
  • Longevity: 150+ year lifespan eliminates multiple replacement cycles
  • Circular economy: 98% recyclability rate for construction offcuts and end-of-life material
  • No chemical treatments: 100% natural material requires no toxic processing
  • Carbon-neutral quarrying: Our operations meet ISO 14001 environmental standards
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    Technical Support for Commercial Projects

    SSQ provides comprehensive technical support throughout your project:

  • Free wind uplift reports tailored to UK meteorological zones
  • BIM/CAD files for seamless integration into architectural plans
  • On-site installation guidance from NFRC-approved technicians
  • Sample specification language for tender documents
  • CPD sessions for architectural practices
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    Stone cladding around a swimming pool.

    Featured Public & Commercial Projects

    Our slate has been specified for prestigious commercial and public buildings including:

  • Woolwich Works - London
  • St George’s Church - Slough
  • Ted Baker London - Beverly Hills
  • Clarion Post Hotel - Sweden
  • Royal High School - Bath
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  • Discuss Your Project
  • View Case Studies
  • Request a Sample
  • Book a CPD
  • 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
    Riverstone ridge roof

    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.

    Check which samples you would like to receive:

    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.

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    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 specified SSQ First Domiz Blue-grey roofing slate for both technical and aesthetic reasons:its strength and quality gives the performance needed and its cold, hard, colour provides a dramatic foil to the rich warmth of the western red cedar walls.

    Mark Webber, Architect, Nichols Brown Webber

    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

    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

    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

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    Case Study

    SSQ’s exceptional slate contributes to award-nominated heritage restoration

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    Case Study

    SSQ’s Riverstone provides reliable roofing solution for a piece of Cornish mining history

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    Case Study

    SSQ’s Riverstone helps to restore part of Cornwall’s agricultural history

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    Case Study

    In with the new: SSQ’s Del Carmen restores Southampton University library

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    Case Study

    SSQ’s Riverstone raises the roof at Mottram St Andrew Primary Academy

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