The long-lasting Matacouta natural slate was born in Spain but is now at home in Scotland

It might be quarried in the mountains of North-West Spain, but SSQ’s outstanding Matacouta slate is most at home in the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.

Matacouta is durable and thick, making it well suited to weathering the sometimes harsh Scottish climate. Strong, long-lasting and perfectly in keeping with the natural aesthetic of so much Scottish architecture, Matacouta is an exceptional natural slate product.

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See it at the source

At Matacouta, the name is the address. If you want to see the operation in person, you’re more than welcome to visit – and in fact, we organise regular trips to show our appreciation to our fantastic clients.

modern buildings with slate tiles

Tested and traceable

Matacouta hasn’t just achieved test results in BS EN 12326 – every single slate is traceable back to the source. Some brands mix and match slates from all different seams and quarries – with hugely variable results. SSQ doesn’t do that. Every piece of Matacouta slate comes from the Matacouta quarry in North-West Spain.

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Slate that can last as much as a century

If it’s properly installed, Matacouta slate is the some of the longest-lasting you’ll find anywhere. In fact, we’re so confident in its ability to perform for decades on end that we guarantee our Ultra-grade Matacouta Heavy slate for 100 years. With that kind of lifespan, your Matacouta roof may even outlive the building its installed on.

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slate roofs

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case Study

Millbridge Primary School

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Case Study

Christ’s College

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Kresen Kernow

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Broad Meadow

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Case Study

The Cowyards

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  • Resource Centre
  • Booking a CPD
  • Resource Centre

    SSQ Professional Resource Centre

    When you work with SSQ, you get so much more than world-class slate and architectural stone.

    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, on our Professional Resources centre.

    Get free access

    Booking 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.

    Why choose SSQ?

    Millions of SSQ slates have been installed by customers all over the world – and with a team of dedicated quality controllers based at our Spanish and Argentinian sites, our company’s uncompromising commitment to supplying only the best ensures our Del Carmen slate meets the most exacting international standards.

    Outstanding natural slate and stone, forty years of expertise, and a series unbeatable guarantees make SSQ one of the best suppliers on Earth.

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