Riverstone Phyllite

Riverstone: sleek, stylish – and extremely versatile

Whether it’s as roofing, stone cladding or flooring, Riverstone graces domestic and commercial buildings all around the world, from America, to Australia, to thousands of homes and businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.

Due to its premium quality, Riverstone is also one of the few imported slates that has been accepted by Heritage England and Heritage Scotland as an alternative material to use on grade II listed buildings, when a native version is not available. This makes it the perfect choice when you have a heritage or conservation area project where you want the beauty and quality that slate provides, but local planning and building regulations are in place.

Why Choose Riverstone?

Riverstone boasts exceptional durability and water absorption.

Assessed to the US testing standard ASTM C406, Riverstone was awarded an S1 rating, indicating it will last a minimum of 75 years.

What’s more, it achieves the highest possible classification in BS EN 12326 – W1-T1-S1.

Guaranteed for a century

On Ultra-grade Riverstone – some of the thinnest phyllite you can find anywhere that still holds its strength – we offer the option for a 100-year weathertightness guarantee, and the opportunity to choose an Insurance Backed guarantee covering all materials, workmanship, and, in certain cases, the design, too.

Riverstone phyllite unique characteristics

Riverstone phyllite is both extremely durable and provides a stunning aesthetic finish. Roofing slates made from Argentinian Riverstone provide outstanding weather resistance, will not fade or become discoloured and are the perfect alternative for use in heritage property renovations.

When you choose Riverstone for your next roofing project, you can expect:

• A stronger, harder, and denser material than natural slate
• Attractive grey colour with unique phyllitic sheen
• 100% natural material
• Compatibility with specialist roofing and cladding architectural projects
• 100-year weather tightness guarantee

Riverstone Ridges

For decades, otherwise pristine slate roofs were ruined by the use of ridges that clashed with their natural aesthetics.
This was because it wasn’t yet possible to make ridges out of natural slate, and so installers were forced to use differently coloured man-made materials instead.

The Riverstone Slate Ridge system has changed all that. Using real slates chemically and mechanically bonded to a GRP waterproof layer, they deliver both outstanding aesthetics and outstanding performance.

• Invisible RidgeFix method permanently fixes ridges into position
• No roll-out ridge fixing kit required, saving materials and labour
• Pre-drilled and complete with two stainless steel retaining screws
• Easily cut and drilled on site to different requirements
• Includes ridge/hop tiles, block ends, hip ends and ridge caps

Frequently asked questions

What is the most expensive type of slate?

Natural slate is typically the most expensive type of slate because it is the most durable and long-lasting option available. Natural slate is made from thin shingles of natural metamorphic stone, which are incredibly dense and heavy. The production process for natural slate is also more time-consuming and requires specialised skills and equipment.

This makes the cost of natural slate higher compared to other types of slate. However, despite the higher cost, natural slate is an attractive option for many homeowners due to its exceptional durability, resistance to mould and fading, as well as its eco-friendly properties.

What is the best thickness for slate?

The best thickness for slate varies depending on the intended use and the quarry producing it. However, slate quarries typically aim to split slate at the thinnest possible thickness, usually between 4-6mm, while ensuring it retains the strength required for its purpose.