The Diamond of the Slate World
Riverstone is a stunning phyllite roofing product that delivers outstanding aesthetics and durability. Subjected to incredible heat and pressure over 560 million years, these geological processes make it harder, denser and stronger than any of the alternatives, including slate. This makes it one of the toughest and longest-lasting roofing materials in the world, and is perfect for when you may have a challenging architectural project to design, or you want that truly prestigious grey phyllitic sheen finish.
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Rarer than gold
On the plains of South America, between the Pampas and the Andes, we found phyllite – the slate-like architectural stone that’s gone on to become one of the world’s most sought-after roofing, cladding and flooring materials.
It’s extremely rare. But at SSQ, we’re proud owners of one of the world’s few phyllite quarries in La Repressa, Argentina - and it’s from here that we source Riverstone.
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.
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.
Contact usGuaranteed 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.
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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.
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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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Resources
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.
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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