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.
Download the Riverstone brochure Watch videoWhether 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.
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 usOn 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.
View our guaranteesRiverstone 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:
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.
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.
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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Resources
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
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:
… and a whole lot more.
If you’re interested in booking a place on our next CPD, simply fill in this form.
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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