About Slate
Everything you need to know about natural slate — geology, benefits, comparison with alternatives, and why SSQ is the right choice.
Slate Geology
Slate is one of the oldest natural rocks in the world, splitting into thin layers or plates. Slate products are characterised by an uneven, layered texture and earth tones: black, grey, green and red. Two groups of slate are distinguished: sedimentary and crystalline (metamorphic) slates.
Granite, basalt
Coal, limestone, sandstone
Marble, slate, phyllite
Depending on the type of slate, its applications differ — both in interiors and on building exteriors. Slate quality and properties depend on its mineral composition. The less iron and calcite present, the more resistant the products are to moisture and low temperatures.
Slate tiles can be used for floor and wall cladding, giving interiors a distinctive originality through their varied relief. Slate tiles are especially suited to floors — their unique texture is pleasant underfoot, they “breathe”, maintain a comfortable ambient temperature, and are non-slip.
What is Phyllite?
Phyllite, compared to conventional slate, is harder, denser and stronger. It formed over several hundred million years longer than slate — becoming harder, denser and stronger at each stage of formation. Phyllite also has a distinctive satin-like sheen and a greenish tint that distinguishes it from slate.
Phyllite is a rare rock worldwide, but SSQ can offer one of the finest high-quality phyllites available — “SSQ Riverstone”.
Why Natural Slate?
When choosing a roofing material, you may ask why slate should be your choice. Here are several reasons:
Slate is one of the oldest — if not the oldest — roofing material in the world. It predates manufactured alternatives such as clay tiles and other substitutes, and has proven its reliability and practicality over centuries.
Slate is one of the most beautiful and stylish roofing materials available.
Slate is unique and highly versatile — available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. It suits both contemporary and classical architectural styles.
Slate is an ecological, natural material.
Slate adds significant value to a building.
Slate outlasts the building itself.
Good quality slate will not fade or change its properties.
A slate roof requires no special maintenance.
Slate competes on price with alternatives and in some cases is even cheaper when lifecycle costs are considered.
Slate vs. Alternatives
No other roofing material can truly compete with slate. Its longevity and other outstanding properties have led to the creation of look-alike alternatives — but none of them match natural slate.
| Roofing Product | Weight (kg/m²) | Durability (yrs) | Maintenance Cost | Re-Roofing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Tiles | 51 | 30 | 10% | 3.33× |
| Clay Tiles | 63 | 40 | 10% | 2.5× |
| Fibre Cement “Slates” | 21–25 | 30 | 12% | 3.33× |
| SSQ Ultra Natural Slates | 20–30 | 100+ | 12% | 1× |
Source: Building Magazine
Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE)
Comparison of natural slate against clay and concrete tiles for embodied energy and carbon footprint.
| Product | Embodied Energy (MJ/kg) | Embodied Carbon (kgCO₂/kg) | Life Expectancy (yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Roofing Slate | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.005 – 0.054 | 20 – 100+ |
| Clay Tile | 6.5 | 0.43 | 40 – 65 |
| Concrete Tile | 1.2 | 0.19 | 30 – 50 |
Source: Inventory of Carbon and Energy, University of Bath, 2006
Why Choose SSQ Slate?
SSQ Group — a natural slate market leader with over 30 years of experience and the highest quality standards.
Over 30 years of experience and one of the leading companies in the natural slate market.
First to certify and introduce Spanish slate to the UK market as an alternative to considerably more expensive Welsh slate — in a market with a long slate tradition, high quality expectations and very high standards.
All 8 SSQ GROUP slate types are certified A1-T1-S1 — proof of their outstanding quality.
SSQ slate carries a written warranty of 30 to 100 years.
High quality control standards throughout the supply chain.
Fast order fulfilment — the most popular grades are held permanently in stock in Spain, the UK, Lithuania and other locations.
Door-to-door product delivery available on request.
Technical support from detailed drawings and node details to project quantity calculations.
Professional slate installation service also available.
Would you like to know more or receive a quote? Get in touch — we're happy to answer any questions.