SSQ Natural Slate

10/09/2026

Are guarantees worth the paper they're written on?

A roof is one of the biggest investments you'll make in a property, so it's natural to look for a strong guarantee before making a decision.

But before you focus on the number of years offered, consider a few important questions:
• Is the company established and reputable?
• Does the guarantee cover the entire roof system?
• What exactly is protected?
• Who will handle any future claims?

One often-overlooked detail is whether the guarantee is backed by the supplier or passed on to the quarry that produced the slate.
If a problem occurs years later, a guarantee is only valuable if it's straightforward to enforce and backed by a business you can rely on.
The strongest guarantees provide more than protection. They provide confidence that your investment is secure for the long term.

SSQ has you covered 👉https://www.ssqgroup.com/slate-roof-life-expectancy-the-essential-information-you-need

09/09/2026

Great Wadham Farm: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future

One of the greatest challenges in heritage restoration is balancing authenticity with long-term performance.

At Great Wadham Farm, a Grade II Listed farmhouse near South Molton, Devon, a complete roof refurbishment formed part of a wider restoration programme for this historic estate.

To maintain the building's traditional appearance, SSQ Riverstone Ultra Phyllite was selected due to its close resemblance to historic Delabole slate and its suitability for conservation projects.
The project involved:
• Removal of existing roof coverings
• Installation of approximately 9,000 Riverstone Ultra slates
• Extensive consultation with conservation and planning authorities
• Inclusion of specialist bat access slates to meet ecological requirements
Thanks to the expertise of =100070688613563, Jonathan Rhind Architects and the wider project team, this important historic property now benefits from a roofing solution that respects its heritage while safeguarding its future.

https://www.ssqgroup.com/case-studies/riverstone-for-historic-wadham-farm-estate-roof

08/09/2026

Slate works is out today with a lead article on….
Don't kick the can down the road... or your roof
When it comes to major property investments, most people understand that quality matters.
You wouldn't choose replacement windows purely on price, and you certainly wouldn't trust a gas installation to inferior products or unqualified installers.
Yet roofing decisions are often judged on upfront cost alone.
The challenge is that roofing materials don't just need to perform today. They need to protect a building for decades.
A lower-cost product may seem like a saving now, but if it deteriorates prematurely, requires repairs or needs replacing sooner than expected, the real cost can be far greater.
That's why roofing should always be viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term saving.
Because the true cost of a roof is measured over the life of the building, not on the day it's installed.
Choose quality. Choose durability. Think beyond today.
Read the full article: https://www.ssqgroup.com/dont-kick-the-can-down-the-road-natural-slate-roofing
Subscribe to receive the next issue: https://www.ssqgroup.com/newsletter-sign-up

02/09/2026

SSQ’s Del Carmen natural slate played a major role in refurbishing a historically significant piece of Cornish heritage - Grade-I listed building, Saltash Train Station.

Funded by Cornwall Council, GWR , Network Rail , Railway Heritage Trust

Find out more 👉https://www.ssqgroup.com/case-studies/del-carmen-helps-revamp-saltashs-gateway-to-cornwall

01/09/2026

Project Spotlight: Mittagong, Australia

We're delighted to showcase this beautiful residential roofing project in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

This stunning property features SSQ Spanish Del Carmen Slate in a 500 x 300mm size, creating a roof that combines classic aesthetics with exceptional long-term performance.

Project Highlights:
✔ Residential property
✔ Premium natural slate roofing
✔ SSQ Spanish Del Carmen Slate
✔ Installed by Heritage Roofing Group Pty Ltd
✔ Supplied by Premier Slate Products

Natural slate continues to be the roofing material of choice for homeowners looking for enduring beauty, durability and value.
https://www.ssqgroup.com/products/del-carmen

27/08/2026

The SSQ monthly newsletter "𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔" is out next week. Articles included are:

💡"Don't Kick the Can Down the Road"... or Your Slate Roof

💡How SSQ Riverstone has helped transform a Grade II listed farmhouse

💡Master craftsmanship with hand cut and dressed SSQ Matacouta slates for a decorative roof in a conservation area

📍Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss out https://www.ssqgroup.com/newsletter-sign-up

26/08/2026

RIBA CPD

Our RIBA-approved Why Specify Slate CPD is designed to provide invaluable insights into the world of slate roofing.

During this session, you'll learn how to guarantee a flawless slate roof, uncover the secrets of successful specification, and navigate the challenges of unusual roof designs. We'll also cover how to avoid defective slate, understand the difference between CE-tested and true quality slate, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Additionally, the CPD explores the specification of random coursed roofing slates, the pros and cons of hook versus nail fixing, the environmental advantages of natural slate, and best practices for heritage roofing projects.

Whether you're an architect, specifier, or roofing professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

To book your place, simply fill out the form here:

At SSQ, we love sharing our decades of natural slate expertise with architects, and our CPDs are always extremely popular.

25/08/2026

Struggling to interpret British Standards?

You're not the only one.

When comparing roofing slate, you'll often see classifications such as A1, T1 and S1. But what do they actually mean?

T1 indicates a slate is highly unlikely to rust or become discoloured over time.
A1 relates to water absorption. The lower the absorption, the more durable the slate is likely to be over the long term.
S1 measures resistance to sulphur dioxide exposure, helping indicate how well the slate can withstand pollutants and acid rain.

In simple terms, if you're searching for the highest-performing slate available, look for:
✅ A1
✅ T1
✅ S1
Understanding these ratings can make a huge difference when investing in a roof designed to last for generations.

https://www.ssqgroup.com/en-12326-for-natural-slate-what-w1-s1-and-t1-mean-for-specifiers

20/08/2026

✨ Modern Villa. Timeless Materials.

This beautiful villa in the Netherlands showcases the elegance of SSQ Riverstone Heavy slate, chosen for its distinctive light grey tones and subtle green undertones.

Combined with contemporary zinc detailing, the finished roof delivers a sophisticated architectural look while offering the durability and weather resistance that Riverstone is renowned for.

A perfect example of how premium materials and expert craftsmanship can create something truly exceptional. 🏡

Merchant: Lei Import B.V.

https://www.ssqgroup.com/case-studies/modern-villa-with-the-riverstone-touch

SSQ Riverstone Heavy natural slate proved to be the perfect choice for the re-roofing of this stunning villa in Netherlands.

19/08/2026

🤡Don't be fooled by myths about Fool's Gold.

Pyrites are naturally occurring mineral inclusions found in many slate products and are often misunderstood. While some reactive pyrites can lead to staining over time, the presence of visible pyrites does not automatically indicate poor-quality slate.

The real measure of quality lies in testing. Thermal cycling tests and recognised classifications help determine whether pyrites are likely to cause future discolouration or leaching.

That's why tested, certified products are so important when specifying natural slate for long-term performance and appearance.

https://www.ssqgroup.com/technical-articles/the-geology-of-slate-and-phyllite



Get in touch to find out more [email protected] / 02089617725