Roofing Superstore has a wide range of slates to choose from to create the perfect, stunning slate roof for your latest roofing project, whether it is a new build or a renovation of a more traditional building. 

If you’re unsure of which roof slates are most suited to your project, read on for more information about roof slates, the benefits of roofing slates, and the different types of slate roof tiles available. Alternatively, feel free to call our team of roofing experts on 01752 692760 or use the live chat – they will be more than happy to offer product recommendations and advice.

Looking for information on how to slate a roof? We've created a short guide to help - find it here.

*Please note, our slates are normally delivered on a six wheeled lorry (11m long & 2.4m wide), with a tail-lift facility to offload on solid, level ground with a pump truck. 

Non-compliance to delivery restrictions may result in additional delivery charges. Additionally, should you specifically require a crane or small vehicle offload, notify us at the time of ordering, as an additional charge may be incurred.

Why choose roof slates?

Roof slate tiles have grown in popularity as homeowners and contractors strive to create a stunning aesthetically pleasing yet affordable roofscape for their projects. The aesthetics of slate is one of the key reasons roof slates are the chosen – the natural variations within the colour of slate are incredibly desirable, as well as both smooth and riven finished slate options. Slate is a timeless roof material, allowing it to be used for both contemporary and more traditional period properties. Furthermore, the appearance of slate roofing can increase the potential selling value of the property.

Slate is a naturally formed metamorphic rock, that is incredibly durable and hardwearing. Additionally, slate is fire resistant, and does not absorb water meaning that it is unaffected by frost damage and extreme temperatures, including freezing. This means that slate roof tiles are long lasting, with lifespans of over 100 years, and can even outlast the building itself, with very little maintenance apart from the occasional replacement slate tile. 

Although at first glance roof slate tiles may appear more expensive than other roof coverings, the long lifespan means that they will often outlast other roofing materials by 2 or 3 times. This means that the cost of slate roofs over time is much lower than it appears.

Different types of roofing slate

There are a number of different types of roofing slate available to choose from depending on the key characteristics you require. As well as natural roofing slate, there are also several manmade roofing slate materials available.

Natural roof slate

Natural roof slate is one of the most stunning roofing materials available, and creates a unique attractive finish to your home. As well as being fireproof, frost resistant, and low maintenance, the appearance of natural slate roof tiles, with variations throughout the natural rock is something that cannot be replicated. 

Spanish slate

Spanish slate tiles are considered some of the most premium slate tiles available, and makes up around 80% of roofing slate used in Europe. Spanish slates are more dense than other roofing tiles, which means that they are able to regulate the temperature more easily. This can help save on annual energy bills, as it will retain heat in the winter, and keep the home or building cooler in the summer. 

Here at Roofing Superstore we offer 1st quality Spanish slates including Duquessa Spanish slate and Contessa Spanish slate, as well as standard quality Spanish slates.

Welsh slate

With a long-lasting reputation for high quality, stunning slates, welsh slate products come from infamous quarries in North Wales that are being considered for UNESCO status due to their reputation for producing such high quality slates. The durability of Welsh slate products is almost incomparable, with lifespans of over 100 years. Additionally, if your project is within the UK, Welsh slates are some of the most eco-friendly natural slates available due to their proximity, when compared with Spanish, Canadian, Brazilian or Argentinian slates.

Canadian slate

Canadian slates are often chosen for their high quality and high strength. Canadian slate products often have a blue-grey shade, and can be used instead of more traditional Welsh slate, as it is often less expensive, but can still withstand extreme weather and is also longlasting. 

Brazilian slate

Brazilian slate has begun to grow in popularity in recent years, so much so that Brazil is now the world’s second biggest manufacturer of slate. Although Brazilian slate has less heritage and tradition compared with Welsh and Spanish slate, it is still durable and long-lasting. The main difference between Brazilian slate and Welsh slate is that it is produced from mudstone, instead of true metamorphic rocks which are used to form true slate.

Argentinian slate

Argentinian slate is not as well-known as other natural slates, but is still a fine choice. Argentinian slate is generally harder and denser than other slates, and provides a traditional, authentic look, so much so that English Heritage have used it for a number of their projects, and it has also been used for upkeep on Buckingham Palace. The Riverstone Argentinian slate is an ultra-grade slate product, and is unique in that it has a 100 year warranty.

Man-made roof slate

Manmade roof slates are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners and contractors alike strive to become more eco-friendly whilst also creating a secure, functional and aesthetically pleasing finished project. 

Manmade roofing slates are made from a variety of different materials, specific to each manufacturer, but they have all been designed to emulate traditional natural slate roofs, whilst providing a number of other benefits. One of the common themes throughout the manmade roof slates is the weight – manmade roof slate tiles are much more lightweight than traditional slate, making handling, transportation and installation much easier. 

Additionally, manmade roof slate products have been designed to improve the installation process, making it quicker and easier than ever before to install a roof that appears to be traditional slate. 

Each manmade roof slate has a greatly reduced risk of breaking, which helps to reduce wastage and minimise costs. Furthermore, many man-made slates are either 100% recyclable, or have been manufactured from recycled materials, which reduces the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the project. 

Manmade roof slates are typically manufactured using moulds to replicate traditional slates, but can be cut to any size required, which is often a challenge with natural slate. 

Recycled roof slate

Another option when looking to create a slate roof is to use recycled roof slates. These are slate tiles that have been manufactured from waste slate materials, or pieces of pre-used slate. This helps to minimise the environmental impact of the project, because there is no manufacturing process involved to create the finished project, and the amount of wastage is reduced. Using recycled slate is a great sustainable alternative to natural roof slate tiles because the roof is still manufactured from natural slate, but with reduced carbon emissions and lower impact on the environment.