Natural slate is durable, versatile and beautiful. Natural slate can be an attractive option financially and aesthetically, however it is important to know how to identify the best slate available to suit your requirements. We purchase natural slate from major worldwide deposits, including Spain, China, Argentina, Canada, Brazil and, of course, the UK.

Q: Doesn’t imported slate have a bad reputation?
A: Admittedly, in the past, some slate importers bringing in poor quality product have given natural slate from outside the UK a bad reputation. However, reputable importers of natural slate are now working hard to quell these impressions and stamp out poor quality imports.

Q: How can I guarantee a high quality slate?
A: The British market has been used in the past as a dumping ground for slate which is unacceptable for use in other countries, predominantly France & Germany. The reason is that the British market is primarily price rather than quality driven, which has opened the door for imports of lesser quality products. A method to guarantee the quality of your slate is to purchase slate imported into the UK which meets one of the standards set within the industry. These are the French standard P32/302 Class A, the American standard US ASTM SI and the British standard BS 680. Above all make your purchase from a source which is accountable and can offer the support and back up, along with the assurances you require, when purchasing natural slate.

Q: What else do I need to consider when purchasing imported slate?
A: It is important to inspect the slate for any defects. Some you can see with the naked eye, for example irregularities in shape or thickness, cracks in the slate or visible inclusions such as pyrites (pyrites in a class A slate should be stable). Others are invisible to the naked eye but you should enquire about nonetheless, including levels of water absorption, resistance to acid attack or high levels of calcium
carbonate.

Q: Why are there vast differences in prices between some imported slates?
A: These differences relate to quality. To coin a phrase, you get what you pay for. Certain areas of Europe will pay a premium for high quality imported slates which again leads to product which cannot be sold at a premium being imported into the UK.

Q: Can imported slate compete with the best?
A: Some people believe that an imported slate is a second choice when looking at quality issues. This isn’t necessarily true. Good imported slate can equal the best there is in the quality stakes. The list of prestigious projects on which imported slate has been approved and fixed is growing by the day.

Q: I am interested in purchasing natural slate, where do I go?
A: It is important to use a reputable supplier, who can give assurance that their slate meets standards (international as well as British) and is regularly tested. At our branches we hold a range of slate from which you can guarantee choice and quality. We have a team of Niche Managers, entirely devoted to slate, who are available for information and advice (see the SIG People section on page 22). In addition to our sales support we also offer delivery, crane off-loading and (for larger developments) stock management. Find your nearest branch on the branch locator on the back cover.

Q: How can I find out more?
A: Call into your local branch where you can talk to our staff who will also have details of your nearest Niche Manager for Natural Slate. Alternatively you can email slate@sigroofing.co.uk. We are also producing a guide to purchasing imported natural slate. Email insight@sigroofing.co.uk