SSQ Del Carmen First Spanish Roof Slate
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SSQ Del Carmen 1st Spanish Slate
*** PLEASE SEE BUYER NOTES ***
SSQ Del Carmen 1st slate is a high-quality roofing slate that is a stunning non-fading blue/black colour.
It has a characteristic rippled riven texture and a longitudinal grain - similar to Welsh Slates.
SSQ Del Carmen boasts a well-graded slate that is 5-6mm thick with minimal pyrite.
SSQ are so confident in the quality of the slate that there is a rust-free guarantee included with a 75-year life guarantee SSQ are the only slate manufacturers in the industry to offer this on their slates.
These slates have gone through rigorous testing in accordance with BS EN12326, Norm Franois (NF 228) and the ASTM (American Standard). Part of the NF 228 all Del Carmen has barcode traceability back to source ensuring that it is a constant top-quality slate every time.
As part of the BS EN12326 a range of attributes were tested, including the 3 most critical areas:
Water Absorption (Can be referred to as an A)
Natural slates are valuable to cracking in cold weather if they absorb excessive water. To reach a standard of W1 slates must absorb <0.06% of its mass in water. The SSQ Del Carmen First reaches this standard.
Terminal Cycle
This area checks for the likelihood of corrosion through rust or oxidisation due to pyrites that are present in slates. There are three grades for T:
T1 - No apparent charge in the slate, or slight rust that doesn't compromise the structure of the slate or leave rust colour runs of discolouration
T2 - Oxidation/apparent changes of the metallic inclusions with the slate. There is no structural change with the slate but runs of discolouration are present
T3 - Oxidation/apparent changes in metallic inclusions are present and penetrate the slate comprising structure and risk holes forming on the slate.
All SSQ slates reach the level of T1 with the Del Carmen's added rust-free guarantee as an extra level of quality.
Sulphur Dioxide Exposure
This tests the slates ability to resist pollutants in the air and to measure any softening of the slates that might occur from chemical disintegration of carbonate content.
S1 - No change
S2 - Slates must be 5mm or thicker
S3 - Slates must be at least 8mm
Spanish Del Carmen's are rated S1 for Sulphur Dioxide testing and carry a CE mark.
The slates have been approved for use in National Parks, including Snowdonia, as a suitable alternative to Welsh Slate.
Head Lap
Below are the charts for the recommended head based on both moderate exposure and severe exposure to wind-driven rain. This map can be seen on BS 5534:2014+A2 2018.
United Kingdom
In general, any area that is within 30 miles of a west-facing coastline is considered to be in a severe exposure area.
This being said, localised effects on any site must be taken into consideration.
Further reference to BS 8104 is advisable to ascertain localised effects.
Buyer Notes
Please note that ordering 5% more tiles is recommended to allow for breakages especially if a job is on a tight timescale. Some tiles and slates can be broken in transit and can be refunded.
Datasheet for DDQ Del Carman Firsts
Why ssq exclusively natural slate?
For forty years, SSQ have been bringing the most outstanding slate and natural stone products to customers all around the globe.
By combining the finest natural materials, uncompromising quality standards, and decades of passion and expertise, we’ve become one of the world’s leading suppliers of stunning Spanish slate and Argentinian Phyllite.
SSQ’s uncompromising commitment to quality have seen our products become known and sought-after all around the world. Today, as well as their logistics office in North-West Spain and quarry in central Argentina, they’ve got teams in 22 countries, meaning that wherever you are, you don’t have to settle for anything less than SSQ quality.
Why is Natural Slate the Best Choice?
Natural slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock, formed over millions of years under intense geological pressure. Unlike manufactured alternatives, every slate tile is a product of nature — unique in texture, colour, and character. This geological origin gives natural slate properties that simply cannot be replicated by synthetic or man-made materials.
It splits naturally into thin, flat sheets, making it ideally suited for roofing. The result is a material that is simultaneously robust and refined — capable of withstanding the harshest weather conditions while enhancing the visual appeal of any structure it covers.
SSQ Group is one of the world’s most trusted names in natural slate. With direct sourcing from Spain’s premier quarry regions, comprehensive technical support, and a commitment to consistent quality, we provide specifiers, merchants, and contractors with everything they need to deliver exceptional roofing projects.
SSQ supply the highest quality natural slates for a wide range of applications.
Our team is available to advise on product selection, project specification, and technical performance — ensuring that every SSQ Natural Spanish Slate project is set up for long-term success.
SSQ Lifetime Guarantee
Here at Ashbrook Roofing Supplies, we have paired up with SSQ Natural Slate to provide you with the right guarantees for your new slate roof.
We have guarantees ranging from 30 years to 100 years of protection for your new roof.
SSQ Natural Slate FAQ's
The Quality of Natural Slate
How do you know if you have low quality slate?
High quality natural slate is certified to BS EN 12326 – W1-T1-S1 standards. Signs of poor quality include brittleness and sounding dull or rattling when tapped. When grading and selecting natural slate, if it has a 'ring' to it when you tap it you can trust that it is high quality slate. Read More
How long does natural slate last?
An SSQ natural slate roof is designed to last over 100 years. Backed by guarantees of up to 100 years (depending on the slate selected), it offers one of the longest service lives of any roofing material available.
Does natural slate break easily?
A quality natural slate roof that's been professionally installed can last over a hundred years, with some natural slate roofs even outliving the building itself! It also resists cracks, scratches, breaks and chips. Del Carmen slate has one of the longest life expectancies of all natural Spanish slate, which is why we guarantee all Del Carmen roofs for up to 100 years. Read More
Does natural slate fade or darken over time?
Quality natural slate is the preferred option for restoring period properties as it will not fade over time. Our Riverstone, Del Carmen, and Matacouta slates will not fade or become discoloured even when exposed to the harshest environments.
Technical questions about ssq slate
Is natural slate slippery when wet?
Strong and durable, the impermeable surface of natural slate provides fantastic anti-slip qualities that’s ideal for a wide range of applications including bathrooms and shower rooms.
Is natural slate fire resistant?
Natural slate and phyllite products are 100% non-combustible, which means they will not burn if exposed to fire. Read More
Does natural slate expand?
Natural slate can withstand extreme temperatures, making it the most durable option for hearths, kitchens, and roofs. With an exceptional melting point of 2000 centigrade, high grade natural slate will not expand, contract, or warp. Read More
Does natural slate absorb heat?
Natural slate is one of the most heat resistant building materials available to-date. Read More
Is natural slate waterproof?
Thanks to a very low water absorption index, natural slate is renowned for its excellent waterproof qualities. Our Riverstone natural phyllite boasts exceptional durability and water absorption features.
Case Studies
Millbridge Primary School
Derbyshire’s NRA Roofing managed to achieve outstanding results fitting SSQ Del Carmen slate on Millbridge Primary School in Liversedge.
Cotton Tails, Bedfordshire
Cotton Tails is a prestigious £2.5 million private residential property, the finalist for the RCI Pitched Roofing Awards.
Tregenna, St Mawes
Overlooking the Percuil River, Tregenna occupies a spectacular yet demanding coastal location in St Mawes, Truro.
Have you ever seen a slate quarry?
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