Description
Natural slate is still the benchmark pitched roofing material for a reason — nothing else weathers to the same soft grey-green patina or lasts as long without cracking, fading or shedding granules the way felt and composite shingles eventually do.
This is genuine Brazilian natural slate from Minas Gerais, Westland grade, in the standard 500 x 250mm format used across most UK re-roofing and new-build pitched work.
Every slate is pre-holed and graded pyrite-free, so you're not sorting a pallet on site before you can start fixing.
Buy a single slate to check the colour and grain against your existing roof, an m² bundle for a repair or small extension, or a full pallet for a complete re-roof — all priced from the same real per-slate cost, so there's no markup penalty for buying small.
Key benefits
- Genuine natural slate, Westland 1st Grade, sourced from Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Pre-holed for standard nail fixing — no on-site drilling
- Pyrite-free, W-1/T-1/S-1 rated for weathering, strength and water absorption
- 500 x 250mm (20" x 10"), the most widely specified UK roofing slate size
- 30-year supplier guarantee
Specification
| Size | 500 x 250mm (20" x 10") |
|---|---|
| Nominal thickness | 5–7mm |
| Origin | Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Grade | Westland 1st Grade, pyrite-free |
| Rating | W-1 / T-1 / S-1 |
| Coverage | Approx. 19.1 slates per m² at 90mm headlap |
| Pallet quantity | Approx. 650 slates per pallet (approx. 34m² coverage) |
| Fixing | Pre-holed for standard slate nails (nails and battens sold separately) |
| Guarantee | 30 years (supplier-stated) |
How much do I need?
Coverage is approximately 19.1 slates per m² at a 90mm headlap — always confirm your own headlap and gauge with a roofer before ordering, as exposure varies with roof pitch and local wind/weather exposure.
Our m² and 5m²/10m² bundles are calculated directly from that per-slate coverage rate, and a full pallet holds approximately 650 slates (around 34m² of coverage).
Always order slightly more than your calculated area to allow for cutting, hips, valleys and breakages.
If you're re-roofing alongside flat-roofed sections such as a dormer or bay, our EPDM membrane range and breathable roofing underlay cover those areas, and our lead-free chimney flashing roll handles any chimney or valley detailing on the same slate roof.
Where budget, weight or handling rule out natural stone, our Recycled Rubber Roof Slate is a lighter synthetic alternative in the same lapped fixing pattern.
FAQs
Is this real slate or a composite?
Genuine natural slate, quarried in Minas Gerais, Brazil — not a synthetic or composite tile.
What does "pyrite-free" mean and why does it matter?
Pyrite inclusions in poor-quality slate can rust and stain or crack the slate over time. This grade is checked and graded pyrite-free.
Do I need to drill the slates myself?
No — every slate is supplied pre-holed for standard nail fixing.
What headlap should I use?
Headlap depends on your roof pitch and local exposure — as a general guide 90mm is common on standard pitches, but always check current guidance (e.g.
BS 5534) or ask your roofer for your specific project.
Can I mix this with my existing roof slates?
Natural slate varies by quarry in colour, grain and thickness — order a single sample first and compare it in daylight against your existing roof before committing to a full pallet.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.