Business Details
38 Years
experience
Natural Roofing Slate Specialists UK
Established in 1988, Yates Slate has built upon over nine decades of combined experience in natural roofing slates since its founding family's industry roots in 1929. As the UK's leading distributor of Welsh and Cumbrian slates, we specialise in sourcing and delivering premium natural roofing materials from global quarries including Spain, Brazil, and North America. Our team of trained specialists provides nationwide delivery with mechanical offload capabilities, complemented by precision services such as holing and coursing, free quantity take-offs from architectural drawings, and bespoke slate shaping.Committed to sustainability, our products offer chemical-free, recyclable solutions with lifespans exceeding 100-200 years, outlasting alternative roofing materials. We maintain rigorous quality control through direct factory inspections and support clients with expert technical advice, ensuring compliance with both traditional craftsmanship standards and modern construction requirements. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is evidenced by our 99% focus on slate products and accessories, backed by competitive pricing and a proven track record serving prestigious institutions across the UK.
Services
Slate Delivery
Holing and Coursing
Quantity Take-Offs
Slate Shaping
Roof Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of combined industry expertise since 1929
- Our nationwide delivery includes mechanical offload capabilities
- We offer free quantity take-offs from architectural drawings
- Our slates provide 100-200 year lifespans with minimal maintenance
- We maintain direct quality control through quarry inspections
Services
Slate Delivery
Our dedicated fleet provides nationwide slate delivery with mechanical offload capabilities. Three specialist vehicles including articulated lorries and 8-wheeler rigs ensure access to challenging locations. Deliveries range from 50 slates to 20+ crates, serving both merchants and construction sites directly. This service supports major projects including educational institutions and healthcare facilities across the UK.
Holing and Coursing
Precision holing services cater to complex roof designs using advanced machinery. We create consistent patterns for diminishing courses and random layouts based on architectural drawings. Pre-holed slates are dispatched directly to sites, ensuring installation efficiency while maintaining pattern consistency across multiple deliveries for large-scale projects.
Quantity Take-Offs
Free, accurate quantity calculations from scaled drawings prevent over or under ordering. Our experts analyse complex roof designs to determine exact material requirements, reducing project costs. This service includes detailed cost projections and material specifications, supporting efficient budgeting for both residential and commercial developments.
Slate Shaping
Bespoke shaping services create unique roof patterns using precision cutting equipment. Our facility handles special requests for decorative elements and non-standard installations. We also supply guillotines for on-site shaping, supporting contractors requiring flexibility in pattern creation and architectural detailing.
Roof Accessories
Comprehensive accessory range includes Permavent fittings, ridges, nails, and slate vents. These components complement our natural slates while ensuring proper roof ventilation and water management. All accessories meet industry standards for durability and performance, supporting complete roofing system installations.
People
Chris Yates
Founder and Director
Leading the company since its establishment in 1988, Chris Yates Slate brings extensive industry knowledge from four generations of slate expertise. He oversees operations while maintaining family traditions of quality control and customer service. His leadership focuses on sustainable practices and technical innovation in slate applications.
Questions
What types of natural roofing slates do you supply?
We offer Welsh slate, Spanish Villar Del Rey, Brazilian, Vermont (USA), Lousaval, and Sumo slates. All products meet strict quality standards with consistent thickness and durability.
Do you provide delivery services across the UK?
Yes, our dedicated fleet delivers nationwide with mechanical offload capabilities. We handle orders from 50 slates to 20+ crates, reaching both urban and remote locations efficiently.
Can you assist with complex roof projects?
Our team provides holing, coursing, and shaping services for intricate designs. We create batten plans and pre-hole slates based on architectural drawings to ensure precise installations.
How do you ensure product quality?
We conduct regular quality control visits to quarries and factories. Our selection process prioritises consistency, durability, and aesthetic qualities, maintaining standards since 1929.
What additional services do you offer?
We provide free quantity take-offs from drawings, slate shaping, and accessory supply including vents, ridges, and fasteners. These services support complete roofing solutions.
Are your slates environmentally friendly?
Natural slates require no chemical treatments and are fully recyclable. Their 100-200 year lifespan reduces replacement needs, making them more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.
