An increasingly popular traditional slate specification is “random roofing” or also known as “diminishing courses”.
Random slating would enhance a restoration project or creating a stunning aesthetic or visual effect on a brand new building.
As specialists in manufacturing Random Diminishing Stone slates for the Yorkshire Dales National Park of over 25 years, Greys introduced the Random Roofing Slates in January 2018 to provide the UK roofing market with a real alternative to the costly, labour intensive natural slate.

With sizes larger at the bottom of the roof scape and smaller as it is laid to the ridge, and random widths per course, its rustic appearance complements all architectural designs.
Greys provides batten schedules to create an easy to lay format that needs no pre drilling, or sorting or grading to provide savings in time and labour.
The slate has all the characteristics of a natural random diminishing slate with all the advantages of a modern building material.
Each individual slate is hand crafted using moulds taken from slate originals.
The fine edge detail and textured surface combines with realistic colouration to create an attractive alternative to natural slate.
Greys Artslate roofing slates have been designed in consultation with professional roofers and architects, to achieve an easy to lay and uniform slating format.
Greys Artslate Roofing Slates are constructed from Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) producing a strong and durable slate weighing only 30kgm².
Their construction allows them to be cut easily without cracking or breaking and looks like slate when cut.

All the slates in our range have been successfully tested for durability, colour, strength, fire and freeze thaw. Many of our competitors use traditional concrete, their slates aren’t protected from the elements, which will expose the aggregate over time. See the example below.

Example of GRC Construction versus none GRC Construction.

In a recent document The International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association recommend that for good quality GRC, ductile lifetimes of at least 60-80 years can be confidently expected in UK weather conditions. (Source: www.grca.org.uk).

The Beautiful and elegant Swithland Slate is an important feature of buildings in the East Midlands. 
With the closure of the of the two main pit quarries back in the 1800’s, the East midlands area has been eagerly awaiting a Random Diminishing product that replicates the rustic beauty of the original Swithland Slate, that has given the area its distinctive charm.
Due to the Blue/ Grey and Heather purple colours available in the Greys Reproduction Random Diminishing Slate, these replicate perfectly the original coloured shades (see below) of the Swithland Slate.

We’re confident our product is durable enough and manufactured to the highest of standards that we give a 25 year manufacturer guarantee.

Colour and Efflorescence COLOUR: Stone and Slate colours on this website are subject to the limitations of monitor quality and are for guidance only. EFFLORESCENCE: The phenomenon of efflorescence has been a problem to the construction industry for decades. The cause lies in the basis chemistry of all Portland cements. Efflorescence in Greys Artstone products is a temporary phenomena and will disappear over time.