How Much Does A Synthetic Slate Roof Cost

Pros Of Synthetic Slate Roofs

Benefits of a synthetic slate roof include:

• Environmentally-friendly All types of this roofing material can be recycled after a roofs usable life, which makes it a green building material. In some cases, they can even last as long as 100 years.
• Durability Believe it or not, synthetic can be more durable than authentic. They contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to protect your roof and reduce wear from the sun.
• Impact- and fire-resistant Most synthetic roofs will have modifiers to help withstand storm damage. They also have the highly-resistant fire rating of Class A, which means that effective against exposure to external fires.
• Affordability Synthetic slate is less heavy than authentic as well as easier to install. This helps make it much more affordable.

Cost Of Installing A Slate Roof

No matter how you cleave it, slate is a high-end roofing material. Its also top-notch, in terms of quality, durability, fire-resistance, appearance and, to be technically precise, architectural awesomeness. Does all that mean slate is totally out of reach? For most homeowners, absolutely. But its just possible that installing a slate roof can be more affordable than you might think. However, perhaps a better question to ask is, do you even want slate to be more affordable? A slate roof should be a once-in-a-lifetime investment that potentially pays off for generations. When you think of it that way, cutting corners on materials or workmanship isnt exactly a timeless idea.

How Roofing is Priced

SoHow Much?

Youve probably heard the joke about truly luxury items: If you have to ask how much it costs you cant afford it. This doesnt exactly apply to all slate roofing, but prices can easily climb into the dont ask range. At the low end, slate shingles can run about $400 per square. In the middle range, $600 to $1,000 per square is realistic. And it goes up from there$3,000 per square is not unheard of. Costs of installation vary based on the factors mentioned above, as well as the skill and experience of the installer.

All told, the cost of installing a slate roof can range from about $1,500 to over $5,000 per square. On a 30-square roof, thats a price tag of $45,000 to $150,000 for the whole job.

What Makes Slate So Great, and Pricey?

Hybrid Slate

Natural Slate Roofing #

Slate has been used for roofing since the 13th century in Europe and can be traced back to colonial times in the United States. The origins of slate itself, however, which formed from mineral deposits that were subjected to extreme heat and pressure, precedes the days of humans by approximately one-half billion years. Slate is perhaps best known as being gray in color, although it naturally occurs in a number of hues, including gray, green, blue, black, purple, red, and mottled.

Don’t Miss: How Long To Put A Roof On A House

Additional Considerations And Costs

• Homeowners who live near a location where slate is produced or manufactured, for example, Virginia, parts of Northeast United States, and southern Canada, may see significant cost savings due to reduced shipping costs.
• Ask for at least three to five estimates before hiring a roofing contractor to compare prices and make sure you are getting reasonable pricing. Slate is a specialized skill, so you will want to select a locate slate roof installer with a successful portfolio. Never hire a roofer without slate installation experience.
• Verify that the contract has an itemized and thorough description of the types of slates , headlap, length and gauge of nails, type and gauge of flashing material, and other materials that will be used in the project. Do not leave any details to chance.
• Obstacles on the roof such as valleys, dormers, and steep inclines will slow down the installation process and increase the number of work hours, leading to higher labor costs.
• Roof installation on two-story houses is typically more expensive because it is more difficult for workers to access a higher roof.
• Since the nature of the project requires expertise and experience working at heights, DIY is not recommended. Without proper knowledge and experience, a DIY job wont work and can damage your home.
• Be sure the slate you buy is properly rated. The slate rating should be determined by qualified testing laboratories.

Composite Slate Roofing Cost

Composite, or man-made, roofing slate is a more cost-effective option if you want the look of a new slate roof without the higher cost of natural slate.

The overall look will be very similar to natural slate, only its made up of plastic and rubber materials instead. Thanks to being made quickly and easily, the composite slate roofing cost can often be less than £1 per slate. It also comes with the benefits of not having to be imported long distances, as it can be manufactured more locally.

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Bats In Roof

Slate Roof Replacement Cost: How Much And Is It Worth It

Slate roofs have been coined the forever roof because they can last for over 100 years with little to no maintenance. Slate is a hardy, natural stone material that will last as long as it does in nature while keeping your roof and home safe from the elements and giving your home a unique look you wont find on many homes.

Synthetic Slate Roofing: Everything You Need To Know In 2022

As is the case with nearly any industry, once the initial item is created, it is only a matter of time before competitors within the industry learn how to replicate those production methods and implement more cost-effective materials and measures to reproduce that item.

This is absolutely the truth when it comes to the roofing industry, particularly slate shingles. Those authentic slate material shingles have been the material of choice for roofing construction for a number of centuries. Its popularity can be seen in the United States and Europe for things like cathedrals, libraries, estate homes, and so many more buildings.

Read Also: What Are Solar Roof Tiles

Breaking Down Costs Into Specific Examples

With any home improvement project being handled by qualified professionals, it is in your best interest to get more than one quote, or preferably between three and seven.

The quoted figures they give you will either be total installation charges or theyll ideally itemize each cost so you can better compare their rates to the competition. For the example below, we ballpark certain figures as particular items, like building permits and disposal fees vary by region.

Composite Shingle Roofing: 2,000 sq.ft. = $20,000 Tear Off Existing Roof: $1,500Disposal fees: $500Additional Materials: Flashing, fasteners, underlayment, etc. = $550Building Permit: $350

See what local pros charge

Roof Slate Made With Fiber Cement

Cement made of fiber slate shingles is a composite material composed of fiberglass and cement. As with fiber cement siding, these synthetic shingles are designed to resemble genuine slate. Fiber cement shingles are an excellent choice owing to their ease of installation, non-fading qualities, and resistance to extreme weather. Fiber cement roof slates cost between $5 and $12 per square foot.

You May Like: How Much To Replace Rubber Roof On Rv

Installation Or Replacement Cost

Since they are less heavy and easier to install than real slate, these types of roofs typically have a lower installation cost than authentic slate roofs. Again, the price will depend on various factors, like the size and shape of your roof as well as the company you choose. Companies costs to replace may fluctuate depending on their overhead and operation expenses.

How Much Does A New Metal Roof Cost

There are two types of metal roofs: a standing seam metal roof and a screw-down metal panel roof. While theyre both made of metal, they have very different price points.

A new screw-down panel metal roof costs around $4.50 per square foot to start.

On the other hand, you can expect a new 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $12.00 per square foot for a one-story house with a basic up and over roof with no penetrations and no valleys.

For a more complex roof on a one-story home, you can expect a new 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $15.00 per square foot.

If youre interested in a metal roof for your upcoming residential roof replacement, I recommend a standing seam metal roof.

Check out Metal Roofs: Standing Seam vs. Screw Down Panels to see how the two types of metal roofs stack up on more important factors other than cost.

You May Like: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost

You May Like: What Is The Underlayment Of A Roof

Prices For Different Types Of Slate

Slate used on roofs can be divided into two types: hard and soft. Generally, hard varieties last 75-200 years, while soft ones last 50-125 years. Another distinct characteristic is that hard slate is almost always colored, while the soft one is almost always black.

Moreover, the stone can come in a variety of thicknesses. The standard, most common size is about 3/16 5/16. However, many roof designs call for thicker pieces, and other sizes are 3/8 1/2, 1/2 3/4 or even 3/4 1 or more. Obviously, thicker tiles will be a lot more expensive than the standard size.

In fact, because these roofs are so good looking and long lasting , metal and asphalt roofing manufacturers have created various products that look similar to slate.

Useful Slate Roof Checklist

• Speak to your local roofing specialists for their professional advice and your options for a new slate roof.
• Ask for quotes for slate roof costs with options for natural or composite slate roofing.
• Shop around for fair and competitive slate roof prices.
• Always hire tradespeople with relevant experience fitting slate roofs.
• When hiring a tradesperson, check out the reviews and ratings from previous customers to gauge the quality of their work.

Find a slate roofer near you

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold On The Roof

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Slate Roof

Even though roof slates are built to survive the elements, continuous exposure to the environment eventually wears them down. Roof slate materials, no matter how durable, are prone to cracking and deterioration over time.

Rainwater can leak through cracks and cause structural damage to your property if left unchecked. In brief, if your tiles have been damaged during or after installation, you should have them replaced as soon as possible.

The cost of replacing roof slates is determined by the amount of work that must be done.

A complete replacement of a slate roof will set you back around £10,000 on average. Individual roof slate replacement will be significantly less expensive, starting at roughly £170 for up to five slates.

Best Synthetic Slate Roofing Products

Thanks to modern technology, there are now synthetic slate roofing options that look identical to real slate stone, but cost at least 50-60% less.

You can install high quality composite slate roof shingles for about $15,000 on a simple 1,600 sq.ft. ranch or cape style home.

Compared to real slate, these synthetic slate shingles and tiles are also lighter in weight, highly durable, and weather resistant, making them a premium, high-quality roofing material.

Begin your roof replacement project by requesting free quotes from local roofing pros.

Average Roof Replacement Cost in US:

Donât Miss: Cost Of New Roof California

Read Also: How Often To Replace Roof In Florida

How Long Do Plastic Roof Tiles Last

With a life expectancy of 40 years, once they are installed they should need little to no maintenance in that time period. And the installation process is much easier than that of real slate with no need for sorting, predrilling or clipping meaning that you will need less time and resources when installing your roof.Oct 25, 2019

Related

Read Also: Install Ondura Roof Panels

The Cons Of A Slate Shingle Roof

The downside with authentic slate shingles, however, is in the cost. The material itself is more costly just to buy. That is not taking into account the other aspects of installing a roof. Even if you know how to do this yourself, the cost of the materials alone is much higher than other methods of installing a roof. If you have to hire a contractor to do the installation, that can become a costly endeavor.

In addition to the cost, there are a few other troubling aspects of this lauded material. It is very heavy to lift for transportation and installation, meaning you have to spend more just to transport and move the slate shingles.

Lastly, slate shingles are also quite fragile, especially when cutting and nailing it. Not only that, they are particularly susceptible to cracking once they have been installed. This makes for a very costly and difficult endeavor when installing a new roof and the repair process is equally as difficult and expensive.

You May Like: How Are Solar Panels Attached To A Tile Roof

How Often Should Slate Roofs Be Replaced

Unlike composite shingle roofs, which generally have a 20- to 30-year lifecycle, slate roofs last as long as the supporting materials last. The slate itself will not wear down under normal conditions. A slate roof will last 60 to 200 years, depending on the roof style, type of slate and where the home is located.

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Roof Repair & Replacement Pros

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Fiber Cement Roof Slate

slate shingles are made of a combination of fiberglass and cement. Similar to fiber cement siding, these synthetic shingles are made to look like authentic slate. Fiber cement shingles are a great option due to their easy installation, non-fading characteristics, and durability for harsh weather conditions. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $12 per sq. ft. for fiber cement roof slate.

Read Also: How Much To Shingle A Garage Roof

Slate Roofing Cost By Manufacturer

The manufacturers average cost for slate roofing is between $6 and $12 per sq. ft. When researching slate roofing, you will notice the multiple brands and manufacturers on the market. Depending on the manufacturer and brand, you will notice that some are more expensive than others, and the same products are fairly competitive between manufacturers. Below is a chart comparing the cost of three of the most popular slate roofing manufacturers, followed by a subsection explaining each.

Fibre Cement Roof Slate Prices

Manufactured from fibre cement to look exactly like genuine slate, fibre cement roof slate boasts a lower price on average per slate than genuine slate roofs. They are made to a consistent thickness so unlike genuine roof slate they dont need sorting by thickness to create an attractive slate roof. Fibre cement roof slate prices vary from less than £1 per slate ex. vat to just under £4 per slate ex. vat.

Donât Miss: Add Overhang To Shed

Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Tesla Solar Roof Cost

The Warranties You Get On A Synthetic Cedar Shake Roof

When getting a new synthetic cedar shake roof, youll get two warranties to protect your investment. The first one will be on the workmanship from the roofing contractor who installed your new roof.

The number of years you get on a workmanship warranty depends on the roofing contractor you hire. To get the most out of your investment, look for a roofing contractor who offers a lifetime warranty or close to it .

The other warranty will be from the manufacturer of your synthetic cedar shake shingles and the rest of the roofing materials. Using Davinci Roofscapes as an example again, their synthetic cedar shake shingles come with a limited lifetime material warranty.

However, the material warranty you get on your synthetic cedar shake will ultimately depend on the manufacturer your roofing contractor uses. Ask your roofing contractor about both warranties and make sure to get them in writing to put in a safe spot just in case theres ever a problem.

You May Like: Roofing Costs In California

Costs Involved In The Price Of A Slate Roof

Contracting jobs rarely come at the same price for different customers this is because each and every job is going to have different demands. Obviously, a larger roof is going to cost more money, but its not just the materials. There can be a few factors that play into how much your slate roof will cost.

Also Check: What Is The Average Cost To Replace A Tile Roof

You Dont Have To Worry About The Weight Of Your Synthetic Slate Shingles

Through your research, you should have learned natural slate roofs are incredibly heavy. Your home has to actually be built or framed to carry the weight of the natural slate tiles.

When getting a synthetic slate roof, you dont have to worry about this weight issue. Synthetic slate shingles are considered a lightweight roofing material and are actually lighter than luxury asphalt shingles.

Because of this, you dont have to retrofit your home or anything else to hold the weight when getting synthetic slate shingles installed. This saves you money and still gives you the slate look you want your roof to have.

Cost To Install Snow Guards

Snow guards help to evenly distribute the weight of snow and ice and help protect against damage in climates where snow and ice are common, averaging in cost between $15 and $22 each installed. They work best when installed evenly over the surface of the roofing material. Snow guards are necessary for slate roofing as they are normally installed on pitched roofs and can prevent ice damming and chunks of snow or ice falling on your head or parked cars nearby.

Read Also: How To Add A Roof To Your Deck