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How much does a slate roof cost?
By Kevin Cyriac Tom
Last updated Thu, Feb 01
The national average cost to install a slate roof on your home is $60,266, and average costs range from $52,286-$79,148. At the low end, average costs range from $45,489-$68,858. On the high end, average costs can range from $55,946-$84,688.
Slate roof cost.
| National average cost | $60,266 |
|---|---|
| Average cost range | $52,286-$79,148 |
| Low-end average cost range | $45,489-$68,858 |
| High-end average cost range | $55,946-$84,688 |
*All figures above represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
Slate is a top-rated roofing material thanks to its appearance, durability and low-maintenance requirements. Having lived around homes with slate roofs my entire life, I wanted to bring a similar aesthetic to my forever home as well. A couple of years ago, I got the opportunity when my old metal roofing sustained heavy damage and needed some serious work done to it. Instead of repairing it, I decided to completely replace the metal roof with a slate roof.
Throughout the process of installing a slate roof, I learned the price varies depending on your roof’s size and pitch, the type of slate you choose, the design, the labor required and other factors that you should discuss with a contractor near you. In this article, I’ll share a few things I learned and other tips you need to know so you can properly budget for your new slate roof.
What's in this cost guide?
- Slate roof cost.
- Material and labor costs for slate roofs.
- How much is a slate roof per square foot?
- Slate roof cost factors.
- Natural slate vs. synthetic slate cost considerations.
- Tips to save money on your slate roof.
- Cost of DIY vs. hiring a pro to install your slate roof.
- How long will a slate roof last?
- Is a slate roof worth it?
- Get free cost estimates from roofers near you.
Material and labor costs for slate roofs.
The national average material cost for slate roofs is $35,973, but material costs can range anywhere from $24,351-$47,456 on the low end to $29,949-$58,365 on the high end.
Material costs:
| National average cost | $35,973 |
|---|---|
| Average cost range | $27,989-$54,547 |
| Low-end average cost range | $24,351-$47,456 |
| High-end average cost range | $29,949-$58,365 |
*All figures above represent average costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
The national average labor cost for slate roofs is $24,257 but can reach $25,955 on the high end of the spectrum.
Labor costs:
| National average cost | $24,257 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $21,103 |
| High-end average cost | $25,955 |
*All figures above represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
Slate is heavy and brittle, making it quite difficult to work with compared to other roofing options. This makes slate roof installation a time-consuming process and requires the skills of professionals who know what they’re doing. So, try not to skimp on labor costs, or it may cost you dearly in the future.
How much is a slate roof per square foot?
The national average cost per square foot of a slate roof ranges from $20.91-$31.66. Using this average estimate, you can calculate the potential cost of your slate roof.
| Roof size | Estimated national average cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $20,910-$31,660 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $31,265-$47,494 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $41,820-$63,320 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $52,275-$79,150 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $62,730-$94,980 |
Slate roof cost factors.
Labor and materials are the biggest factors that influence the cost of slate roofs. However, if you break it down further, there are a few other variables that may impact this project’s cost.
1. Design and style.
The slate roof style that you go with can have a big impact on labor and material costs. I found that the standard style was the cheapest because it used a uniform pattern throughout. For a fancier look, you can go for a patterned, graduated-length, blended or random-width design. But these may be more expensive as they often require more labor and may require custom slates.
2. Color.
Slate roof colors are typically red, blue, green, purple, black and gray. According to the Natural Slate Association, slate colors are often defined by the region they are mined in. Hence, their availability may vary. If the color you want is rare and hard to find, you might face higher costs.
3. Availability.
You can find mass-produced slates available at any time for a cheaper rate. However, for custom projects, you may need to spend more money to place an order for custom slates (which also means the project may take longer than you expected).
4. Roof design and size.
How your roof size adds to the total cost is fairly straightforward: the larger the roof, the more the cost. Additionally, your roof’s design may also contribute to the cost as there are certain aspects unique to your home the roofing professional may have to work around.
For example, the following details may increase the cost of your project:
- The steeper your roof, the more dangerous it is for the contractors.
- If you have windows or chimneys, the professional will have to install flashings.
- Your roof needs to be structurally strong, not weak. Slates are heavy, and your roof may not be designed to support such heavy weight.
Natural slate vs. synthetic slate cost considerations.
If you're trying to cut costs on this project, you may consider using synthetic slate instead of natural slate. But before you do, learn more about how these two materials differ from one another.
Natural slate.
As the name suggests, these slates are obtained from natural stone. Natural slate roof tiles and shingles are durable, reliable and need little to no maintenance. If properly installed, they can last up to 150 years.
Natural slates are also resistant to fire and water. Moreover, they give your home a more aesthetically-pleasing, elegant “cottage from the yesteryears” look.
On the flip side, natural slate is heavy, so your roof may need reinforcements to support its weight, which will add to the material and labor costs.
Synthetic slate.
Synthetic slates look like natural slates but are often made of plastic and rubber. Because they are man-made, they are often cheaper and easier to procure. They are also lighter and easier to install than authentic, natural slate shingles, which means you might save money on labor.
However, synthetic slate roofs only last for about 10 to 35 years. According to the Natural Stone Institute, synthetic slate also requires more maintenance.
The bottom line: A synthetic slate roof may have a more affordable upfront cost, but it may cost you more in the long run when you factor in maintenance, repairs and replacement projects.
Tips to save money on your slate roof.
Natural slate consists of either hard or soft slate. Hard slate is the best quality slate available in the market in terms of durability and longevity. However, you can get soft slate as well, which is usually cheaper and comparatively easier to work with. You can also opt for a simpler design and a color that’s readily available to cut down on the cost.
You should also shop around before you hire a contractor. Ensure you’re paying a fair, reasonable price by getting several cost estimates from slate roofing contractors in your area. Be aware that the contractor will likely need to visit your home to inspect your roof so they can give you an accurate price quote.
Cost of DIY vs. hiring a pro to install your slate roof.
When I decided to get a slate roof, I first considered making it a DIY home project. But I changed my mind quickly once I saw a few YouTube videos on slate roof replacement. So, I ditched the DIY route and decided to hire a roofing professional with experience installing slate roofs.
Hands down, it was the best decision I made on this project.
Slate roofing was way outside my skill set, and one mistake could have meant more work and spending more money on an already expensive project. There are so many small details that only a professional would know that a first-timer like myself would have completely missed. Not to mention, a professional can help you find the right materials and vendors for the project.
Before you decide to DIY this project, remember that installing a slate roof is a time-consuming and difficult process. If done incorrectly, you can accidentally create leakages and cause damage to your home, leaving you with expensive roof repair projects you’ll have to add to your to-do list.
How long will a slate roof last?
Natural slate roofs can last 60-150 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Roofs deal with different weather elements like rain, snow and sunlight. Slate is one of the best roofing options because of its ability to withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
Is a slate roof worth it?
A slate roof is definitely more expensive than other roofing options, but its long lifespan and durability make it an attractive option. If you’re building your forever home, you won't have to replace your roof every 20 years. This in itself may justify the high cost.
Get free cost estimates from roofers near you.
Hiring a roofing professional saved me time, tension, and money. But, finding a trustworthy roofing professional who fit my budget was not an easy task.
Download Thumbtack to start searching for top-rated roofing contractors near you and get free cost estimates.
FAQs
What is the biggest problem with slate roofs?
The biggest problem with natural slate roofs is their weight. Slate weighs 900 pounds per 100 square feet, which can be too heavy for some roofs.
What are the advantages of a slate roof?
The main advantages of installing a natural slate roof include the following:
- Eco-friendly. They are considered eco-friendly since no petroleum, chemicals, or preservatives are used.
- Longevity. They have a lifespan of 60-150 years.
- Durability. Slate is fire-resistant and is considered one of the toughest roofing materials available on the market.
- Maintenance. Compared to other roofing materials, slate roofs typically require less maintenance.
What are the disadvantages of a slate roof?
The main disadvantages of installing a natural slate roof include the following:
- Cost. Compared to other roofing materials, it’s expensive to install.
- Weight. Slate shingles are heavier than their counterparts. So, you may need to build reinforcements to support the weight.
- Fragile. Natural slate is very brittle. It needs to be handled with care before and after installation.
Do slate roofs increase home value?
Slate roofs may increase your home’s value and boost its curb appeal.
Is a slate or a tile roof cheaper?
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
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