How much does a slate roof cost?
Slate roofs are extremely durable and can stand the test of time — but they're also a major investment. Here's a breakdown of average slate roof costs.
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Dense, smooth and eye-catching, slate tiles are a timeless choice for both roofing and flooring. But slate roofs are also infamous for being one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market. This article outlines just how much of a premium you should expect to pay if you invest in a slate roof over a shingle or metal roof.
We'll also dig into the question of whether slate roofing is worth it, comparing pros like durability and overall lifespan with cons like high repair costs and vulnerability to impact damage.
If you're ready to find a roofer who can install a slate roof for you, Yahoo Local's best roofing company guides offer vetted roofer recommendations for towns and cities across the U.S.
An overview of slate roofing
Slate roofing tiles are sleek, energy-efficient and extremely long-lasting
Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that can be split into flat, smooth layers, making it ideal for roofing and flooring. This unique form of stone formed about 400 to 550 million years ago, according to the National Slate Association (NSA) , and it is a limited natural resource. Slate comes in a variety of colors, including black, grey, green and red.
In the U.S., slate is quarried mainly in Northeastern states like Vermont and New York, according to Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources . It's also quarried in Pennsylvania , Virginia and Quebec, according to NSA.
The history of slate roofing in the U.S. predates the Revolutionary War, according to the National Park Service (NPS) , making it one of the oldest roofing materials still in use. "Seventeenth-century building ordinances of New York and Boston recommended the use of slate or tile roofs to ensure fireproof construction," per NPS.
Today, slate continues to be a popular choice for roofing, especially in cold, snowy climates and on buildings with traditional aesthetics. That said, slate also combines well with more modern looks.
Average slate roof installation costs
Slate roofing comes in a variety of colors and performs especially well in cold, snowy climates
According to pricing data gathered by home services platform Angi , the average consumer spends $13,348 to install or replace a slate roof. However, prices range widely, from as low as $4,389 up to $22,377, based on Angi's market data. Other marketplaces report much higher numbers, including This Old House , which states that the average slate roof costs $30,000.
The average standard roof replacement, on the other hand, currently costs about $9,530, according to Angi . This means slate roofing may cost roughly 40% to 200% more than other roofing materials, based on overall average costs for roof replacements. You can read more about these average costs in Yahoo Local's guide to roof replacement costs .
Per square foot, installing a slate roof costs between $10 and $30 on average, according to Angi. Brava, a large manufacturer of roofing tiles , reports similar numbers, stating that slate roofs tend to cost between $1,200 and $3,300 per square, or $12 to $33 per square foot. For help translating this to your project, see our guide to calculating roof square footage .
Slate roof costs vs. shingle and other roofing materials
The following explains how slate measures up to other roofing materials on per-square-foot pricing.
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Slate:$10 to $33 per square foot
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Asphalt shingle:$3.50 to $10.50 per square foot
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Metal:$4 to $30 per square foot
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Clay tile:$7 to $30 per square foot
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Cedar shake or shingle:$6 to $15 per square foot
These numbers combine the cost of materials and installation. For more on pricing for other roofing materials, see our guides to metal roofing costs , tile roofing costs and asphalt shingle installation costs . Our information about cedar roofing comes from Angi's guide to cedar shake roofing costs .
Why are slate roofs so expensive?
As you can see from the numbers above, slate is among the most expensive roofing materials on the market, and its base price is notably higher than other standard materials. So, why is slate so expensive?
It's a combination of factors, including how it's mined and produced, the cost of shipping and transportation, as well as the specialized labor required to install it.
Slate is a limited resource that can only be mined in a small section of the country, and it's also extremely heavy, which drives up transportation costs. While slate is durable as a roofing material, it can crack during shipment and must therefore be packaged and shipped very carefully, according to NSA. Finally, most roofers aren't trained or experienced with installing slate roofing, so customers must hire specialty roofing companies, which tend to charge higher rates.
Are slate roofs worth the investment?
Slate roofs can be a smart investment for those who can afford it, but it's not the right choice for every home and climate
Spending up to $30,000 on a new roof is no joke, so you're probably wondering whether slate tile is even worth it. The short answer... maybe.
Slate comes with both benefits and drawbacks as a roofing material, and it definitely isn't the best choice for everyone. If you're working on a tight budget, for example, investing in a slate roof may not even be possible.
If you're open to the steep initial costs, slate tile is one of the best weather-resistant roofing materials for cold, snowy climates, as it can withstand heavy snowpack and may even help snow and ice slide off of your roof more easily. That said, slate is not advised in hail-prone or hurricane-prone areas, as it's susceptible to impact damage.
Slate can also be damaged by walking on it more easily than asphalt shingles, so it's more difficult to repair. This means you'll spend a premium whenever you hire someone to work on your roof, and you may even face challenges finding contractors with slate roofing expertise. Before deciding to install a slate roof, make sure there are roofers in your area who can install and service this type of roof.
On the upside, slate roofs last a very long time, potentially even up to 200 years, according to NPS. On average, slate roofs last from 75 to more than 100 years, according to Yahoo Local's guide to roof lifespans by material . While you'll spend significantly more on the front end to install a slate roof, you'll most likely never have to replace it, which greatly reduces your long-term roofing costs. As such, you should only consider installing a slate roof if you plan to stay in your home for many years (or if you're interested in increasing your home's value before a sale ).
Speaking of which, slate roofs have major curb appeal, so your home and property values will likely benefit from a slate roof installation. Slate is also excellent at regulating temperature, which can ease home energy bills .
Finally, for those interested in reducing their impact on the environment, slate is a great eco-friendly alternative to asphalt shingle roofing .
See more Yahoo Local-approved U.S. roofers
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Bakersfield / Fresno / Los Angeles San Diego / San Jose / San Francisco
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Cape Coral / Clearwater / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Jacksonville / Lakeland / Miami / Orlando / Pensacola / Sarasota / St. Augustine / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach
Best New York roofers
Brooklyn / Buffalo / New York City / Rochester / Staten Island
Best Texas roofers
Arlington / Austin / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston / Katy / Lubbock / San Antonio / Sugar Land / Tyler
