How Much Does It Cost to Install A Slate Roof?
Typical Range:
$5,760 - $23,872
Typical Range:
$5,760 - $23,872
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 143 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated March 14, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.2022 Notice: Material Prices are Surging
Demand for roofing has grown over the past year. And, as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a roofing project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
The average roofing installation price for a slate tile roof costs anywhere between $5,760 and $23,872 depending on your roof’s slope, pitch, and size. You’ll pay between $10 and $30 per square foot, or $1,000 to $3,000 per square, for a typical single=story home. You should consider factors like the type of slate (synthetic, hard, or soft), roof pitch, height off the ground, and if your roof can support the added 800 to 1,500 pounds per square. Job complexity and slate shipping will also affect your budget. Other cost factors include the price of the slate itself, labor, and materials like flashings, nails, membranes, caulk, and felt.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $14,626 |
Typical Range | $5,760 - $23,872 |
Low End - High End | $600 - $45,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 143 HomeAdvisor members.
Real slate roofs cost $10 to $30 per square foot on average to purchase and install. Some homeowners have reported prices nearing $80 per square foot, which likely includes freight, materials, and installation for a high-end, complex install. The cost per square foot depends on the type of slate you want:
Hard slate: $20–$30 per square foot. Lasts 100 to 200 years.
Soft slate: $10–$20 per square foot. Lasts 50 to 125 years.
Synthetic slate: $5–$10 per square foot. Lifespan varies.
Slate roof shingles cost $1,500 per square on average but may range from $1,000 to $3,000 per square. Each square is 100 square feet.
Slate prices range from $5 to $15 per square foot for the materials alone. You can talk to your installer about what type will work best with your home style and budget. Natural slate tiles harvested from the earth are a premium product in limited supply. They also come in different categories—hard and soft—and in several colors, shapes, and sizes.
Synthetic slate roofs cost $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on your material choice. They generally cost about half as much as natural slate. You can choose a synthetic slate look from a variety of sources, including:
Fiber Cement Roofing: $5–$12 per square foot
Asphalt Shingles Cost: $3–$6 per square foot
Metal Shingles Cost: $7–$14 per square foot
Composite or Recycled Shingles: $3–$16 per square foot
Labor costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour.Â
Installing natural stone is a labor-intensive project that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. Because of that, it’ll take about 10 to 12 hours to install one square of natural stone.Â
Synthetic slate is a little less complex to install, so for that, you’ll pay only $3 to $5 per square foot. That cost is about the same as any asphalt, metal, or composite roof installation.
In addition to the $10 to $30 per square foot to install a new roof, you’ll pay $2 to $5 per square foot to tear off the old roof. Disposal fees cost extra and vary by location – contact your local landfill or contractor for specific fees. Optionally, you can rent a dumpster or have your pro do it. Dumpster rentals cost $300 to $500.
Additional materials cost $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on what your roof needs. Your pro includes these costs in your quote. Important steps and materials include
Bituminous membrane
Weather shield
Copper flashings and nails
Structural reinforcement
Sheathing
Unless you’re a professional roofer with slate installation experience, don’t DIY this project. Without proper knowledge and experience, a DIY job at best won’t work, and at worst, can cause catastrophic damage to your home.
Installing a slate roof is not as simple as installing an asphalt shingle roof, as there are several specialized tools and skills needed. It is also a tedious process that can take anywhere from three months to a year for larger, more intricate roofs.
Even among roofers, slate is a specialized skill. Not only will you want to skip the DIY choice, but you’ll also want to carefully interview and select a local slate roof installer with a portfolio of successful jobs. Always get quotes from at least three professionals, check their ratings, and carefully inspect their past work. Never hire a roofer without slate installation experience.
Real slate comes from natural stone. Synthetic slate comes from various sources made to look like slate.
Type | Synthetic Slate | Natural Slate |
---|---|---|
Cost | $3 – $16 per square foot | $10 – $30 per square foot |
Materials | Recycled, asphalt, metal or fiber cement | Natural stone (soft or hard) |
Lifespan | 20 – 50 years | 50 – 200 years |
Pros | Costs less to install, can be from recycled materials, lightweight (doesn’t require added structure) | Longest lasting roof, high return on investment, high-end finish |
Cons | Doesn’t last as long Lower ROI | Most expensive roof material, requires reinforcing home for added weight |
Real slate lasts 50 to 200 years. Soft slate lasts half as long as hard slate or about 50 to 125 years.
Slate roofs are worth it for historical homes or those in areas with other slate or high-end roofing materials. You’ll receive an ROI of approximately 85%. Plus, it’s more environmentally responsible since it’s both a natural material and lasts up to 200 years. Its long lifespan keeps it out of landfills. In fact, the waste of asphalt roofs, which only last between 20 and 30 years at best, accounts for up to five percent of all landfill material in the United States.