How Much Does Slate Roof Installation Cost In 2024?

A natural slate roof consists of thin, flat tiles made from natural stone. Slate is a high-end option that can last a century or more if properly installed. However, because of its heavy weight and relatively high cost, slate is usually only found on the roofs of historic homes. In this guide, we break down the key factors that impact roof slate prices along with the pros and cons of choosing slate over other types of roofing and how you might save on installation.

While traditional slate roofs are made from stone quarried from the earth, modern manufacturing has led to a variety of slate tile options.

Natural

Natural slate roofing costs $9.50 to $25 per square foot. This is the heaviest and most durable slate option made from thin shingles of natural metamorphic stone. It usually requires reinforced roof decking for support and special installation techniques to prevent cracking. Once installed, however, it resists mold and won’t fade or warp due to weathering and extreme temperatures.

Synthetic

Synthetic slate roofing costs $5.50 to $12 per square foot. This affordable slate alternative mimics natural slate’s look but is made from a composite of other roofing materials. As a result, it weighs much less and is easier to install, but it also lasts only 20 to 50 years.

Hybrid

Hybrid slate roofing costs $9 to $16 per square foot. It contains a mixture of both natural slate and waterproof synthetic material and is often coated with stone for natural fire resistance. On average, a hybrid slate roof lasts at least 30 years.

Natural slate pieces can be sorted into one of two categories based on their hardness. The Mohs Hardness Scale rates stones and minerals from one to 10, with 10 being the hardest and equivalent to diamond. Slate usually falls between 2.5 and 4 on the scale, similar to marble or limestone. The harder the stone, the more your slate roof costs per square foot.

Soft

Soft slate shingles cost $9.50 to $20 per square foot. They’re less durable than hard slate but still have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance.

Hard

Hard slate tiles cost $20 to $25 per square foot. While heavier, they last up to 200 years and can often be restored as needed.

Slate roof tiles cost $9.50 to $25 per square foot. They’re often sold in roofing squares of 100 square feet each. The larger the square footage of your roof, the more roofing squares you’ll need to cover it, and the higher your cost estimate will be.

Every slate roofing project will vary based on factors like the shape of the roof, the local cost of labor and the style of the installation.

Style

Because slate is a natural stone, it has a lot of natural variations in style. Standard slate tiles are roughly the same color, texture and shape for a uniform appearance. They’re the easiest style to source, so they cost the least.

For a nonuniform look, tiles come in graduated lengths and thicknesses. There are also multicolored slate roofs that blend two to four colors into one design. For a rustic appearance, thicker, rougher textured slate tiles of varying thicknesses can be installed together. Any specialty slate style you choose will cost more to source.

Roof Pitch and Configuration

A roof’s specific pitch or layout can make slate tile installation more complex and time-consuming, which increases labor costs. For example, steep roofs require extra care and equipment, while features like chimneys, vents and dormers require additional waterproofing and flashing materials.

Labor Costs

Slate roofing is difficult to work with and requires highly specialized knowledge and training to install. As a result, expect about half of your budget to go toward the cost of hiring a roofing contractor. Most charge $50 to $100 per hour depending on where you live.

Weight

If you choose more durable hard slate tiles, they’re going to weigh more. Roofing companies often have to repair and reinforce a roof’s underlying structure and decking before the slate can sit on top. Expect slate roof repair costs to add $1,500 to $7,000 to your total.

Installation Style

The style of slate you choose may also impact the style of the installation. For example, graduated tiles tend to be installed with the shortest and thinnest tiles near the roof’s peak and the larger, thicker ones toward the eaves. Different tile colors can also be arranged to create distinct patterns. The more complex your design, the more you’ll pay for installation labor.

Slate Roof Replacement

The cost of full slate roof replacement is usually between $19,000 and $52,000. Replacement involves tearing out and disposing of the existing roof and repairing any damage before installation can begin.

Slate roofs are a big investment, so consider all the benefits and drawbacks before committing.

Pros

• Long life span of up to 200 years
• No replacement required
• Extremely durable
• Fire-resistant
• Weather-resistant
• Regulates in-home temperature for energy efficiency
• Recyclable natural material that won’t clog landfills

Cons

• Relatively high cost
• Heavy weight at 8 to 10 pounds per square foot
• May require reinforcement and retrofitting to install
• Installation is difficult and specialists are hard to come by
• Can crack or break if not handled properly

Despite the benefits it offers, the weight and high cost of a slate roof have made it an uncommon choice for homes. In the table below, we compare the average cost and lifespan of common roofing materials to give you a sense of the alternatives to slate.

Slate roof installation is not a project homeowners should attempt themselves. Because of its weight and fragile nature, slate roofing requires highly specific knowledge and experience to safely handle, lift onto a roof and install. Slate tiles don’t support weight well, so it takes great care not to break them when laying them out or walking across the roof.

In addition, many roofs require structural reinforcement and retrofitting to safely handle the weight of slate. Your roof’s warranty also may be voided without installation by a licensed slate roofing specialist. If you don’t have the budget for professional installation or you just want a DIY project, choose a more DIY-friendly roofing material such as asphalt when installing a new roof.

A slate roof is a big investment, and the installation difficulty means you can’t save by doing the project yourself. Instead, use these tips to reduce the cost of slate roof installation.

• Choose a hybrid or synthetic slate to reduce material and installation costs
• Consider a softer slate over a hard one
• Get quotes from at least three roofing pros so you can compare costs
• Choose a simple, uniform design over a complex style
• Have your roof replaced off-season when labor is in lower demand

To arrive at the average costs in this article, three providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.