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Slate Roof Tile Cost

Average National Cost
? All cost data throughout this article are collected using the RSMeans construction materials database.
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$20,000–$30,000

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Updated On

December 11, 2023

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A slate roof typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000. This is unsurprising, given that slate is the undisputed king of “forever” roofing materials. It stands out from the competition in terms of curb attractiveness, durability, and long-lasting service.

Slate roofs have been used to cover aristocratic mansions and palaces across Europe and the United States for ages. They have a well-established track record of durability to harsh weather, service life of well over 100 years, and a timeless aesthetic, and our guide to slate roofing dives deeper into information about their repair, maintenance, and options.


Costs of Slate Roof Tiles Per Square

Roofing tiles are often sold per square, with prices ranging between $150 and $3,000 per square. Each square has a surface area of 100 square feet. The overall cost of the job varies according to the size of your roof and the slate type you choose. The price of synthetic slate shingles ranges from $150 to $1,200 per square. 

Slate shingles made of natural slate cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per square foot. The bigger the roof, the more expensive it will be. 

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For comprehensive breakdown of the total cost of this type of roof replacement, read our detailed slate roof cost guide.


Costs of Slate Roof Tile Installation Per Square Foot

The typical cost of slate shingles installation is from $1.50 and $30 per square foot installation. For each roof size, you may anticipate paying more for a bigger roof than for a smaller roof and less for synthetic slate shingles than for genuine slate shingles. 


Cost of Slate Roof Tiles by Type

The kind of slate you choose for your roof has a direct effect on the cost, which ranges from $1.50 to $30 per square foot. Slate is classified into three types: hybrid, synthetic, and natural. While they may seem to be identical from a distance, these three varieties vary in terms of materials, longevity, advantages, disadvantages, and cost. 

Synthetic slate tiles are constructed using a variety of materials, including recycled asphalt, metal, and fiber cement. They are often utilized because of their low cost, ease of installation, and availability in a variety of sizes and colors. Synthetic slate is about half the price of genuine slate. Synthetic slate tiles typically cost between $1.50 and $12 per square foot.

Hybrid slate is a word that refers to a product that is intended to make slate roofing more affordable or competitive with counterfeit slate goods. A hybrid shingle is a roofing material that mixes natural slate tile with a synthetic waterproofing ingredient. The pricing of this slate is less costly because of the fewer specialist installation procedures required, ranging between $3 and $10 per square foot.

Natural slate tiles are made of natural stone, which is one of the most costly roofing materials available. Natural slate is described as either firm or soft, is available in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, and provides a luxurious feel. Natural slate tiles’ primary downside is their weight, and houses using natural slates must be structurally sound enough to hold the weight of the shingles. Natural slate tiles typically cost between $10 and $30 per square foot.


Roofing Cost of Other Slate Tile Types

Roofing costs vary by slate type and project size. See below for roofing costs of other slate tile types.

Asphalt shingles are the least expensive sort of man-made stone available. These shingles, which are made of a viscous, black combination of hydrocarbons, have a slate-like look. Apart from the variety of stylistic options, they are also simple to install, which makes them an appealing alternative for many consumers. They are water-resistant due to their laminate construction. 

Asphalt slate shingles typically cost between $1.50 and $4 per square foot.

Expect to spend between $2.50 and $11 per square foot for a metal roof that mimics slate. Metal slate roofs are becoming a popular choice among homeowners due to their low maintenance requirements. Metal slate shingles may be put over an existing asphalt roof if local building rules allow for them and have a life expectancy of 40 to 100 years. In comparison to plastic and rubber tiles, this tile has a very distinct texture with endurance that protects them against snow, corrosion, and rust, and they are unaffected by termites, rot, or mildew.

Composite slate roofing materials are manufactured on-demand using a combination of plastic and polymers or plastic and rubber. They cost between $4 and $8 per square foot on average. Composite synthetic slate shingles are more costly, more durable, and come with a longer guarantee than the majority of other synthetics. Rubber-based tiles are more flexible than other synthetic shingles and must be installed carefully to prevent breaking. 

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.

Clay slate shingles are similar to other clay-based tiles in that they are sculpted to resemble genuine slate. Due to their exceptional durability and features, these tiles are tough enough to survive all weather conditions. Clay tile is a substantial roofing material that is fairly costly. You should budget between $8 and $11 per square foot.

Rubber slate roofing tiles are made from recycled tires and other rubber goods and range in price from $8 to $11 per square foot. While they are more expensive than conventional synthetic tiles, rubber slate shingles have a number of benefits. Several of these benefits include ease of installation, high impact resistance, wind resistance, and recyclable material.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

DIY is not recommended due to the nature of the job, which demands competence and experience working at heights. Qualified testing labs should establish the slate rating. Ascertain that the slate you purchase is suitably graded before using it for any work on your home.

The price of the slate tile roof is typically higher than other types of roofs. Slate tiles are heavy and require more time to install, so they cost more than cheaper materials. While expensive, slate can last up to 100 years or more if it is well-cared-for.

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Editorial Contributors
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Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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Lora Novak

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Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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