
How much does it cost to fix a slate roof? The average cost to repair a slate roof is about $1,680, with a range between $713 and $2,679. Small repairs like replacing individual shingles may cost as little as $250, but restoring a major portion can cost up to $5,000.
Full Answer
How much does it cost to repair a slate roof?
The average cost to repair a slate roof is about $1,680, with a range between $704 and $2,661. Small repairs like replacing individual shingles may cost as little as $250, but restoring a major portion can cost up to $5,000.
How much does a natural slate roof cost?
There are two main categories of slate roofing shingles, although you have many options contained within each to customize. Uniform natural slate tiles typically cost between $10 and $15 per square foot, depending on hardness and thickness. The two main types of standard slate, hard and soft, can also vary in price.
How do you replace slate roof?
The following guideline is provided to assist in the repair/replace decision making process:
- Consider the age and condition of the roof versus its expected serviceable life given the type of slate employed.
- Calculate the number of damaged and missing slates. ...
- Determine if there are active leaks and what their source may be. ...
- Check the roof rafters and sheathing for moisture stains. ...
- Are many slates sliding out of position? ...
How to estimate roof repair?
- Skylight – Skylight flashing repair costs $150 to $500. ...
- Chimney – Chimney repair costs $200 to $500 to repair flashing, while replacing flashing costs $300 to $1,500.
- Vent pipe – Roof vent pipe flashing repairs cost $200 to $500, including re-sealing pipe caps. ...

How do you repair a slate roof?
1:215:41How to Repair a Slate Roof by The Durable Slate Company - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee how I pulled the nails completely out there's two acceptable ways to repair this one is by usingMoreSee how I pulled the nails completely out there's two acceptable ways to repair this one is by using a slate hook. And it's made of stainless steel.
What is the average lifespan of a slate roof?
''Hard slate will last anywhere from 75 to 200 years, while soft slate will last only 50 to 125 years,'' he said, adding that as a result, a homeowner trying to decide whether to repair, restore or replace a slate roof should first determine whether the existing slate is hard or soft.
How much does a real slate roof cost?
The cost of slate tile roofing typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per square, including materials and labor. This will convert to about $10 to $20 per square foot for soft slate and $20 to $30 per square foot for hard. Some homeowners have reported up to an $80 cost per square.
How often do you need to replace a slate roof?
Installed properly, slate roofs require relatively little maintenance and will last 60 to 125 years or longer depending on the type of slate employed, roof configuration, and the geographical location of the property. Some slates have been known to last over 200 years.
Why is my slate roof leaking?
Slipped tiles or slates will be very easy to notice and can result in larger amounts of rainwater hitting the underlay and putting it under increased pressure. If pools of water then build up in the area where a tile or slate has slipped, a leak into the inside of the roof is increasingly likely to happen.
Why do slate roofs fail?
The original nails used to fix slates were often made of iron or poor quality galvanised steel and will corrode over time. Corrosion can cause nails to snap allowing the slate to slip. When this can be detected in a number of slates across a roof it is termed 'nail sickness'.
Are slate roofs worth it?
The longevity of slate is key to its value in the eyes of homeowners. After all, roofing can be expensive. Slate is one of the few roofing options that doesn't need to be replaced within the span of a lifetime. In most environments, slate shingles will last at least 125 years and sometimes as long as 200 years.
Is a slate roof expensive?
Average cost range: On average, the cost to install a slate roof is $27,000 to $48,000 for a standard 3,000 square foot roof. Slate tiles can cost between $9 to $16 per square foot to install, or $900 to $1,600 per square.
How much does a piece of slate cost?
Cost of Slate Tile Per Square Foot The average price of slate tiles is roughly $4 per square foot, and more expensive materials cost up to $10 per square foot. If money isn't an object for your project, you can even buy very high-end slate flooring materials at $15 to $28 per square foot.
Is it OK to walk on a slate roof?
Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack under pressure. That's why professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing. This allows them to walk on the roof without putting any weight on it. If you don't have the proper materials on hand, it's best to let a professional tend to the roof.
Why would someone replace a slate roof?
Slate roofs are designed to last 100 years or more, and when regularly inspected and properly maintained can easily reach this age. To reach this milestone, broken cracked or missing slates should be replaced promptly by an experienced slater to prevent more serious damage.
What is under a slate roof?
Underlayments: Underlayments are installed on the roof deck, prior to the installation of the slate roofing shingles. Roof underlayments include traditional asphalt saturated organic felts as well as many synthetic underlayments and ice dam protection membranes.
What is the longest lasting roofing material?
slate tilesRoofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.
How does slate deteriorate?
UV radiation and moisture also cause lime and other mineral salts in slate to break down. This causes slate to become more porous. These minerals are eventually deposited as white powder on the surface of the slate, and this is called efflorescence.
Are slate roofs durable?
Durability – When it is installed properly and maintained well, a slate roof could last up to 150 years or longer. Protection – Water can't penetrate slate, and it also won't be affected by things like mold or fungus. In addition, slate is completely fireproof.
Do slate roofs fade?
Roofing slate fading versus mottling All slates will fade from weather exposure. Those which have only minimal color change are classed as "permanent" or "unfading". Those which change more markedly are classed as "weathering".
How long does a slate roof last?
Slate roofs have been coined the “forever roof” because they can last for over 100 years with little to no maintenance. Slate is a hardy, natural stone material that will last as long as it does in nature while keeping your roof and home safe from the elements and giving your home a unique look you won’t find on many homes.
How much does it cost to replace asphalt shingles?
When we look at installing asphalt shingles on your home, you’re looking at around $5,000 to $15,000 total cost for the roof replacement. However, asphalt shingles only last between 15 and 20 years, so you may end up replacing your asphalt roof. Plus, asphalt shingles are not recyclable like slate and end up in landfills. So in comparison, a slate roof is more durable, has a smaller carbon footprint, and gives a much greater return on your investment.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
However, asphalt shingles only last between 15 and 20 years, so you may end up replacing your asphalt roof. Plus, asphalt shingles are not recyclable like slate and end up in landfills. So in comparison, a slate roof is more durable, has a smaller carbon footprint, and gives a much greater return on your investment.
How long do synthetic slate shingles last?
Plus, there isn’t much compromise in this alternative’s lifespan: synthetic slate shingles still last 100 years or more . The reason for this is they are much lighter weight and thus much easier to install. So they can be installed in less time, with less effort, but with the same effect of the natural stone.
What is slate tile made of?
Slate tiles are made of metamorphic rock naturally occurring in nature and can last for hundreds of years. The cool thing about slate is that the colors can vary depending on what minerals are in the rock. That color can weather over time and give even more dynamic colors and textures to the roof tiles for a unique look.
Does slate roof save energy?
In addition to a rainwater catch system and radiant heat barriers installed underneath, these tiles can drastically make one’s home much more energy-efficient and save tons of money.
Can you replicate a slate roof?
Slate is not a roof you can replicate. The unique textures and colors that naturally occur in the stone make for a one-of-a-kind roof. If you are looking for a high-quality, timeless look for your home, slate tiles can be just the thing.
How much does it cost to repair a slate roof?
The average cost to repair a slate roof is about $1,543, with a range between $708 and $2,451. Small repairs like replacing individual shingles may cost as little as $250, but restoring a major portion can cost up to $5,000. A new slate roof costs over $10,000 to install, so even major repairs are usually worthwhile.
How much does slate tile cost?
Alternatives to slate tiles range in cost from $2.30 to $6 per square foot, which is considerably cheaper than the real slate. These materials include ceramic and recycled rubber among many other possibilities. They may last for up to 75 years.
What is the fastener on a slate roof?
Fastenings attach slate tiles to the roof. They’re typically nails, but they can also be hooks. Some types of fastenings also require wire in addition to the primary fastener. Fastenings are usually made of copper, steel or galvanized steel. A slate roof doesn’t generally require replacement of the fasteners, provided it’s receiving regular, professional maintenance. However, excessive moisture can cause them to deteriorate.
What is a slate roof made of?
Fastenings are usually made of copper, steel or galvanized steel. A slate roof doesn’t generally require replacement of the fasteners, provided it’s receiving regular, professional maintenance. However, excessive moisture can cause them to deteriorate.
What is the most important characteristic of slate roofs?
Hardness is the most important characteristic, but the color is also a property to consider when selecting a slate roof. The specific composition of slate primarily depends on its origin, which include New York, Vermont, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Which is cheaper, slate or fiber cement?
Fiber cement tiles are much cheaper than slate, but they don’t last as long. Concrete tiles are also less expensive than slate tiles, but are at least twice as heavy. Clay tiles last longer than the other alternatives to slate, but are so heavy they may require structural reinforcement.
How much does it cost to replace flashings?
The cost of replacing flashings ranges from $600 to $20,000, depending on the size of the roof and the materials comprising the flashing. Replacing flashings is a common repair, although it’s more expensive than replacing slates. Flashings are generally composed of some type of malleable metal such as the following:
Cost To Replace A Slate Roof
A roof replacement costs more than just an installation. On average, it can cost you about an additional $2 to $5 per square foot to remove the old roof. You may also have to pay some sort of disposal fee. The good news is that natural can be easily recycled since its just stone. Roofing companies will be able to provide you with more info.
Cost To Install Flashing On Roof
If leaks are occurring around your chimney or skylights because of age or physical damage, the cost to install flashing on your roof ranges between $200 to $500 for each chimney or skylight.
Are The Rows Straight
Uneven, wavy rows, or a large amount of sliding slates usually show that the nails are failing. This is generally an indication that steel nails were used. Over time, the steel nails will rust and eventually break, allowing slates to become dislodged.
How To Choose The Right Slate Roofing Specialist
The installation process of installing a slate roof is a difficult and complex process that involves a lot of skill and should not be done by a normal roofer. Premier has experienced roofing crews for all types of roofs, including slate.
How Much Does A New Roof Cost Uk 2021
The two biggest determinators are the materials used in the build and the size of the roof in question. While jobs will certainly differ depending on these aspects, the average value of a new roof installation in the UK is around £5000, and the vast majority of people will spend anywhere between £3000 to £7000.
Where Does Slate Come From Return To Top
Slate is a fine grained, crystalline rock derived from sediments of clay and fine silt which were deposited on ancient sea bottoms. Superimposed materials gradually consolidated the sedimentary particles into bedded deposits of shale. Mountain building forces subsequently folded, crumpled, and compressed the shale.
Roof Felt Repair Cost
Roof felt repair costs $300 to $1,400 for replacing up to 100 SF of underlayment, including new flashing and removing and reinstalling roofing. Repairing the felt only costs $50 to $200 per 100 square feet for materials and labor, plus removing the old roofing to access the underlayment.
How long does a slate roof last?
A fibre-cement roof and a man-made roof will last for 50 to 60 years. The longevity of your slate roof could be affected by different factors such as: The roof’s slope – The higher the pitch, the longer the life expectancy. The colour – Darker colours absorb sunlight which affect sthe roof’s lifespan.
How long do man made slate tiles last?
Choose man-made or fibre-cement slate tiles instead of natural slate if you want to save money. Both fibre cement and man-made tiles will last over 30 years (longer if they are well maintained) and are an affordable alternative to natural slate tiles.
What is the difference between Canadian slate and Welsh slate?
Canada: Canadian slate is a similar colour to Welsh slate, but it also has purple tones in its colouring.
How long does Brazilian slate last?
But it is only available in black or grey and will last around 75 years. Brazil: Brazilian slate comes in blue, green, cyan and purple. It is robust, long-lasting and has a high resistance to damage. Welsh and Canadian slate tiles are typically more expensive than Spanish or Brazilian slate.
What to do if you don't have natural slate?
If you don’t have natural slate, you can coat your tiles with a transparent coating to protect the tiles from moss growth. If the colour has faded, you can use a coloured coating instead.
Why do small roofs cost less?
Smaller roofs cost less because there’s less labour and fewer tiles to lay. The shape of your roof also affects the cost. For example, installing slate tiles on a traditional gable or hip roof is relatively straightforward. However, you’ll likely pay more if your roof has dormers or valleys.
How much does it cost to hire a skip?
Depending on your location and the size of skip you need, it costs anywhere from £90 to £340 a week to hire a skip in most of the UK, and between £130 to £390 per week in London (not including permits).

The Amount of Slates to Be replaced.
The Type and/or Style of Slate Being replaced.
- There are different types of slate that come from different regions. A roofing contractor’s cost will be affected by how much the slate needed for repairs will cost. Slate costs can vary by location and by supplier. Reclaimed slate may possibly be an option to keep costs down, and is sometimes preferable as it will blend in better with an older roo...
Height and Pitch of The roof.
- The complexity of the roof and how easy or hard the roof is to access may affect the cost of the repair. Some roofs may require scaffolding, a high-reach, or other additional equipment to complete the repairs that could greatly affect the cost.
Regional factors.
- The location of your property can affect your repair costs. The repair costs in cities and higher income regions tend to be higher than in rural and low income areas. While a roofer may provide free estimates, travel time may factor into the cost depending on where you are located in the contractor’s service area.
The Roofing Contractor’S Specialty.
- Whether the roofer specializes in slate repair or not can possibly be a price factor. How the roofing contractor plans to do the repairs may also factor into the cost. Generally, a roofer specializing in slate repair will either use slate hooks, or attach the replaced slate in the seam and then flash the seam with aluminum or copper flashing. Costs may be higher to properly repair a …