In this slate roof cost guide we are going to look in-depth at all aspects of slate roofs.
Slate has been a highly desirable building material for centuries because of its exceptional durability, dramatic appearance, and protection it provides.
This slate roof cost guide will be helpful if you already have a slate roof, are thinking of installing a slate roof or just want to know more about this extremely useful roofing material.
It will cover everything you want to know about the various types of slate that are available, how much it will cost to repair and replace slate roofs and what benefits a slate roof has to offer.
What is Slate?
By definition slate is dense, fine-grained metamorphic rock produced from the compaction of numerous sediments over thousands of years. Slate is a natural material that has been used for centuries in building and construction because of its incredible strength and longevity.
Throughout history slate has been used in the production of roof tiles. Slate roof tiles are split from the rock and cut to make shingles. They are thin and designed to interlock to form a faultless, watertight layer to any building.
Different Types of Slate Roof Tiles
There is an incredible variety of slate tiles today available for sale on the market. All the various types of slate have their advantages and attributes. Your choice will depend on price, durability, aesthetics, and various other factors.
Slate roof tiles are a natural product but there are also synthetic roof tiles available.
Natural Slate Tiles
Quarries around the world extract natural slate, which is then broken up and converted into tiles. Natural slate tiles have existed for centuries and provide a timeless, classic look.
Natural slate is incredibly durable and when properly maintained can last for well over 100 years. Its distinctive and elegant appearance along with the range of colour options available has kept slate tiles popular internationally for centuries.
For an extensive selection of slate tiles we recommend you to take a look at roofing suppliers such as The Roofing Superstore who have different slate tiles to view.
Welsh Slate Tiles
Welsh slate is recognised worldwide for its strength and durability. It is manufactured in quarries throughout North Wales. Besides its dramatic appearance Welsh slate tiles are also highly resistant to adverse weather.
Cost: Welsh slate tiles cost between £6 to £8 per tile.
Canadian Slate Tiles
These tiles typically originate from the quarries of Vermont and Nova Scotia and are yet another popular option. They are characterised by their uniform texture. This makes them amazingly resilient to harsh weather conditions. They also come in different colours such as green, black and grey.
Cost: Canadian slate tiles range from £3-£5 per tile.
Brazilian Slate Tiles
Brazilian slate tiles are becoming more popular as they are a less expensive option than traditional Welsh or Canadian slate tiles. There are also more colour options including purple and black. These tiles are perfect for warmer climates.
Cost: Brazilian slate tiles are between £2 and £5 per tile.
Spanish Slate Tiles
The Northwestern region of Spain primarily produces Spanish slates. Spanish slates are known for their smooth texture and range of colours, including deep greens and purples. They are a favourite among homeowners seeking a traditional Mediterranean look.
Cost: Spanish slate tiles typically cost between £2 and £4 per tile.
Stone Slate Tiles
Stone slates are usually heavier and larger than traditional slates. They offer a very durable option. Stone slates provide a traditional appearance and are commonly used in period building projects and renovations.
Cost: Stone slates range from £5 to £7 per tile depending on the source and thickness.
Recycled Roof Slate Tiles
Recycled roof slates are a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying new slates. The slates are reclaimed from previous buildings and then cleaned and restored ready to be used again. They still have all of the benefits of natural slate tiles but are a cheaper and environmentally friendly option.
Cost: Recycled slates generally cost £1 to £4 per tile depending on condition.
Man-Made Slates Tiles
There are different options available when it comes to man-made slates. Manufacturers create them using artificial materials that replicate the properties and appearance of natural slate. They tend to be lighter than traditional slates as well as being easier to install.
Fibre Cement Slate Tiles
Fibre cement is a popular material for manufacturing man-made slates. They have a similar appearance to natural slate but are a cheaper alternative. They are renowned for their exceptional strength and longevity.
Cost: Fibre cement slates typically cost between £1 and £3 per tile.
Composite Slates Tiles
Composite slates are made by mixing natural stone with synthetic materials. Often they are more durable than traditional slates. Their lightweight composition makes them easy to install.
Cost: Composite slates cost between £2 and £5 per tile.
How Much do Slate Roofs Cost?
The cost of a slate roof will vary depending on a number of factors such as which slate you choose, where you are located and the size of the roof. The table below is based on a typical Welsh slate roof.
| House Type | Supply Cost | Labour Cost | Time Required | Total Estimated Cost (Supply + Labour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed terraced house | £4,000 to £8,000 | £2,000 to £4,000 | 4 to 5 days | £6,000 to £12,000 |
| 3-bed semi-detached or end terrace | £6,000 to £10,000 | £3,000 to £6,000 | 5 to 7 days | £9,000 to £16,000 |
| 4-bed detached house | £8,000 to £14,000 | £4,000 to £8,000 | 5 to 10 days | £12,000 to £22,000 |
Slate Roof Supply Costs
As we have discovered the cost of the tiles themselves ranges between £1-10 depending on the type and quality. Natural slate tiles will invariably be more expensive than the synthetic slate tile options on the market.
Slate Roof Labour Costs
Labour costs will vary depending on the slate roofing company, access and where in the country you are located. Typically you should expect to pay between £200-£500 a day for a roofing contractor. Slate roof installation is highly labour intensive and will require a skilled workforce with experience working with slate tiles.
Additional Costs
In addition to the costs of the tiles and labour you may also need to account for some further costs. Scaffolding, underlayment, and other roofing accessories can add between £1,000 to £3,000 to the total cost.
Process of Installing A Slate Roof
Installing a slate roof on your house is relatively straightforward for most experienced roofers. The process is as follows:
- Find the size of the overlap by checking the angle of the pitch roof
- Determine the size of the slates that would depend on the angle. It’s imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Decide the size of the overlap depending on the nature of the wind and rain.
- Ensure no nails or other materials are protruding from the wood. This is to ensure the breathable membrane is not compromised.
- Roll out the breathable membrane, pull taught and fasten with nails.
- Next, place the first batten and tile together.
- Starting from the top, place the correct spacing between battens.
- Lay the first row of tiles to form the overlap.
- Start to lay the slate tiles.
- Secure the slate tiles in place with nails or fasteners. These can be made from aluminium, stainless steel, galvanised steel or copper.
Reduce Slate Roof Costs
Fortunately, there are several options available that will help to reduce the cost of a slate roof.
- Choose a more affordable slate type: Choose Brazilian, Spanish, or fibre cement slates. These are more budget-friendly than natural Welsh or Canadian slate tile alternatives.
- Get more than one quote: Get quotes from multiple roofing contractors to get a fair price for labour and installation.
- Consider a partial slate roof: Instead of using slate entirely, use it for certain sections or accents.
- Regular maintenance: Regular checks will ensure any issues are picked up early.
Slate Roof Repairs
Slate roofs may be incredibly durable but will still need occasional repairs. Unlike some other roofs they will require expert handling from experienced roofers. Some common slate roof repairs are:
Replace broken or slipped slates: Cracked or slipped tiles will need replacing.
- Cost: £20 – £50 per tile.
Fix rusted nails : Old nails rust causing tiles to loosen.
- Cost: £150 – £500 for small fixes. £4,000+ for full re-nailing.
Repair delaminated slates: Some slates flake over time
- Cost: £30 – £70 per tile; £1,000 – £5,000 for larger repairs.
Slate Roof Removal
Occasionally the repairs will not be adequate and you may require a full slate roof removal. Due to the weight and size of materials removing a slate roof is a delicate and labour intensive job.
Depending on the area and the pitch of your roof removal of slate tiles usually costs between £25-£50 per square meter. Labour is usually the biggest expense in slate roof removal and a team will typically take several days to complete the job.
| Roof Size | Starting From | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Small (50m²) | £2,000 | £4,000+ |
| Medium (100m²) | £4,000 | £7,000+ |
| Large (150m²+) | £15,000 | – |
You can reuse or sell some slates for £1 to £3 per tile. This will help to lower costs and reduce waste. Recycling old slates is a great way to save money and reduce impact on the environment.
Benefits of Slate Roofs
- Durability: Slate roofs can last over 100 years making them a savvy investment.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The natural variations in colour and texture provide a classic and bespoke look to any building.
- Fire Resistance: Slate is non-combustible offering increased protection against fire.
- Low Maintenance: Slate requires less maintenance compared to other roofing materials.
- Environmental Impact: Slate is a natural, sustainable material. A lot of slate tiles are recyclable
Planning permissions
It is always important to check if you require planning permissions for a slate roof installation or replacement. Especially if you are located in an area of conservation or if the property is a listed building. Always check with your local council before starting any roofing project.
Contact us
As this slate roof cost guide has shown a slate roof is a great way to protect your home for years to come while providing a sustainable and visually striking look. At Quest Roofing Ltd we specialise in slate roof repairs, restorations, and removals.
Quest Roofing Ltd is fully insured, has over 25 years of experience and provides clients with free workmanship guarantees for any slate roofing works undertaken by our team.
If you require a roofing contractor and you are based in and around Leicestershire, please get in touch with us today and we can discuss how we can be of assistance. We happily conduct free site visits and provide free quotes for any type of roofing project.