Are you thinking about installing a slate tile roof? These roofs have charming looks, last long, and are energy efficient. On the flip side, they don’t come cheap. But how much does a slate tile roof cost exactly?
This article answers this question in depth. We also talk about the different styles of slate tile roofs and tell you how much it would cost to repair them. Dive in to learn more.
Slate Tile Roof Cost
The total cost of installing a slate tile roof ranges between $10 and $30 per square foot. The cost of buying materials is $5 to $15 per square foot. For labor, be ready to pay between $50 and $100 per hour or $5 to $15 per square foot.
The cost will vary depending on the type of tiles you choose to install. The following table compares the prices of different slate tiles.
Tile | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
Hard slate | $20-$30 |
Soft slate | $10-$20 |
Synthetic slate | $5-$10 |
Replacement Cost
If you are replacing your aging roof with a slate tile roof, you will incur additional costs. Tearing down the original structure will cost you $2 to $5 per square foot. There are disposal fees to consider as well. These will vary from state to state. Contact your local contractor for specifics.
Types of Slate Tiles
If you have decided to install a slate tile roof, you will, of course, choose a style that suits you best. The options below differ in color, thickness, texture, and pattern. The installation cost will vary depending on how difficult it is to execute a style.
Standard Slate Tile Roof
This style is the most common in the United States. It features tiles that are similar in length and width installed in a horizontal pattern. It is the style for you if you prefer a minimalistic, symmetrical look for your roof.
Patterned Slate Tile Roof
Unlike the standard slate tile roof, these tiles differ in shape and color. When arranged on the roof, they bring out a particular pattern. You can convert a standard slate tile roof to a patterned one by installing different colored slates.
Staggered Slate Tile Roof
The tiles here have different sizes or appear as so. The arrangement on the roof is staggered, with tiles appearing to hang over other tiles. This creates a hang-down effect. You can vary the dramatic effect by increasing or decreasing the staggering.
Textural Slate Tile Roof
The tiles in a textural slate tile roof have rough surfaces. They differ in length, width, and thickness and have uneven butts. Interestingly, some of the butt corners are usually missing. When installed, they have a rustic-like appearance and will appear to overlap each other.
Graduated Length Slate Tile Roof
This style originated in Europe. It also features tiles of varying sizes and thicknesses. But it is their arrangement that makes the roof unique. The larger and thicker tiles are put close to the eaves, while the smaller and thinner ones go to the top.
What is the Cost of Repairing a Slate Tile Roof?
The cost of repairing a slate tile will vary depending on the type and extent of the damage. On average, you should expect to pay $1,673 for repairs. Minor repairs can cost as low as $250, while major ones can go as high as $5000. Since installing a new slate tile roof will cost more, the extensive repairs also make economic sense.
With that said, slate tile roofs are durable, and you should not expect to make repairs regularly. The most common repairs involve replacing a cracked or broken tile. And these are usually cheap. Replacing a damaged tile will cost $40 to $200.
Unfortunately, flashings are not as durable as the tiles. They only last for 15 to 20 years. So, you will need to replace them severally during the roof’s lifetime. You will cough up $600 to $20,000 to replace flashings.
Can I install a Slate tile roof By Myself?
With such a high upfront cost, some may consider installing the slates tiles themselves to reduce costs. We would not recommend that unless you have experience installing slate tiles. Tile roofs are usually quite challenging to install and require unique skills and expertise. Should you mishandle the installation, it could lead to problems like leakages. These will be costly to repair.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Slate Tile Roofs
How much you pay to install a slate tile roof will depend on several factors. They include the following.
Availability
Most manufacturers will produce a variety of slate tiles and keep them in stock. You can buy these at standard market prices. However, you will pay more for a customized option. In most cases, you may have to make a special order and wait for production. That will lengthen your project’s time and increase your budget.
Roof design
The design of your roof will affect the cost of labor. For instance, it will take more time to install the tiles on a steep slope. It will also be riskier. The contractor will have to charge more for the extra labor and the cost of purchasing additional safety equipment.
The design could also increase the cost of materials. For example, a chimney or other items on the roof could require new flashings. That would increase the cost of buying materials significantly since flashings can be a bit pricey.
Accessibility
The installer should access the roof with ease since they have to carry materials up and down. The installation will be challenging and could take longer with obstructions such as tree branches or power lines. They will certainly charge more for that.
Other factors could make accessibility a challenge and increase costs. For instance, a fence around the house could be blocking access. The installation will also take longer if the distance from where the materials are to the house is long.
Size of the Roof
It goes without saying that it will cost more to install slate tiles on a large roof than on a small one. You will need more tiles, and the installation will be more labor-intensive. Manufacturers and retailers sell slate tiles per square foot. You can estimate how much you would need to pay by calculating the area of your roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries from home and property owners.
What is the average cost of a slate tile roof?
The national average cost of installing a slate tile roof is $14,733. It can range between $5,793 and $23,826. Materials alone fetch $1,500 per square on average.
Are slate tile roof tiles expensive?
There is no denying that slate tile roof tiles are expensive. However, that is if you choose to look at it in the short term. On the contrary, a slate tile roof is a cost-effective option in the long term considering its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Is a slate tile worth it? Absolutely yes.
The cost of installation may seem high. But it is a cost-effective roofing option in the long term. You will not pay much for repairs and maintenance. And you will never have to replace it in your lifetime. Moreover, it will save you a lot in energy bills owing to its energy efficiency.