Slate roof is a premium roofing system. Which is made from natural slate stone. or made from materials such as rubber or resin
Roofs come in a variety of shapes and patterns, all with different aesthetic or safety properties. Roofs are one of the essential structural components in building construction. which protects the building structure and occupants from adverse environments and exposures and gives privacy to the homeowner.
There are many design factors to consider for roof design. In, drainage plays a very crucial role. Therefore excellent roof construction requires a careful review of dependent factors and various roofing materials.
If you’re looking for slate roofing for your next roof replacement, you’re in the right place. Which you need to find based on things like your preferred look and your budget.
There are many roofing materials in the market. But most homeowners choose slate roofs as their dream roof. But, you might be wondering if a slate roof is a right option for my house.
You should have all the information you need to choose a slat roof. We are going to explain in this article what is a slate roof and some considerations for it.
What Is a Slate Roof?
Slate roofing material Initially, it was used as a prefabricated building material, protecting against insect infestation and fire. Slate roofing is a premium roofing system. Which is made from natural slate stone. or made from materials such as rubber or resin.
Natural roof slates are the most durable roofing material. But it’s very heavy and expensive stuff to buy and uninstall. Slate roof tiles are the longest-lasting roofing material. which sometimes lasts more than 100 years. It is a natural rock formation. Slate shingles have been used for roofing for years.
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What Is a Synthetic Slate Roof?
Synthetic Slate Roof is technically made from rubber and plastic. Usually, they are designed to reflect the unique, beautiful authentic slate. Synthetic slate shingles are materials designed to last a long time.
It is durable, flexible, and reliable material without more cracking, more expensive, and difficult repairs. Synthetic slate roof costs can range from $10.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
What Is Slate Roof Made Of
Slate roof tiles are made from natural hard rock like a metamorphic rock. After it is mined, the slate is cut into square tiles in a factory. Slate roofs should generally have a minimum pitch of 20 degrees. Slate suppliers advise that 600x300mm slate roof tiles are suitable for a minimum roof pitch of 20 degrees assuming a minimum lap of 125mm.
What Color Is Burnished Slate Metal Roofing?
Burnished Slate has a dark gray finish with brown undertones.
Slate Roof Material
In the United States, slate roof tiles were first found in large deposits in the northeastern part of the country. Due to the popularity of the aesthetic created by slate roofing, there are also many slate roof tile options. Materials like clay, composite slate roofs, rubber slate roofing,burnished slate metal roof, asphalt shingles, and more are used in the construction of slate roofs.
However, it is important to know the type of material used in the construction of any synthetic slate roof tile. There are several excellent synthetic slate roofing products available. Let’s take a look at some of the common types of materials used for slate roof tiles.
1. Natural Slate Roof Tiles
Natural slate consists of small grains, chlorite (in flakes), and quartz. which is easily divided into thin slabs. Which is designed to produce an attractive roof.
Many homeowners and architects value natural slate because Natural Slate Roof Tiles come in many textures and beautiful colors: green, gray, red, purple, black, and brown.
Natural slate is a fire, moth, and moisture resistant material, natural slate roofs can have a life expectancy of 100 years if properly maintained.
2. Composite Slate Roof Tiles
IKOslate is a composite roof slate. It is manufactured from mineral reinforced, 99% recycled and re-engineered materials. Its unique structure gives it superior strength. It is easy to handle and install.
Synthetic composite slate offers many advantages as a type of slate roof. They are lightweight. Hence its composite slats do not require additional structural support.
Which saves time and money. It offers more durability against UV rays, moisture, foot traffic, and temperature changes than natural, fiber cement, bituminous, and metal slate roofs.
Additionally, it retains its gorgeous color for a long lifespan with low maintenance. Synthetic composite slate roofing tiles can cost between about $5 and $12 ft2 to install.
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3. Burnished Slate Metal Roof
Burnished slate metal roof is a painted product that gives the appearance of a copper corrugated roof. Burnished slate metal roof is a perfect solution for exterior or interior application. Which is mostly found on houses with traditional architecture. But now, it is also used with any architectural style. HL Burnt Slate Metal Roofs do not fade like real slate roofs.
It maintains your chosen color. Burnished Slate Metal Roof provides a similar color finish to metal roofs. Its coating reflects rather than absorbs UV light. Therefore, your home can maintain a suitable temperature throughout the year.
4. Bituminous Slate
Bituminous slate roof cost depends on the size and slope of the roof. Its installation cost can be about $4 to $13 ft.2. Bitumen (asphalt) is used to make both bituminous slate and asphalt shingles. Bituminous slate provides a similar appearance to natural slate.
So, bituminous slate roofing is worth it if you are looking for cheap slate design patterns. The flexibility of bituminous slats allows for installation on gable windows and dome roofs. Over time, the integrity and longevity of a bituminous slate roof decrease.
Bituminous slate undergoes alteration at high temperatures. It then hardens as it cools, causing the shingles to become brittle over time. and causes damage to the roof. which damages the building and roof.
Over time, UV rays cause the UV protective granules on the top surface of bituminous slate to loosen and peel away. Lack of good ventilation in the roof can lead to heat and moisture build-up. which reduces the service life of bituminous slate shingles.
5. Concrete Slate
Concrete slate roofing tiles are a mixture of portland cement, sand, water, and color. Concrete tiles are prepared in molds for different shapes and textures to imitate slate tiles. It offers excellent resistance to wind or hail damage. Concrete slate roofing costs between $3 and $5 ft2 to install.
Concrete slate roofs require regular maintenance and repair to maintain both their appearance and integrity. Especially in wet climates, moss and mildew can grow between concrete slate tiles. So it requires professional power cleaning.
Concrete roofing tiles can last about 50 years; However, you will have to replace the underlayment after 20 years. For which it becomes a very time-consuming and expensive project. Replacing the underlayment of a concrete tile roof can cost about $5,400 to $7,660.
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Slate Roof Tile Sizes
| Slate size | Pieces per square | Exposure |
| Inches | at 3″ headlap | at 3″ headlap |
| 24 x 12 | 115 | 10.5″ |
| 22 x 12 | 126 | 9.5″ |
| 22 x 11 | 137 | 9.5″ |
| 20 x 14 | 121 | 8.5″ |
| 20 x 12 | 141 | 8.5″ |
| 20 x 11 | 154 | 8.5″ |
| 20 x 10 | 170 | 8.5″ |
| 18 x 14 | 137 | 7.5″ |
| 18 x 12 | 160 | 7.5″ |
| 18 x 11 | 175 | 7.5″ |
| 18 x 10 | 192 | 7.5″ |
| 18 x 9 | 213 | 7.5″ |
| 16 x 14 | 158 | 6.5″ |
| 16 x 12 | 185 | 6.5″ |
| 16 x 11 | 201 | 6.5″ |
| 16 x 10 | 222 | 6.5″ |
| 16 x 9 | 246 | 6.5″ |
| 16 x 8 | 277 | 6.5″ |
| 14 x 12 | 218 | 5.5″ |
| 14 x 11 | 238 | 5.5″ |
| 14 x 10 | 262 | 5.5″ |
| 14 x 9 | 291 | 5.5″ |
| 14 x 8 | 327 | 5.5″ |
| 14 x 7 | 374 | 5.5″ |
| 12 x 10 | 320 | 4.5″ |
| 12 x 8 | 400 | 4.5″ |
| 12 x 6 | 534 | 4.5″ |
Generally, slate roof tiles are rectangular in shape. Slate roof tiles are available in sizes ranging from 12” (length) x 6” (width) to 24” (length) x 12” (width).
It can be trimmed to special shapes to achieve valleys, gable ends, hips, and dormers, such as clipped corners, diamonds, fish scales, and hexagons. Slate roof tiles are available in thicknesses ranging from 3/16” to 1 ½” and standard thicknesses are ¼” – 3/8”.
Slate Roof Shingles
There are many types of slate tiles, but slate tiles are mainly found in hard slate and soft slate. Colorful slate is hard. But the black slate is almost soft. There may be a difference in lifespan. Hard slate can last about 75 to 200 years. While soft slate has a lifespan of 50 to 125 years.
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Slate Roof Tiles Cost
On average, slate roof costs can range from $20,745 to $37,460 for a standard 3,000 square foot roof. Installing slate tiles can range from $6.90 to $12.50 per square foot. Or slat roofing cost can between $690 and $1,250 per square (100 square feet). The cost may vary depending on the size, slope and pitch of your roof, as well as contractor labor rates in your area.
Synthetic Slate Roof Cost Vs Asphalt
Synthetic slate shingles cost $700 to $1200 per square foot. Replacing a 1700 square foot to 2,100 square foot entire roof with asphalt shingles cost anywhere from $6,800 to $8,400.
Slate Roof Maintenance
Slate roofs require little maintenance if installed properly. Slate roofing tiles depend on the type of shingles installed, the configuration of the roof, and the geographic location of the property. Which will last for 100 years.
Slate roofing tiles are very cost-effective. It is naturally very durable. It is a very resistant material against mold, mildew, and other sources of contamination. Hence its maintenance cost comes to a minimum.
Broken, cracked and missing slat shingles should be contacted by a roofing contractor to prevent water damage to the interior of your home.
Slate roof maintenance costs can average between $300 and $1,500. Most homeowners find it costs about $900 to replace a few damaged underlayment squares and some chipped tiles after a storm.
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Slate Roof Pros and Cons
Some of Slate Roof Advantages and Disadvantages are:
Slate Roof Pros:
Some of Slate Roof Advantages:
- Aesthetic look
- Longevity
- Durable
- Environmentally Friendly
- Completely fire resistant
- Low Maintenance
- Increased Home Value
Slate Roof Cons
Some of Slate Roof Disadvantages:
- Requires specialized installers
- Slate roofs are expensive
- Foot traffic can damage tiles
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Synthetic Slate Roofing
Synthetic slate roofing is a product molded from a mixture of resins and other additives to address common shortcomings of natural slate. Synthetic slate roof tiles are much lighter, more resistant to impacts, and costs less than natural slate roofing. Most are available in an array of dark grays, dark browns, and black.
Fake Slate Roof Tiles
Unlike less expensive asphalt shingles, however, synthetic slate roofs can last for up to 100 years, and the majority of synthetic slate shingles have 50-year warranties.
What Color Is Burnished Slate Metal Roof?
Burnished Slate has a dark gray finish with brown undertones.
Repairing Slate Roof
Step by Step process of Repairing Slate Roof
- Cut the Concealed Nails,
- Acquire the Properly Sized Replacement Slate
- Slide the Slate into Place
- the Nail Hole Is Punched into the Slate from the Back,
- Nail the Replacement Slate into Place with a Copper Nail.
- Cover the New Nail with a Copper “Bib”
Slate Roof Pros and Cons
| Sr No | Slate Roof Pros: | Slate Roof Cons |
| 1 | Aesthetic look | Requires specialized installers |
| 2 | Longevity | Slate roofs are expensive |
| 3 | Durable | Foot traffic can damage tiles |
| 4 | Environmentally Friendly | |
| 5 | Completely fire resistant | |
| 6 | Low Maintenance | |
| 7 | Increased Home Value |
Slate Roof Lifespan
A slate roof can last up to 100 years, with proper maintenance Repair/Replacement Guideline.
Slate Roof Cost
Slate Roof Cost |
Cost |
| National Average Installation Cost | $29,100 |
| Average Installation Cost | $20,745 to $37,460 |
| Square Foot to Install | $6.90 to $12.50 |
Types of Slate Roof Tiles
Roof slates are available in two main types: Natural slates and man-made roof slates. Natural slates vary in color, composition, and texture depending on where they are quarried from, with the most popular types being Welsh slates, Spanish slates, and Brazilian slates.
Cost of Roof Slates
On average, slate roof costs can range from $20,745 to $37,460 for a standard 3,000 square foot roof. Installing slate tiles can range from $6.90 to $12.50 per square foot. Or slat roofing cost can between $690 and $1,250 per square (100 square feet). The cost may vary depending on the size, slope and pitch of your roof, as well as contractor labor rates in your area.
Metal Slate Roofing Sheets
Slate roofing featuring a 4-Way Interlocking design. Interlock Metal Slate Roof Tiles look like traditional organic slate roof tiles without weight.
What Is Slate Tiles?
Slate tile is popular roofing material. Although individual tiles sometimes crack, an entire slate roof probably won’t need to be replaced for 50 years or more. Properly installed, offers many benefits.
How Much Is Slate Worth?
The average cost of a slate roof can be $20,000 or more. It is an exceptional curb appeal, durability, and long-lasting roofing material.
What Does a Slate Roof Look Like?
A slate roof is a roof made from natural slate. It is cut into shapes similar to traditional roof tiles with a modern, natural, rock-like appearance. They can be used to create a variety of designs and styles such as pitched roofs, flat roofs, gable roofs, and mansard roofs.
What Is Natural Slate Roofing?
Natural slate roofing is made from natural slate. It is cut into shapes similar to traditional roof tiles with a modern, natural, rock-like appearance.
What Is Slate Roof Made Of?
Slate is made from metamorphic rocks derived from clay or volcanic ash. The foliation, or splitting, of slate allows for the production of thin sheets for tiles. The natural aesthetic of the slate shingles provides homes with a classic look that fits in almost any neighborhood.
How Long Do Slate Roofs Last?
Hard slate will last anywhere from 75 to 200 years, while lifespan of slate roof 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.