How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost to Install in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a slate roof costs an average of $13,348, with most homeowners spending $4,389 to $22,377. Your final cost depends on factors like your roof’s slope, pitch, size, the type of slate you choose, and whether your roof can support the added weight of 800 to 1,500 pounds per square.

Slate Roof Cost Factors

Your final slate roof cost depends on your roof’s slope, pitch, and size, as well as the type of slate. Job complexity, including possible structural upgrades to support the heavier weight of slate, also affect your budget.

Type

Real slate roofs cost between $10 and $30 per square foot to purchase and install. In some cases, prices can reach up to $80 per square foot for high-end, complex installations that include freight, materials, and labor.

The cost per square foot depends on the type of slate you choose.

Natural Slate

Natural slate tiles cost $20 to $30 per square foot. Harvested from the earth, they are a premium product in limited supply. They also come in different categories—hard and soft—and in several colors, shapes, and sizes.

Synthetic Slate

Synthetic slate roofs cost between $10 and $22 per square foot. They cost half as much as natural slate. Synthetic slate costs vary by material:

• Fiber cement costs $7–$18 per sq. ft.

• Asphalt shingles cost $4–$12 per sq. ft.

• Metal shingles cost $6–$22 per sq. ft.

• Composite or recycled shingles cost $3–$16 per sq. ft.

Labor Costs

Labor costs for installing a slate roof range from $5 to $15 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour, depending on your location and the project's complexity.

The primary professionals you'll work with include:

• Roofing Contractors: Charging $50 to $100 per hour, they're responsible for removing your old roof, preparing the roof deck, installing underlayment, and laying the slate tiles.

• Structural Engineers: Their fees range from $100 to $200 per hour. They'll assess whether your existing roof structure can support the heavy weight of slate roofing and may recommend reinforcements.

These labor charges make up 40% to 50% of your total installation cost, amounting to between $1,800 and $10,900.

Installing natural slate is labor-intensive and requires specialized knowledge and experience. It can take 10 to 12 hours to install one square (100 square feet) of natural slate.

Synthetic slate is less complex to install, costing $3 to $5 per square foot in labor, similar to installing asphalt, metal, or composite roofing.

Removal and Disposal

Removing your existing roofing material costs between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the type and material. Disposal fees are extra and vary by location, so it's a good idea to ask your contractor about these costs. You might also consider renting a dumpster yourself for $300 to $500, or you can have your pro handle the disposal for you.

Additional Materials

Additional materials cost $2 to $5 per square foot. Because slate roofs are heavy, you might need structural reinforcement, which adds an extra $1,000 to $10,000 to your project. Your contractor will include these costs in your quote. Key steps and materials include:

• Bituminous membrane

• Weather shield

• Copper flashings and nails

• Structural reinforcement

• Sheathing

Repair vs. Replace a Slate Roof

When you're considering the condition of your slate roof, you might wonder whether to repair or replace it. The decision depends on factors like the roof's age, the extent of the damage, and cost-effectiveness. Since slate roofs can last 50 to 200 years, if yours is relatively young and the damage is localized, repairing individual tiles or flashing can be sufficient and more budget-friendly. Repairs cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the extent of the damage.

However, if your slate roof is older and showing widespread issues, or if the cost of ongoing repairs is adding up, replacing the roof is the better option in the long run. While replacing a slate roof is a significant investment, it ensures the structural integrity and longevity of your home.

DIY Slate Roof Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you're a professional roofer with experience in slate installation, it's best not to tackle this project yourself. Without the proper knowledge and experience, a DIY job may not work and could cause significant damage to your home.

Installing a slate roof isn't as simple as installing asphalt shingles; it requires specialized tools and skills. It's also a time-consuming process that can take anywhere from three months to a year for larger, more intricate roofs.

Even among roofers, slate installation is a specialized skill. Carefully interview and select a local slate roof installer with a proven track record. Always get quotes from at least three professionals, check their ratings, and thoroughly review their past work.

Contact a local slate roofing pro to start your project today.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.