With the advancements in technology, there are now synthetic slate roofing options available that look and function just like the real stone, while costing at least 50%-60% less.
With synthetic slate roofing, you can install high-quality composite slate shingles for approximately $1,500 on a simple 1,600 sq. ft. cape or ranch style home.
As compared to natural slate, these composite tiles and shingles are highly durable, lighter in weight, and weather-resistant, which makes them a high-quality, premium roofing material.
You can start your roof replacement project by contacting Royal Roofing Inc. for a free quote.
What are Synthetic Slate Shingles Made of?
Synthetic slate shingles are a relatively new material that is created from a mixture of hemp fibres, fibreglass, recycled paper products, post-industrial plastic, polymers, and several other materials, depending on the specific blend that a manufacturer uses.
These synthetic shingles are often called “composite shingles” and shouldn’t be confused with “composition shingles” (asphalt shingles). As the name suggests, each composite roofing product can be made from a variety of materials. The exact mix will determine the longevity, durability, and weather resistance of the final product.
When you research composite shingles, pay attention to the actual composition of each roofing product to make sure you receive a high-quality roof.
How Much Do Slate Roof Shingles Cost?
In comparison to other popular types of roofing, synthetic slate shingles fall somewhere in the middle of the price spectrum.
Installation costs for composite slate roofing range between $5.25 and $11.00 per sq. ft. installed, including professional labour and all materials. For a 2000 sq. ft. roof, this would translate to $10,500 – $22,000. Most homeowners end up spending $7.75 – $8.50 per sq. ft. or $15,500 – $17,000 on a 2,000 sq. ft. roof.
The price of the material can range between $350 and $475 per square. If you choose to use copper for drip edge, valleys, flashing, and pipe boots, the cost could go as high as $525 – $600 per square.
By comparison, a real slate roof of the same size would cost at least $35,000. The total cost of installation of a natural slate roof can range anywhere from $1,650 per square to $3,000 per square. (1 roof square equals to 1000 sq. ft.)
In terms of pricing, synthetic slate shingles are similar to metal roofing. As compared to asphalt roofs, composite slate shingles can cost 2 to 3 times higher.
Keep in mind that the overall cost of the roof installation can vary considerably, depending on:
- Number of stories of your house
- Complexity of your roof design
- Ease of access to the roof
- Roof contractor you hire
- Local professional labour rates in your area
In addition to the average price in your geographical area, some roofing contractors charge a lot more for their work, depending on their years in business, the size of the company, and other factors.