What is Slate Roofing?
Often chosen for
- Historic and older homes with original slate
- Owners planning to keep a home for a long time
- Roofs structurally able to carry the weight
Types and installation methods
| Natural slate shingles / slate tiles | Quarried stone, available in different colors, sizes and thicknesses. |
| Slate repair | Replacing cracked or slipped slates with matching slate, fastened with hooks or copper nails. |
| Synthetic slate | A lighter, man-made alternative (see our synthetic shingles page). |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
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How long does Slate Roofing last?
Estimated life expectancy: 60–150 years (slate), from InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart. InterNACHI says these figures assume regular maintenance and normal wear and are guidelines, not guarantees. Real service life depends on installation quality, drainage, exposure and upkeep.
Signs your Slate Roofing roof needs repair
- Cracked, broken or slipped slates
- Slates on the ground or in gutters
- Rusted nails letting slates slide
- Failed flashing at chimneys, valleys and dormers
- Leaks with no visible broken slate (often flashing or underlayment)
Repair or replace?
Most slate roofs need repair, not replacement: replacing broken slates and renewing flashing. Replacement is considered when a large share of slates are delaminating or soft, or when the nails have failed across the roof. Even then, sound slates can often be salvaged and reused.
What affects the cost
We price every job after inspecting and measuring the roof. These are the main factors:
- Number of slates to replace and availability of matching slate
- Roof height, pitch and access (scaffolding)
- Flashing renewal (copper, lead-coated copper)
- Underlayment and deck repair
- Salvage vs new slate for replacements
[Owner: optional typical price range from your own jobs. Leave out if you prefer quoting per job]
Slate Roofing in Brooklyn & NYC
Slate is found on many of Brooklyn's older detached homes and some brownstone mansard roofs. [Owner to confirm your slate experience and add 1–2 real Brooklyn slate projects with photos]
Our process
- Inspection & photos
We inspect the roof, drains and flashing and document what we find. - Written estimate
Scope, materials and options in writing before work starts. - Installation or repair
Slate Roofing work done to the manufacturer's instructions. [Owner: manufacturers/brands you install] - Clean-up & final photos
Debris removed, final walkthrough and photos.
Compare other shingle roofing options
Asphalt Shingles · Metal Roofing · Cedar Shakes · Synthetic Shingles · All shingle roofing systems