Estimated total
$26,365–$49,027
Squares
18.45 · Slate
Project details
Roof footprint
Section 1
Footprint: 1500 sq ftRoof area: 1677 sq ft
Total roof area1677 sq ft · 16.77 squares
Roofing material
Natural Slate — Premium. Lasts 75–200 yr. Heavy — needs reinforced structure. Specialty installers only.
Optional override
Tear-off & decking
Older roofs may have 2-3 layers
$50–$100/sheet (4×8 = 32 sq ft)
Underlayment & flashing
Auto: 80 lf (half perimeter for eaves)
0 if no valleys (simple gable)
Penetrations
$40–$80 each
$200–$500 each
$200–$400 each
Permits & labor
Cost breakdown
Itemized for your selected configuration.
Natural Slate · 18.45 squares × $1200/sq$14,758 – $29,515
Underlayment · 5 rolls$125 – $300
Ice & water shield · 80 lf$120 – $280
Drip edge · 160 lf$240 – $480
Ridge cap · 50 lf$100 – $250
Ridge vent · 50 lf$400 – $750
Penetrations · 4 vents + 0 skylights + 1 chimney$360 – $720
Tear-off · 16.77 sq × 1 layer$1,677 – $2,516
Building permit$200 – $800
Pro labor · 16.77 sq × $500–$800/sq$8,385 – $13,416
Total project cost$26,365 – $49,027
50-year cost of ownership
Your same roof across all 7 materials, accounting for replacement cycles.
| Material | One install | Lifespan | Re-roofs | 50-yr total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab | $9,950 | 18 yr | 3× | $29,849 |
| ArchitecturalCHEAPEST 50-YR | $10,738 | 28 yr | 2× | $21,476 |
| Corrugated metal | $18,326 | 45 yr | 2× | $36,653 |
| Standing seam | $24,112 | 60 yr | 1× | $24,112 |
| Tile | $25,957 | 75 yr | 1× | $25,957 |
| SlateYOUR PICK | $37,696 | 125 yr | 1× | $37,696 |
| EPDM | $11,392 | 25 yr | 2× | $22,784 |
💡 Asphalt looks cheapest until you factor in 2–3 replacement cycles. Metal and slate often win over 50 years.
Shopping list
Major roofing materials.
- Natural Slate18.45 squares
- Synthetic underlayment rolls5
- Ice & water shield80 lf
- Drip edge (10' lengths)16 pieces
- Ridge cap shingles or coil50 lf
- Ridge vent (4' sections)13 pieces
- Pipe & vent flashings4
- Step & counter flashing20 lf
- Roofing nails (1.25" galvanized)74 lbs
- Roofing cement (10 oz tubes)4 tubes
- Roofing shovel & tarps for tear-offSet
- Safety harness, ladder, knee padsSet
- Dumpster rental (10–20 yard)1
Get quotes
Get 3+ itemized quotes from licensed, insured roofing contractors in your area.
Pro tips
Slate is for forever-homes. Slate costs $800-$1,600/square + $500-$800/square install. For a 2,500 sq ft home: $50K-$100K+. Only worth it if you're staying 30+ years, OR the home is historic and slate matches the period.
Roof structure must support 800-1,500 lbs/square. Slate is the heaviest roofing material. Older homes built for asphalt almost always need structural reinforcement before installing slate. Have an engineer evaluate before quoting.
Copper flashings, not aluminum. Slate roofs last 100+ years — pair them with copper or stainless steel flashings that last as long. Aluminum flashings will fail at 30 years, requiring expensive partial tear-up to replace.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a slate roof cost?▾
Materials: $800-$1,600/square. Install (specialty): $500-$800/square. Total: $1,300-$2,400/square installed. A 2,500 sq ft home: $30K-$70K depending on slate quality and roof complexity.
How long does slate roofing last?▾
Quality Pennsylvania or Vermont slate: 100-200 years. Lower-grade Chinese slate: 50-75 years. Some American slate roofs from the 1880s are still in service. The copper flashings and the building itself usually fail first.
Is slate worth the cost?▾
For long-term homeownership: yes — when amortized over 100+ years, slate is cheaper than 3-4 asphalt replacements. For homes you'll sell in 10-20 years: probably not — most buyers don't pay extra for slate that won't fail anyway.
Can slate be repaired?▾
Yes — individual broken slates can be replaced by slate roofers using slate hooks (avoid using sealants or screws which damage adjacent slate). Regular inspection every 5-10 years catches issues before they spread.
Related calculators
Asphalt Shingle Calculator
Calculate asphalt shingles for roof replacement. Bundles, squares, underlayment, drip edge, and total project cost.
Metal Roofing Calculator
Calculate metal roofing panels for replacement or new construction. Squares, panels, underlayment, and total project cost including labor.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Calculator
Calculate standing seam metal roofing — hidden-fastener panels for premium long-life roofs. Squares, panels, accessories, and total cost.
Clay & Concrete Tile Roof Calculator
Calculate clay or concrete tile roofing for replacement. Squares, tile count, underlayment, flashings, and total project cost.
Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material quantities and costs may vary based on site conditions, material availability, and local pricing.