What is a Slate Roof

First things first, what is slate roofing? Slate is created from natural stone extracted directly from the Earth. Because it is composed of inorganic materials, it does not rot or decay, making it the ideal choice for longevity. Slate roof tiles are cut into specific shapes and sizes for installation and are laid down in an overlapping pattern to form a weather-resistant lock. This type of material is also insect-proof and fire-resistant (noncombustible).

Slate roofing has been utilized for centuries and continues to hold its appeal thanks to its timeless, elegant appearance and status as one of the most premium materials available. Made from stone, it is naturally strong and dense, enabling it to endure the most intense hail and wind storms in Tulsa. Although the initial cost of slate is high, its durability and long lifespan make it a worthwhile investment. Just how much does a slate roof cost, and how long does a slate roof last? While the total price will depend on the specific project, a reasonable estimate for labor and materials falls between $15 and $20 per square foot, and slate roofs can last up to 100 years.

What to Know About Specialty Roofing Systems

Oklahoma is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature. From tornadoes to rainstorms, hail to snow, we’ve experienced it all. With such a diverse range in its arsenal, it’s no wonder that residents of the Sooner State need strong roofs on their homes. Specialty roofing systems are highly durable, built to withstand even the harshest weather for an extended period, while also looking great. Before making your final decision, consider the three types of specialty roofing: slate (tile), shake (wood), and synthetic (polymer). Slate roofs are by far the most popular option among Native Roofing customers.

Native Roofing’s team, serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Sapulpa, Jenks, and Owasso, is committed to delivering exceptional residential and commercial roofing services. Our slate roofs come with a quality guarantee– we’re certified in all products we install, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality and reliable warranties.

Slate Roof Tiles: Natural vs. Synthetic Options

When choosing a slate roof, you’ll encounter two options: natural and synthetic. Natural slate roof tiles are made from stone, typically arriving in a 3-foot-wide strip before being cut to the desired dimensions. Natural slate offers a long lifespan, excellent curb appeal, and durability; however, it is also quite heavy. To utilize this type of slate, your frame must meet specific requirements. While it is often considered the best choice for your roof, natural slate roofs have drawbacks. They are:

Fragile
Slow to install
Difficult to repair
Lack warranty coverage
Costly

Synthetic slate roofing, also referred to as composite roofing, is composed of polymers or recycled materials. The tiles are crafted to mimic traditional slate roofs but with the benefit of reduced weight and increased durability. Another synthetic option is metal slate roofing, which is designed to resemble conventional tiles yet maintains the strength of metal. Synthetic tiles are steadily gaining popularity due to their eco-friendliness, high curb appeal, impact resistance, semi-cost-effectiveness, and resistance to cracking or breaking. While they represent a solid choice for roofing solutions, synthetic slate roofing does have a few downsides:

New materials (i.e., not as well-tested)
Varying warranties
Costly

DaVinci Composite Roofs

DaVinci Roofscapes is another type of synthetic roofing available. It features composite tiles that enhance curb appeal by mimicking the appearance of natural slate tiles or wood shakes, while simultaneously protecting your home from the elements. DaVinci Roofscapes’ composite tiles come in a stunning array of colors, making it easy to match them to your home’s color and style. DaVinci Roofscapes installed by us not only look fantastic but also withstand hail, fires, and winds up to 110 mph, and are backed by a lifetime limited material warranty.

How Long Does a Slate Roof Last?

A slate roof’s lifespan is long. If well-maintained after it’s installed, a traditional slate tile roof could last up to one hundred years with minimal upkeep. Synthetic slate roofs, if properly maintained, can last 30 to 50 years. While it doesn’t last quite as long as stone slate roofing, it’s more cost-effective.

Cost of a Slate Roof in Tulsa

While we already mentioned a little about what to expect price-wise, how much is a slate roof? Let’s take a closer look. The cost of a natural slate roof starts at $15–$20 per foot, but can get up to more than $30. In total, it might end up costing you anywhere from $2,350 to $3,200 per roofing square. Synthetic tiles cost slightly less, ranging from $14 to $20 per foot. Overall, for this material, you’re looking at $500 to $1,000 per roofing square.

If cost is a significant concern for you, consider contacting Native Roofing for a quote. We can review available financing options with you to help alleviate your concerns.

What Warranties Come with a Slate Roof?

Understanding the warranty coverage for your roofing material is crucial for your peace of mind. Most roofs come with two warranties: a workmanship warranty from your roofer and a manufacturer’s warranty. However, since traditional slate roofs are natural, a manufacturer’s warranty is not available. In this case, you’ll receive one form from your installers to guard against errors. Synthetic slate roofs, which are man-made, typically include a manufacturer’s warranty that can last from 50 years to a lifetime.

Can You Walk on a Slate Roof?

Yes, you can walk on a slate roof. However, similar to the careful handling required during installation, the same caution must be exercised when stepping on the tiles. But because it’s easy to crack slate tiles, unless you’re the professional who installed it, avoid walking on the roof.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

While slate roofs are highly durable, they still require a little help from you to keep them in tip-top shape. Before installing your new slate roof tiles, ensure the area has been adequately prepared by checking that the roof deck is level and safe. Other installation tips, though only applicable to your roofer, include:

Selecting high-quality materials
Avoiding over-hammering, which could lead to breaks
Using scaffolding on steep slopes
Avoid working during heavy rain or freezing temperatures

Once the roof has been installed, basic maintenance tips include:

Regular professional inspections
Debris removal
Prompt repairs
Cleaning gutters

Design & Aesthetics: Pairing Slate with Tulsa Home Styles

At Native Roofing, we take providing customers with a roof that meets their needs and vision seriously. Our team will work with you to carefully curate a slate roof that matches your home’s style. Through excellent workmanship, multiple certifications, and comprehensive planning, we’ve completed countless residential and commercial roofing projects in the Tulsa area.

Check out some of our other recent projects!

Choose Native Roofing

Considering slate? Trust our certified Tulsa roofers — one of the few in Oklahoma — for flawless installation and care. We can answer all your questions about the process, including something like, “What color siding goes with burnished slate metal roof?” and “How long do slate roofs last?”