How much does synthetic slate roofing cost?
How much does synthetic slate roofing cost?
$9 – $12 average cost per square foot installed
$12,500 – $26,000 average total cost to install
Synthetic slate roofing cost
Synthetic slate roofing costs $9 to $12 per square foot installed on average. The average cost to install a faux slate roof is $12,500 to $26,000, depending on the roof size, complexity, shingle style, and manufacturer. Synthetic slate roof tiles are made of composite plastic, rubber, or polymer.
| Roof size (square feet) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $9,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,500 | $13,500 – $18,000 |
| 2,000 | $18,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,500 | $22,500 – $30,000 |
| 3,000 | $27,000 – $36,000 |
| 3,500 | $31,500 – $42,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Synthetic slate roof tiles cost by manufacturer
Synthetic slate roof tiles from popular brands like DaVinci, Brava, and EcoStar cost $300 to $1,200 per square (100 SF) for materials alone, depending on the style and quality. Each brand manufactures synthetic roofing using their own proprietary blend of plastic, polymer, or rubber.
| Brand | Price per square* | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Brava | $700 – $1,150 | Composite plastic/polymer |
| DaVinci | $400 – $1,200 | Composite resin/polymer |
| EcoStar | $300 – $800 | Composite plastic/polymer or rubber |
| Enviroslate | $570 – $1,000 | Composite plastic/polymer |
| Euroshield | $400 – $800 | Composite rubber |
| Inspire | $600 – $1,050 | Composite plastic/polymer |
| Titan Roof Systems | $400 – $1,200 | Composite plastic/polymer |
*Not including installation. One roofing square is 100 SF.
Rubber slate roof cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to install a synthetic slate roof:
Roof size and shape – Multiple stories, split levels, chimneys, dormers, and complex roof shapes increase the cost.
Roof slope and pitch – Roofs with steep pitches are more labor-intensive and require extra safety precautions, increasing costs.
Fire rating – Synthetic slate roofing with a Class A fire rating costs more than Class C material but offers maximum fire resistance.
Brand – Premium brands like DaVinci and Brava cost more.
Labor – Installation labor makes up approximately 50%
of the total cost.
Underlayment – Roofing underlayment costs $10 to $80 per square, depending on if it's synthetic or felt. Roof replacement estimates typically include a new underlayment.
Roof decking / sheathing – Roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot to replace areas that are weak or damaged.
Rafters or trusses – Roof framing costs $5 to $14 per square foot installed or
$60 to $500 per truss for materials.
Roof repairs – Minor roof repairs cost $150 to $1,000 to patch small leaks. Structural repairs to fix a sagging roof cost $1,000 to $3,000.
Pipe boots / Ventilation – Roof vent installation costs $200 to $700.
Soffits and fascia replacement – Replacing the fascia and soffit costs $900 to $6,800.
Gutter installation/replacement – Gutter replacement costs $6 to $17 per linear foot, while gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Drip edge – Installing a drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot and protects the roof edges from water damage.
Permits – Roof replacement permits cost $100 to $500, depending on location.
Synthetic slate shingles cost vs. real slate
A natural slate roof costs $1,000 to $3,000 per square installed but typically lasts longer than synthetic slate. Due to its weight, a natural slate roof may require additional structural support.
| Factor | Synthetic slate | Real slate |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per square foot installed | $9 – $12 | $10 – $30 |
| Lifespan | 40 – 50 years | 50 – 200+ years |
| Warranty | 50-year or Limited Lifetime | 50 – 100 years |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Low maintenance |
| Weight / structural modification | Lightweight – No structural reinforcement needed | Heavy – May require structural reinforcement |
Advantages and problems with synthetic slate roofs
Synthetic slate is lighter, more impact resistant, and costs less than natural slate but typically doesn't last as long and may not provide a perfect replica for an authentic slate roof. Common problems with synthetic slate roofs include tiles curling or cracking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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|
What is synthetic slate roofing?
Synthetic slate roofing is made from plastic or rubber that is injection molded and formed to look like natural slate. Synthetic slate shingles simulate the look of authentic slate but at a fraction of the weight and cost. Many synthetic shingles are made with high-quality recycled materials.
How long does a synthetic slate roof last?
A synthetic slate roof lasts 30 to 50 years, depending on if it is made from plastic or rubber. Composite plastic slate typically lasts longer than rubber slate.
How do synthetic slate roofs perform in bad weather?
Synthetic slate is rated to withstand winds of to 110 to 130 mph, depending on the brand. Most brands come with a Class 4 impact rating – the highest available – and can withstand 2" hail. Slate's smooth surface also allows ice and snow to slide off before causing damage.
Getting estimates from synthetic slate roofing contractors
Before hiring a roofing company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Check their credentials:
State contractor license
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification
Confirm the roofing contractor has experience installing synthetic slate roofing. The nailing requirements for synthetic slate shingles differ from the requirements for asphalt shingles.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose licensed, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
When comparing quotes, confirm they include materials of the same quality and warranty.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Don’t pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many synthetic slate roofs have you installed in the past year?
Can you provide references from past work?
Are you NCRA-certified?
Do you have any manufacturer certifications?
Do you provide a free estimate?
Which brand of synthetic slate do you recommend, and why?
Does the estimate include tearing off the old roof?
How long will the project take?
What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
How will you access my roof? What safety precautions will you take?
Will you obtain any necessary permits?
How long will the roof last?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?