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mySlate Roof Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of fitting a slate roof is around £7,800.
- The job will usually take 10 to 15 days.
- Simple calculator for you to quickly estimate new slate roof costs.
- A complete pricing breakdown of material costs and labour fees.
- Approximately how long the job should take, and what the process involves.
- How to find and hire a roofer near you using MyJobQuote.
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£7,800
Table of Contents
Slate Roof Cost Calculator
How Much Does a New Slate Roof Cost?
The average cost of slate roof installation in the UK will be around £7,800. However, the price of a new slate roof will vary depending on various factors such as the size of your property, location, material costs and the overall design of the roof.
It's usually cheaper to use a like-for-like replacement material for your new roof, but the premium appearance, durability, and increased lifespan of slate can make the additional investment worthwhile.
So, how much for a new slate roof?
As a guide, it would cost approximately:
- £4,200 to £5,800 to slate a terrace roof
- £7,000 to £8,600 to slate an average, semi-detached home
- £8,500 to £10,800 to add a slate roof to a bungalow
- £9,700 to £12,300 to add a slate roof to a detached house
The average slate roof cost per m² including installation ranges from £70 to £150, depending on the slate type and roof complexity.
- A fibre cement slate roof costs £62 to £85 per m².
- A Spanish slate roof costs around £70 to £93 per m².
- A natural UK slate roof costs £100 to £130 per m², rising to £120 to £150 per m² for more complex roofs.
The overall cost will also vary depending on roof size. Larger slate roofs often cost slightly less per m², while complex slate roofs with chimneys, dormers or difficult access usually cost more.
What's the difference between English and Welsh roof slate?
"Welsh slate is generally regarded as the finest slate in the world, with many exports falling short of its stunning appearance and long-lasting performance. The most significant slate-producing areas of England are that of Cornwall and Devon where the Delabole Quarry is thought to be one of the oldest working quarries on the island."
Slate Roof Prices
Let's look at some total roof slate prices for terraced, semi-detached, bungalow, and detached roofs, based on the typical property floor area for each, with bungalows usually costing more due to their single-storey footprint:
| Type of Home (Floor Area) | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Terrace (60m² - 80m²) | £4,200 – £5,800 |
| Semi-detached (80m² - 100m²) | £7,000 – £8,600 |
| Bungalow (50m² - 70m²) | £8,500 – £10,800 |
| Detached (110m² - 140m²) | £9,700 – £12,300 |
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Additional Slate Roof Costs
In this section, we’ll discuss some additional costs you might need to consider, along with jobs you may wish to have undertaken while having your slate roof installed:
Scaffolding Costs
Most slate roof replacement quotes will include the necessary scaffolding costs to complete the job, but this might not always be the case and is something you should check.
If it is chargeable as a separate cost, depending on the size and layout of your property, and the available access, the cost of scaffolding could cost between £600 and £1,500.
Skip Hire & Waste Disposal
Waste disposal is another aspect of your slate roof project you need to check is included in your quote. Separate costs for skip hire and waste removal will cost around £150 to £450.
Structural Reinforcement
If you're replacing a lighter roofing material like concrete tiles with slate, you might need to strengthen the structure of your roof to take the extra weight of the slate. Depending on what's required, this could add between £1,000 and £3,000 to the cost of your project.
Roof Insulation Cost
When installing a new roof, you may find it a good time to insulate your roof (if it isn’t already). A properly insulated roof can keep your home warmer during cold winter months.
This, in turn, could keep your energy bills down and both save you money and lower your carbon footprint. Here are some average roof insulation costs for you to consider:
- Fibreglass Insulation - £380 to £420
- Mineral Wool Roll Insulation - £400 to £480
- Spray Insulation - £700 to £900
- Warm Deck Insulation Boards - £600 to £700
These prices are based on covering a 20m² area, and would also depend on the type/pitch of your roof.
Gutter Replacement Cost
Your property's gutters will be temporarily removed while your roofer works on your roof, so it's a good time to check them over.
If you haven't kept up with cleaning your gutters and are experiencing poor drainage and suspected water damage, it might be time to replace them.
You can expect gutter replacement costs of around £650.
Fascia and Soffit Capping Cost
Gutters are attached to fascia boards, so while you're working on your roof, it can make sense to get them capped if they're still in good condition, but could use some TLC. If your gutters haven't been working as they should, your property's soffits will also have been impacted by water damage.
You must ensure that your existing boards are in good condition - dry, free from rot and signs of pest infestations - before factoring in the cost of fascia and soffit capping to your roofing project.
This will cost you an extra £800, and can significantly improve both the appearance and the longevity of your property's exterior.
Slate Roof Maintenance
Slate is an incredibly durable roofing material, and slate roofs can last 70 to 100 years if they are maintained properly. Ongoing costs should be low once your new roof is installed, but you should still budget around £150 to £500 for cleaning, occasional repairs, and roof maintenance.
Party Wall Agreement
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced property, you may need a party wall agreement if the roofing work will affect your shared boundary with your neighbours. Professional fees for getting this drawn up could be between £700 and £1,500.
Where can I get rid of my old slate roof tiles that aren't in good condition for free?
"If they are natural slate, a reclamation yard may take them depending on how bad they are, or if they are coated."
Slate Roofer Costs and Timescales
Depending on the complexity of your slate roof project, your roofer's labour costs will range:
- Basic, straightforward installations will cost between £40 to £55 per m²
- Complex, steep pitched installations will cost between £60 to £75 per m²
You may be quoted a daily rate instead of a price per square metre. In 2026, a roofer's daily rate is between £200 to £275.
The location of your property will also influence your labour costs. You should expect higher slate roof prices in London and the surrounding areas compared to those in the north of the UK.
The bigger your property's roof, the longer the job will take:
| Job Description | Time Required | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace Slate Roof Installation (60m² - 80m²) |
4 - 7 days | £800 – £2,600 |
| Bungalow Slate Roof Installation (50m² - 70m²) |
5 - 10 days | £1,000 – £2,750 |
| Semi-detached Slate Roof Installation (80m² - 100m²) |
10 - 15 days | £2,000 – £4,100 |
| Detached Slate Roof Installation (110m² - 140m²) |
2 - 4 weeks | £2,800 – £7,700 |
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What Impacts Slate Roof Installation Costs?
Slate roof costs are impacted not only by the size/type of roof, but also by the exact type of slate material used, and ease of access.
Let's now break down the cost-affecting factors in more detail. We’ll explain these factors and how they can shape the overall cost of installing a slate roof.
Type/Size of Slate Roof
The size and type of roof you have will shape the cost of adding slates, including the type of pitch.
If your roof is quite steep, the work may cost more than the same size roof with a shallower pitch.
This is because the installers would need support to lay the various slates, adding to the complexity and length of the job.
Slate Material
Regular slate from the UK - including Welsh slate - is famed for its superior longevity, and can last for over 100 years.
As quarrying in the UK is more expensive than in Spain, due to environmental restrictions which limit the volume available to be quarried at any one time, regular slate commonly has a higher supply cost compared to Spanish slate, where quarries can produce in bigger batches, bringing down overall unit cost.
- Natural UK slate - £60 to £75 per m²
- Spanish slate - £30 to £38 per m²
You can also choose slate-like tiles, such as composite or tiles designed to mimic the appearance of natural slate:
- Fibre cement slate - £22 to £30 per m²
- Concrete slate - £18 to £25 per m²
- Metal slate - £40 to £80 per m²
- Composite synthetic slate - £40 to £80 per m²
Ease of Access
If your roof is more accessible, the work should be easier and quicker, likely keeping your labour costs down.
However, if access is more difficult, it could be more expensive, especially if scaffolding is required.
Location of Property
It’s generally more expensive to hire a tradesperson in the southeast of England than it is in northern England.
Labour prices tend to be below average in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
My sister’s roofer recommended replacing her entire 120-year-old slate roof, estimating around £12,000 using reclaimed slates. Should she go ahead with a full replacement, and does that price seem reasonable?
"Yes, you should get a new roof. The nails that hold the slates start to decay, and the slates start slipping. The slates can be reused because they decay at a much lower rate than the nails, therefore you would be getting repairs done every time a nail fails. As for the price, depends on the size of the roof and the steepness of the roof. Scaffolding requirements also factor into the price."
What's Involved in Building a Slate Roof?
Building a slate roof is a complex process and is best left to professionals. There's a lot of skill and knowledge required, and working at height carries a real risk of slipping.
To hire the right contractors, it's recommended to gather multiple quotes to get the best price for your slate roof. MyJobQuote can help you find experienced roofers in your area, with no obligation to go ahead.
Before construction can get underway, it's important to know the angle of the roof so the correct overlap can be calculated. Different slate tiles suit different roof angles, so ensuring the correct slates are installed is essential.
During the process, here's what you can expect:
Before the Job Starts
- Preparing the Roof — If the roof is new or has been stripped back, the rafters must be checked to ensure there are no nails or protruding elements. This prevents damage to the breathable membrane during installation.
- Building Scaffolding — If required, this should be added before any work begins. This is particularly important for roofs that are high or difficult to access safely with a ladder.
During the Job
- Old Roof Removal — When replacing an existing roof, the first step is to remove the old roof covering before work on the new one can begin.
- Membrane Installation — The breathable membrane is rolled out, pulled taut, and nailed securely into position to provide an effective protective layer beneath the slates.
- Battens Installation — The first battens and tiles are positioned to calculate the exact number required. Additional battens are then added one by one, working from the top of the roof downwards.
- Slate Fixing — The first row of slate tiles is installed with the established overlap. The remaining rows are added in sequence, with tiles secured using suitable fasteners or nails.
- Fixings and Ridge Tiles — Nails may be made from aluminium, copper, galvanised steel, or stainless steel. Suitable ridge tiles are also installed to complete the slate roof system.
After the Job
- Final Clean-Up — Once everything is safe and firmly in position, the clean-up can begin. Any debris is removed from the site.
- Scaffold Removal — If scaffolding has been used, it can then be disassembled and taken away, leaving the finished slate roof in place.
How much to repair 3 slipped slates on my roof?
"Depending on access to the area, it would be around £150 to £220."
Types of Slate Roofing Materials
We'll now take a closer look at the various types of slate roof materials, including a breakdown of their pros and cons and estimated costs.
Natural Slate Roof Cost
A sturdy and long-lasting option is natural slate, consisting of grains of quartz, mica and chlorite.
Natural slate costs about £60 to £75 per square metre, so it’s one of the costlier choices. However, it may last for a century or more if well-maintained.
Pros
- ✔ Can last for 100+ years if well-maintained
- ✔ Low maintenance, with fire, moisture, and pest resistance
Cons
- ✖ High cost when compared to other slate roof tiles
- ✖ Heavy, sometimes requiring additional roof support, and can be tricky to install
Fibre Cement Slate
Another popular choice is fibre cement slate. This is a more affordable alternative to natural slate at £22 to £30 per square metre. Fibre cement slate consists of sand, cellulose fibres, and cement.
Fibre cement used to include asbestos as well, but this stopped after the 1980s for health and safety reasons as the dangers of asbestos became clearer.
Pros
- ✔ Affordable compared to natural slate roof tiles
- ✔ Lightweight, and easier to install than natural slate
Cons
- ✖ Less durable than natural slate, with an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years
- ✖ Can be more expensive to maintain than natural slate if become damaged
- ✖ May require repainting over time, depending on exposure to the elements
A few of our slate tiles have been temporarily fixed by a handyman using some kind of metal hook. How long can we leave these in place before they need a proper fix?
"Replacement slate tiles are usually fitted with a lead strap or metal hook, this is the only way to fit a slate tile to an existing roof without stripping most of the roof."
Concrete Slate Roof Costs
Another low-costing choice is concrete slate roofing, costing £18 to £25 per square metre.
These slates comprise cement, sand, water and oxide. However, one thing with concrete slates is that they may periodically require maintenance work, such as reapplying surface treatment but if looked after properly they can last for around 50 years or more, making them a cost-effective option.
Pros
- ✔ Budget-friendly slate option
- ✔ Durable, lasting around 50 years if well-maintained
Cons
- ✖ Susceptible to cracking in harsh weather
- ✖ Heavier than other slate tiles, may need structural reinforcement
Metal Slate Roof Costings
Metal slate is designed to look like real slate, but offers a lighter and typically easier to install alternative.
Depending on the finish and material, metal slate usually costs between £30 and £50 per square metre.
Pros
- ✔ Lightweight and reduces the need for structural reinforcement
- ✔ Durable and doesn't crack like natural slate
- ✔ Typically faster to install than natural slate
Cons
- ✖ Premium options can be expensive
- ✖ Has a less authentic appearance than natural slate
- ✖ Can be noisier in heavy rain
Composite Synthetic Slate Cost
Recycled plastics, rubber, or polymer blends are used to manufacture composite synthetic slates that have the appearance of natural slate, but with reduced cost and weight.
Most composite synthetic slate options will usually cost around £25 to £45 per square metre.
Pros
- ✔ Lightweight and easier to install
- ✔ A more affordable alternative to natural slate
- ✔ Durable and more resistant to fading and damage
Cons
- ✖ Doesn't last as long as natural slate
- ✖ Can appear 'artificial' on close inspection
- ✖ Quality can vary across available brands and products
Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Install a Slate Roof
Before hiring a professional to fit a slate roof, there are various tips worth taking on board:
- Are they part of the NFRC Competent Person Scheme? Registered members can self-certify that your roofing project meets building regulations. Using an experienced roofer with this accreditation can save time and reduce additional costs.
- Do they have evidence of positive feedback? Check online ratings and reviews on websites such as MyJobQuote to see what previous customers have said about their workmanship and reliability.
- Have you seen examples of their work? Look through photographs or videos of previous projects to get a clearer idea of the quality of work you can expect.
- Are they covered by insurance? While not a legal requirement, most reputable tradesmen will carry Public Liability Insurance to cover accidental damage or personal injury.
- Have you received multiple quotes? It’s wise to obtain at least three quotes so you can compare pricing and the scope of work, which can be requested via MyJobQuote with no obligation.
- Does the work come with a guarantee? Any trustworthy company should stand by their work, so always ask for written confirmation of guarantees or warranties outlining exactly what’s covered once the job is complete.
FAQs
How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost Compared With a Tiled Roof?
A slate roof will usually cost more than a roof covered with standard roof tiles. Our cost guide shows that slate tiles are typically priced above concrete and clay alternatives, so slate roof costs are often higher overall.
Is a Slate Roof Worth the Extra Cost?
While slate roofs may cost more than the alternatives, many homeowners feel the additional investment is justified by the premium appearance, durability, and long lifespan of natural slate roofs.
How Can I Work Out How Old My Existing Slate Roof Is?
You should contact the previous homeowner or if you know who installed the roof they can check their records. If you know how old your home is and it's not had any substantial work carried out, the chances are it's the original roof, although it's always good to double-check such things.
How Long Does a Slate Roof Last?
Depending on the type and quality of the slate and how well it was installed and maintained, you could expect a slate roof to last 70 to 100 years, or longer, with natural slate typically lasting the longest.
Does Adding a New Slate Roof Add Value to My Property?
Yes, a slate roof can potentially increase a property’s value, particularly if natural slate is used. This is due to buyers often looking at how much work is required when putting in an offer. Installing a new slate roof can make a home more attractive when it comes to selling the property, as well as ensuring longevity with little maintenance needed.
Do I Need Planning Permission or Building Regulations Approval for a New Slate Roof?
If you're not materially changing the roof's appearance, most slate roof replacements will not need planning permission. However, if you are upgrading to heavier slate tiles and need structural improvements, your insulation is not up to current standards, or you're making changes to ventilation and fire safety, then building regulations approval could be needed.
Do Slate Roofs Need More Maintenance Than Other Types of Roofs?
No. Apart from the occasional cleaning and repairs to damaged tiles or flashing, slate roofs are considered a low maintenance roofing option.
Can I Replace Individual Slate Tiles Instead of the Whole Roof?
In many cases, yes, this is often the first option. Individual slates can be replaced using methods such as slate hooks or lead straps, providing the roof structure and fixings are still in a suitable condition.
Are Slate Roofs Heavier Than Other Types of Roofs?
Yes, natural slate is a heavy roofing material, and if you are upgrading your roof from a lighter alternative, some structural reinforcement may be required.
