Estimating slate roof installation cost |
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How much does it cost to install a slate roof? Cost of slate roof installation defines by number of factors and total expenses primary depend on slate prices per square foot and labor cost to complete the work. While calculating gross expenditures for installing a new slate roof number of additional factors should be taken into account. Contractor will calculate the cost after roof inspection, taking detailed measurements and analyzing difficulty of the work. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with slate roof installation. Calculating slate roof installation cost
Slate is one of the most durable and long lasting roofing materials, but it is not cheap. Price of slate roofing tiles per square foot will be a few times higher comparing to asphalt shingles. Typically 16” x 10” grey slate tile 3/16” (5 mm) in thickness is one of the most affordable options. But quality, texture and style are main aspects which define the actual cost of slate roofing. Additional materials including copper or stainless steel flashing, nails and underlayment should be purchased separately and will increase overall installation expenses.
Every roofing contractor will price the work based on its complexity. A roof pitch, design and slate tile dimensions will impact the cost of labor. Installation of 20” x 10” x 1/4" slate on a simple 6/12 gable roof will be estimated at lower price per square compare to putting smaller dimension of slate tiles on a 10/12 cross hipped roof with multiple dormers. Normally natural slate will be more expensive to install than synthetic one. On a new construction installation of slate roof is more predictable process, but if it is an existing house there is always a good chance some preparation work should be done. If the roof was originally designed for lightweight architectural shingles rafters should be reinforced for supporting heavier load of slate roofing materials. All additional work will be estimated as extra fees and calculated based on roofer hourly rates.
Slate can be purchased from roofing materials suppliers or distributors. Most of local home improvement retailers do not carry this material in stock. Roofing contractor will recommend which slate is better to install in a certain conditions and homeowners can choose desire color and style from the options available. Depending on product after placing an order prepare to wait from couple to a few weeks for delivery of slate to a job site if it is unavailable in stock.
It will normally take 4 – 5 days for roofing company to complete installation of 12” x 18” slate tiles on a medium slope 45 squares roof. At the same time with higher quantity of manpower, same project can be done faster. Actual time frame will always depend on work difficulty, labor availability and a project urgency.
Only a professional roofing contractor who has experience working with slate and will guaranty the work quality should be hired for completing slate roof installation. It is not a do it yourself project and unprofessionalism is unacceptable. Every single step from adequate chosen flashing materials to correct nailing slate tiles should be done properly. Slate is one of the best roofing materials available on the market and can easily last for more than 100 years with minimum maintenance. But poor completed installation can cause significant reduction of a lifespan and developing multiple problems including leaking and damaging the whole roof structure. |
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