Synthetic slate roofing shingles are becoming increasingly popular. They’re relatively easy to install and mimic natural slate roofs to give the house a unique charm at a fraction of the cost.
The biggest selling point of synthetic slate is that this man-made roofing material is much more durable, attractive and longer lasting than the classic asphalt roofing shingles.
Thus, it provides a viable roofing option for homeowners who want to invest in a high-quality roof without spending a fortune of premium roofing materials, such as real slate.
The average cost of synthetic slate roofing can range from $16,500 all the way to $22,950. However, the average total roof installation cost will differ depending on the manufacturer, roof complexity, as well as local roofing labor rates.
What Are Synthetic Slate Shingles?
Synthetic slate shingles are made from various recyclable materials, such as plastic, rubber, polymer, steel, clay, etc.
These shingles are manufactured to look exactly like real slate roofing. The resemblance is uncanny, as most people can’t tell the difference.
The manufacturing process involves injection molding synthetic composite materials into special metal forms, which are cast from real slate stone. Depending on the manufacturers, these cast forms will look more or less like natural slate.
For example, DaVinci Roofscapes is known in the industry to have superior imaging technology that produces the most realistic looking synthetic slates.
Average Total Cost of Synthetic Slate Roofing
On average, you’ll have to pay from $16,500 to $22,950 for synthetic slate roofing.
On the lower price of the spectrum, you can pay as little as $12,000, or as much as $27,000 for a high-end synthetic slate shingle product.
| Square Footage | Cost |
|---|---|
| Per Square Foot | $6.55-$11.40 |
| Per Square | $665-$1,140 |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $8,550-$11,400 |
| 1,500 Square Feet | $12,800-$17,100 |
| 3,500 Square Feet | $40,000 |
Variations in total roof installation cost depend on the following factors:
– Roof pitch, size and complexity
– Local roofing labor rates, which can vary by as much as 20-30% depending on where in the US you are located.
– Quality of synthetic slate product you choose
– Any extras you need with the roof installation (guttering, soffits, chimney work, etc)
Keep in mind, that the average price of synthetic slate tiles is less expensive than natural slate roofing by around 35% to 50%.
You can use our Roofing Cost Calculator to estimate the total cost of your roof replacement.
Synthetic Slate Roof Cost per Square Foot
The price of synthetic slate roofing (with installation) per square foot ranges from $9.20 to $12.75, while price per square can go from $920 all the way to $1,275.
The materials alone can cost you from $334 as the least expensive option to $570 per square, depending on the manufacturer you choose.
Check out our Roof Cost Per Square Guide, which compare the roofing cost per square for different types of roofing materials.
Did you know? Synthetic slates can be recycled. After they reach their lifespan or become too worn out to function, they can be turned into other products or even reused in the manufacturing facility for new shingles.
Cost of Synthetic Slate Roofing Based On Manufacturer
Manufacturer brand is another important factor determining the total cost of the installation of synthetic slate tiles.
Each brand offers unique products whose benefits can help you decide based on your need and preferences. Different manufacturers’ prices range from $285 to $1,140 per square (100 square feet).
| Manufacturer | Cost Per Square |
|---|---|
| Brava | $665-$1,100 |
| Inspire | $570-$1,000 |
| Titan Roof Systems | $380-$1,140 |
| Enviroslate | $542.50-$950 |
| Euroshield | $380-$740 |
| EcoStar | $285-$740 |
| DaVinci | $380-$1,140 |
Here’s how much you can expect your synthetic shingles to cost per square from some of the most notable manufacturers in the industry:
Brava – Brava’s cheapest synthetic slate shingles can cost around $665, while the most expensive tiles cost up to $1,100 (Polymer and plastic shingle materials available).
Inspire – Inspire manufacturer offers similar prices to Brava, which operates with the same materials, plastic or polymer. Inspire synthetic slate costs from $570 to $1,000.
Titan Roof Systems – The price for this manufacturer is $380 to $1,140. Titan Roof System also uses plastic and polymer.
Enviroslate – Enviroslate tiles’ cost ranges from $542.50 to $950.
Euroshield – One of the most affordable options is offered by the Euroshield brand, which uses composed rubber for its synthetic slate roof, unlike the previous four manufacturers. The price of this brand ranges from $380 to $740.
EcoStar – Another less expensive but reliable brand is EcoStar, with prices for synthetic slate shingles ranging from $285 to $740. This brand offers the most material options: rubber, polymer, and plastic.
DaVinci – Using composite resin and polymer, DaVinci manufacturer offers synthetic slate shingles at $380 to $1,140.
Additional Cost Factors To Install A Synthetic Slate Roof
| Additional Cost Factors | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $334-$570 |
| Pipe Boots | $190-$665 |
| Drip Edge Per Linear Foot | $2 |
| Gutters Instalement Per Foot | $4.75-$14.25 |
| Gutters Replacement Per Foot | $5.70-$11 |
| Underlayment | $9.50-$76 |
| Roof Decking Per Foot | $2-$4.75 |
| Leak Repairs | $140-$400 |
| Structural Repairs | $950-$2,850 |
| Fascia and Soffits | $855-$6,460 |
| Roof Frame Per Truss | $57-$475 |
| Roof Frame Per Square Foot | $4.75-$13.30 |
| Permit | $95-$475 |
Many factors influence the total cost of installing synthetic slate roofing. The contractor and the installation quality affect your expenses. You might have to spend more money on more frequent repairs if the roof hasn’t been properly installed.
Roofing on its own is a significant cost factor, and its size, shape, slope, pitch decking, and any repairs and underlayment expenses have an effect on the final price.
Did you know? Your roof’s accessibility can also affect the price of the installment of synthetic slate roofing. A steep roof with inaccessible sections will increase the cost since it’s more problematic for the contractor crew to perform their tasks there.
Cost of Gutters, Ventilation, and Drip Edge
Pipe boots, gutters, and drip edge are all included in the synthetic slate roof installment, and each of these features increases the total cost.
Pipe boots and ventilation installation cost $190 to $665, while drip edge costs around $2 per linear foot. Drip edges are necessary to prevent water damage.
Furthermore, installing gutters will cost $4.75 to $14.25, while replacing the old and damaged ones will cost $5.70 to $11 per foot.
Since roofing is a significant investment, you should opt for quality and ensure your contractor provides the services you paid for.
This way, the roofing materials will last longer, as opposed to choosing a cheaper option that will need repair or replacement more frequently.
Cost of Roof Underlayment & Repairs
Depending on the type of underlayment (whether it’s felt or synthetic), its cost ranges from $9.5 to $76. For roof decking, your possible expenses can range from around $2 to $4.75 per square foot.
More serious roof repairs, such as leaks, can cost $450 to $1,000+ while fixing structural damage costs $2,500+, depending on the extent of the damage.
Other repairs you might need are related to fascia and soffits. Replacing these roof elements can increase the overall price from $855 all the way to $6,460.
Did you know? Synthetic slate roofs are more affordable, easier to install, and lighter while being similarly resistant to fire and challenging climates as natural slate roofing options. Installing lighter tiles take less time and less manpower, resulting in less expenses, which is not the case with heavy natural slate tiles.
Where to Buy A Synthetic Slate Roof?
You can buy synthetic slate tiles and choose the roofing option that fits your house best in retail stores, order from the manufacturers, or look for it online.
Synthetic Slate Roofing Pros and Cons
Each roofing option has its benefits and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of synthetic slate roofs.
Benefits
An affordable choice – Synthetic slate is far less expensive than natural slate. However, when comparing all the roofing options on the market, synthetic slate ranks in the middle.
High impact resistance – If you opt for synthetic slate tiles, you’ll get a reliable roof. Synthetic slate usually has the highest impact resistance while also being able to withstand natural disasters well.
The level of resistance you get depends on the manufacturer. Furthermore, you will have to pay more if you want the highest fire and storm level, i.e., Class A fire resistance and Class 4 impact resistance which can endure up to 130mph strong winds.
Environmentally friendly solution – Since many manufacturers use recycled materials, opting for synthetic slate helps the environment and reduces waste. If they’re professionally dismantled and replaced, the old shingles can be returned for recycling to make new ones, reducing the amount of waste produced.
Resistant to sun damage – Synthetic slates have superior UV protection, shielding them from sun damage and making them less likely to lose their color or markings over time. This ensures that your roof will look as good as new even 20-30 years after installation.
Light weight – synthetic slate shingles and tiles weigh only 25% of the weight of slate stone tiles. Typical weight for a synthetic slate shingle is around 1.25 lbs, which is actually even lighter than most asphalt shingles.
This light weight makes transportation and installation of synthetic slate roofs much easier and ultimately more economical.
Long Service Life – one of the biggest advantages of installing synthetic slate is a very long service life of 50+ years. This means that you will not need to worry about roof replacement every 15-30 years, like you do with cheaper roofing materials.
Most synthetic slate roof manufacturers provide 50 year warranties on their products, but often these roofs easily last up to 75 years.
Disadvantages
Not the the cheapest roofing option – if you are looking for a budget friendly roof, synthetic slate is not for you. While its cheaper than premium roofing materials, its still significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles, as well as most metal roofs.
May not last as long in extreme weather – synthetic slates that are made of rubber in particular may degrade faster when exposed to harsh weather conditions over long periods of time.
So if you live in a region with severe weather, make sure that you get a synthetic slate roof that is most fitting for these conditions, or opt for another material all together.
Synthetic Slate Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles
When comparing two roofing options, we must consider multiple factors in order to determine which one is better.
In this case, synthetic slate roofing has an advantage over asphalt shingles in curb appeal and durability. Synthetic slate tiles replicate the look of natural slate and are considered one of the top roofing choices with a high ROI.
Furthermore, the impact resistance and fireproofing of synthetic slate shingles have surpassed asphalt shingles by a wide margin, offering you much more durable protection against all weather conditions.
On the other hand, asphalt roofing is a more affordable option, being approximately three times less expensive than synthetic slate.
Synthetic Slate Roofing vs. Real Slate
When comparing different aspects, such as weight, warranty, life span, and cost of synthetic and natural slate, the former is a far superior choice.
As previously mentioned, synthetic slate is a lightweight option allowing you easier installation and transportation. On the other hand, natural slate requires an additional framework supporting heavy tiles and special equipment for installation.
Regarding the cost, synthetic slate is 30-50% less expensive than real slate and provides a much more affordable roof replacement option
However, lifespan is one aspect where real slate surpasses the synthetic slate rooftop. Real slate is expected to last three times longer as its artificial counterpart.
Did you know? Natural slate is slippery when wet, making it dangerous to walk on during routine repairs since they are performed in rainy seasons when leaks are more apparent. On the other hand, some manufacturers produce walkable synthetic slate tiles, allowing their employees safer setup, repairs, and replacements.
How Long Does a Synthetic Slate Roof Last?
The estimated lifespan of a synthetic slate rooftop is 30 to 50 years, depending on the installation, manufacturer, quality, and material (whether it’s rubber or plastic). Synthetic slate roofs made of plastic last longer than rubber.
Is A Synthetic Slate Roof Right For You?
No one wants to invest in a poor roofing solution. Roof installation is a significant investment; you don’t want to replace or repair your roof every few years.
Here are some tips to help you figure out if a synthetic slate roof is right for you:
– You are looking for a high-quality roofing solution that will greatly boost the curb appeal of your home. Perhaps you are looking to sell your house in a few years and you want a roof that you will not need to replace in preparation for the sale.
– You want a roof that will last for many decades without requiring many repairs or replacement.
– You love the look of natural slate stone, but don’t want to make the high financial investment.
– You are interested in a roofing material that is durable and offers strong protection against the elements, but don’t like the looks and features of metal roofing.
– You care about the environment, and want a truly green roofing material.
I believe your commentary misleads the reader into thinking that all synthetic slate and shake materials are made of recycled materials. At DaVinci, composite material is made only of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly-specialized fire retardant. There is no recycled material.
Otherwise, you’ve presented a very good overview of synthetic roofing materials that should be helpful to consumers.
Kathleen,
Can you explain to me this. I have homeowners from different states complaining they get quotes for DaVinci roof install in $200,000-300,000 range, on relatively not huge homes (2500-3200 s.f.). How can this be? One is from Ohio, for $320K … You can buy a house for this much money. Why DaVinci installers go crazy on pricing?
That’s like 4 time more than real slate, and DaVinci is supposed to be this “much cheaper” slate alternative.
Leo