Slate Tile Roofing Prices – Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Whether you are looking for the cost to install a new roof or the cost of slate roof repair, you may have decided to move forward with gorgeous slate materials. Slate roofs offer many benefits that you will not find with other roofing materials. While the cost to replace a roof may be higher when working with slate roofing contractors, this natural material may have a much longer life, be more energy efficient and may offer improved curb appeal and property value in comparison to asphalt shingles.
One of your main goals when installing roof slates on your home may be to complete the installation work with quality workmanship while keeping the overall price of the project as low as possible. By understanding the different components affecting your bids, you will be able to make the best decision possible for your slate roof repairs or installation project.
The Cost of Slate Roofing Material
One of the main factors that will impact the cost of the slate roof install or slate roof repair project is the type of materials that are used. Natural stone may be the most common option available, but there are also synthetic or artificial materials available through some roofing companies. A synthetic slate roof may use rubber roof tiles or tiles made out of other durable materials. This may be more affordable in a number of ways. For example, the material may be more affordable to purchase, and the light weight of the material may mean that the interior structure of the home does not need to be reinforced during the installation process. Your slate roofer may also tell you that this material has easier maintenance over the years and may be more affordable when replacing the roof decades from now.
The Labor Cost of a Slate Roof Installation
If you are interested in keeping the cost of a slate roof repair or installation as low as possible, it is important to focus on the labor costs. Both faux and natural slate roofing tiles must be installed through a specific process using professional techniques for the best results, and only experienced contractors should be selected for the work. This will result in high-quality workmanship.
However, the cost of labor varies from company to company. Request quotes from different contractors to compare written estimates in detail. Focus on the cost of labor as well as materials, but always read the fine print on a contract. Some written estimates have confusing wording that may leave room for additional fees to be charged after the installation work has been completed. Being charged extra fees after the completion of the project may be a surprise that you want to avoid, and your diligence in reading the estimates closely can minimize the chance of this experience.
Other Factors to Consider When Analyzing the Slate Roof Cost
Whether you are replacing an existing roof or installing a new roof, there are other factors that could also influence the cost. One of the most significant factors to consider with a new roof is if the underlying structure needs to be reinforced. Slate is a very heavy material to work with, and some homes simply do not have the structure in place to support this extra weight. Reinforcing the home’s structure can cost a small fortune, so the use of lighter faux materials may benefit you if your home’s structure is not currently reinforced.
There are many factors that affect the overall cost of your new slate roofing project. Whether you need to replace your old roof or install a new slate roof, you need to review each of these factors separately to get the best overall cost. When choosing the most affordable material to purchase and when price shopping to find the best rate on labor, you will increase your chances of receiving the lowest quote possible from slate roof contractors. Through your effort requesting quotes for your new slate roof project, you will be able to save a substantial amount of money while enjoying the benefits of a new roof.
