Slate is a durable, long lasting roofing material – find out more about the benefits of slate roofing and roof slate prices.
in this article
British Slate
The beauty and quality of Welsh slate are well-known across the globe. During its heyday, Wales’ slate industry was home to the largest quarries in the world. Welsh slate was instrumental in covering the roofs of buildings during the industrial revolution making it a pivotal material shipped worldwide for use as roof tiles.
British slate is predominantly located in Wales and the North-West of England. In particular, the majority of UK slate mines can be discovered in Cornwall, with the renowned Delabole quarry being a prime example, as well as in the picturesque Lake District situated in Cumbria.
There is, however, a price to pay for these highly durable British slates. Not just on the material, but fixing a natural slate roof takes a lot of time, requires good skills, and should, therefore, be considered when drawing up your budget. In the case of re-slating an old roof, tell your roofer to save as many existing slates as he can.
Pair natural slates similar to the preserved slates in terms of hue, texture, and size, and re-lay them in a random array to produce a distinctive roof. Also, you can take the slates to a reclamation yard. There is a high demand for reclaimed slates of good quality, which are both sustainable and economical.
British roof slate prices.
On average, British roof slates can cost anywhere between £1.50 – £5 per slate. This means that for a typical 100 square meter roof, the cost of the slates alone could range from £7,500 to £25,000.
British roof slate installation cost.
British slate installation costs range from £60 to £100 per square meter. It is recommended to obtain quotes from several reputable roofing contractors to ensure that you get a fair price for your slate installation project.
Imported Slates
Slate is a versatile material that finds common use as a roofing and flooring material. It is also used for gravestones, memorial tablets, and electrical insulation. Slate mines can be found all over the world, with Spain’s Slate Industry supplying 90% of Europe’s natural slate used for roofing.
How to buy imported slates
Although imported slate has been a victim of bad press, you can actually buy them without regret if you do proper research. Request for samples and make sure that the products are tested to BS EN123261. Under this standard, water absorption is tested(the lower the water absorption rate, the higher the durability).
High carbonate content of 20% and above in slates may lead to rapid discolouration. If you are particularly bothered about changing appearance, demand a written statement from your manufacturer, which will be alongside the standard guarantee (a period of 30 years at least).
How to find out If your slate is of good quality
Once the product is delivered to you, pick out a random sample and test it. If you tap the slate and it gives a clear ring, it is of good quality, but if it gives a dull thud, it is of inferior quality and should be rejected.
Artificial Slates
Although artificial slates are widely used due to their affordability, they do not have the beauty and durability of natural slates. The consistency of their colour, shape, texture, and size during production gives them an unvarying and fashionable finish.
Consistency also indicates that they don’t have to be laid in a double-lapping bond to provide watertight protection like their natural counterparts. They are laid in a single bond, and the ease of pre-drilled holes makes them very easy to install, therefore saving money and time.
Synthetic Slates
Synthetic slate shingles are made from a variety of materials, such as rubber and plastics, including polymers, clay, and fiber cement. They are designed to mimic the look of authentic slate, with chisel marks and textures.
Unlike natural slate, synthetic slate shingles are more durable, flexible, and reliable, making them easier and less expensive to install and repair. Synthetic slate shingles are also considered a “green” building alternative, have advanced ultraviolet inhibitors, and are impact-resistant and fire-resistant.
The Cost of Synthetic Roofing Slates
Synthetic shingles in the UK typically range from £40 to £100 per square meter. Factors such as the quality and brand of the shingles, as well as the complexity of the roofing installation process, can increase the cost.
Synthetic slates tend to sit somewhere in between low- and mid-range natural slates in terms of cost, at just under £2 per tile.
It is important to note that while synthetic slate shingles may be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, they offer a longer lifespan and require less maintenance over time, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
Please note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on factors such as supplier, quality, and quantity.
| Type of Synthetic Roofing Slate | Estimated Price per Tile |
|---|---|
| Fibre Cement Slate | £1.50 – £3.50 |
| Plastic Slate | £1.50 – £4.50 |
| Rubber Slate | £2.50 – £5.50 |
| Bituminous Slate | £2.50 – £6.50 |
Natural Slates Prices
Roofing slate prices differ based on the type of slate you choose; some are of superior quality to others. For instance, imported slate roofing from Spain is more expensive. Synthetic slate roof tiles prices or second-generation tiles manufactured from a mix of different slates are more affordable options; slates bought in bulk can also save a few bucks in the long run.
| Provenance | Prie per slate | Sizes | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Natural Slates | £1.07- £4.62 | Price per slate | Light Grey, Blue/Grey, Graphite, Heather Blue, Blue/Black, Grey, Grey/Green |
| Canadian Natural Slates | £2.16 – £5.42 including VAT | 600x300mm, 500x375mm, 500x250mm | Light Grey, Blue/Grey, Graphite, Heather Blue, Blue/Black, Grey, Grey/Green |
| Brazilian Natural Slates | £0.80 – £3.34 including VAT | 600x300mm, 500x375mm, 500x250m | Light Grey, Blue/Grey, Graphite, Heather Blue, Blue/Black, Grey, Grey/Green |
Welsh Roofing Slate Prices
Welsh roof tiles are a favourite option because of their excellent quality and because they are exceptionally strong. That is why they are more expensive than all other types of slate. You can purchase lead cut to size, starting at around £2 per slate, ex. vat up to £17.50 per slate, ex. vat.
Fibre Cement Slates Prices
On average, the cost of fibre cement slates in the UK ranges from £10 to £20 per square meter. However, premium brands or larger sizes may cost more, up to £25 or more per square meter.
Cement Slates price range from £0.96 – £1.94 including VAT
Types: Marley Riverdale , Cembrit Jutland, cembrit moorland, Marley vertigo, Cembrit Westerland, Marley thrutone, cembrit diamond, Cembrit zeeland Marley Birkdale
Length: 500mm, 600mm, 400mm, 336mm
Width: 500mm, 600mm, 250mm, 300mm, 400mm
Colours: blue/black, brown, sable, anthracite, graphite, stone green, grey, Langdale green, terracotta, taupe, white, heather, Lakeland green, russet, slate grey
Brands: Sandtoft, Cembrit, Redland, Marley Eternit
Always hire a professional roofer.
If you are not interested in the ‘new-look tiles commonly offered by contractors, you can order specially-manufactured ‘weathered’ slate tiles for a more authentic look for your home. Whatever your choice is, always remember a professional roofer best installs that roof tiles.
References
- https://slateprices.co.uk/Welsh%20Slate%20Prices.html
- https://www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk/browse/pitched-roofing/roof-tiles/slate-roof-tiles/natural-slate/welsh.html
- https://www.warehouse701.co.uk/used-and-second-hand-welsh-and-other-roofing-slates
- https://www.roofersguild.com/synthetic-slate-roofing/
- https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/slate-roof-vs-synthetic-slate-roof
- https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/synthetic-slate-roofing