The cost of installing a new slate roof in West Palm Beach depends on the size of your rooftop, the type of slate you install (natural or cement), and whether your roof structure needs reinforcement for the weight. Installation costs of your preferred West Palm Beach roofing contractor may also impact your total cost.
What Affects the Cost of Slate Roofing in West Palm Beach
Slate is known as one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, with a luxurious look whether your slate is natural or synthetic.
Below is a guide to what moves the cost of slate roof installation in the West Palm Beach area. What changes with size: slate is priced by the roofing square (100 square feet of roof), so a bigger roof needs more slate, more underlayment and more labor. Natural slate is heavy, so a larger roof can also mean more structural work.
Request a quote to get a written estimate for your slate roof installation.
Here is some information on the slate variations that you can install on your rooftop:
Natural Slate
When people talk about slate roofs, natural quarried slate is what comes to most people’s minds. Natural slate has an exceptionally long lifespan, with proper care and maintenance. It handles thermal expansion and contraction well and holds up well to ultraviolet rays. Due to the lack of manufacturing processes, natural slate is one of the most eco-friendly roofing options available, and discarded slate can be repurposed in many ways. A reputable West Palm Beach roofing contractor typically offers slate in a wide variety of natural shades, depending on the source.
Cement Slate
Cement slate is quickly becoming a popular alternative to natural slate, largely thanks to its lower upfront investment. As opposed to more natural slates, cement slate can come in an even wider variety of factory-applied colors and custom formats such as diamond-shaped slate. It has the added benefit of being much lighter than natural slate and can often be installed on existing roof decks without additional reinforcement. Cement slate has a shorter expected lifespan than natural slate, but it still outlasts many other options, such as asphalt shingles.
The Pros and Cons of A New Slate Roof
We understand that the roof you choose for your home or business is an important decision. Below you’ll find some points to consider to inform your choice better.
Pros Of Slate Roofing
- Longevity: Slate is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, which is why it's often called a "lifetime" roof, and slate roofing can significantly enhance curb appeal and resale value.
- Low-maintenance: Synthetic slate is lightweight, yet strong, and requires little maintenance or upkeep.
- Sustainability: Slate is a green roofing material due to its durability and fairly low impact on manufacturing. It can be reused and recycled at the end of its service life.
Cons Of Slate Roofing
- Expertise Required During Installation: If a slate roof isn't correctly installed and reinforced, it can develop moisture problems. Slate roofs should be installed by contractors experienced with slate, so do your due diligence before hiring an installer.
- Extra Care: Slate can break when walked on, so it is more difficult to navigate through roof and chimney repairs without a professional.
- Repair Difficulties: Replacing a broken slate takes matching material and careful work, so repairs should be left to a professional.
Have questions about whether or not a slate roof is right for your home? Are you ready to start your West Palm Beach home’s new slate roof installation? Give Neal Roofing And Waterproofing a call. Homeowners rate us 4.9 stars, 1,000+ Google reviews. Every roof is different, so the only accurate number is a written quote. Book a free estimate or call (561) 473-0192.
