Deciding which roofing material to select for your home is a major investment, which impacts everything from protection against the elements to resale value and aesthetic appeal. Two of the most common roofing systems chosen by many homeowners today are slate roof tiles and asphalt shingles. With unique features, each roofing option caters to various needs, budgets, climates, and regions.
Let’s break down the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between a shingle vs slate roof to help you make an informed decision about your next roof replacement.
What Is a Slate Roof?
A slate roof consists of overlapping slate tiles made from natural stone, often quarried from regions rich in fine-grained metamorphic rock. Slate shingles are considered an expensive roofing material due to their high installation costs and the specialized skills required for slate tile roofing. As a durable roofing product, slate’s longevity is above average. When properly installed, these roofs can last over a century.
Characteristic advantages of slate roof tiles include:
- Made from natural stone with minimal processing, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to man-made materials.
- Slate exudes elegance and complements both classic and modern homes’ exteriors.
- Slate requires structural reinforcement on many homes, as the stone’s weight can be substantial.
- Highly resistant to fire, moisture, strong winds, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Provides a truly low-maintenance roof solution, though improper installation can reduce these benefits.
What Is an Asphalt Shingle Roof?
The asphalt shingle roof is the most widely used roofing system in all of North America, owing to its low cost, ease of installation, and aesthetic qualities. Asphalt roof shingles are made from a fiberglass or organic mat that’s soaked with asphalt in the production process and coated with mineral granules. Variations include 3-tab asphalt tiles, laminated asphalt shingles (also known as architectural shingles), and specialty products for increased UV protection and wind resistance.
Asphalt roof options stand out because:
- Asphalt shingles are available in so many colors and styles that they match nearly any architectural style.
- They are lighter than slate or wood shakes, needing little or no support modifications for installation.
- Quick and cost-effective asphalt shingle installation makes them accessible for many homeowners facing roof replacement or urgent repairs.
- Despite being the go-to choice, asphalt roof tiles are less long-lived, with old asphalt shingles often requiring replacement after 20–30 years.
- They are made from petroleum products, and while post-use shingles can be recycled into road construction, this is not yet universal.
Installation and Labor Costs
When comparing installation costs and requirements for a slate roof vs a shingle roof, the difference is substantial.
Slate Tile Roofing
- Demands precise, skilled labor. Roofing experts with experience in handling natural stone are essential, as slate requires specialized skills for cutting and placement.
- The heavier weight of slate means some homes must undergo structural reinforcement before installation, adding to total costs.
- The installation costs for slate are high, which makes it one of the most expensive roofing materials available. However, the result is a superior, highly durable roofing product with minimal replacement costs over its exceptionally long lifespan.
Shingle Roofing
- Asphalt shingle installation is straightforward and typically much faster. A large pool of contractors can manage these jobs, which keeps labor costs down.
- Being lightweight, asphalt tiles don’t usually require modifications to support the roof.
- If damaged, other materials (like wood shakes or metal) are generally more difficult and expensive to repair than asphalt, but not more than slate.
- Replacement and repairs are affordable to keep long-term costs manageable.
Longevity and Durability: Which Roofing Product Lasts?
Slate roofs, when properly installed, can endure 75–150 years or more, with some historical properties still boasting their original slate roof tiles. These tiles are:
- Highly resistant to severe weather, strong winds, moisture, temperature swings, and UV rays.
- Provide a long lifespan with minimal intervention, though occasional inspection is advised to monitor for damaged or slipped tiles caused by impact.
Asphalt shingles, which include advanced laminated asphalt shingles, generally need replacement within 15–30 years, depending on the quality and exposure.
- Despite regular improvements in UV protection and weather resistance, old asphalt shingles can curl, crack, and lose granules after years of sun and storms.
- Commonly, this means at least two or three roof replacements within the same time a single slate roof lasts.
Synthetic slate roofs provide some of the visual advantages of natural slate but are lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain, although they do not match true slate’s longevity.
Aesthetic Appeal and Home Value
Apart from function, aesthetic appeal is a major reason many homeowners choose their roofing material.
- Slate exudes sophistication, with natural variations in color and texture that become more attractive as they age. This feature enhances curb appeal and can boost your property’s resale value, especially in historic or luxury markets.
- Shingle roofing is highly adaptable to modern taste and can imitate high-end materials, including slate and wood shakes. While it might not offer slate’s timeless beauty, the variety and design flexibility can elevate your home’s exterior.
Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly influential in roofing decisions.
Slate Roofs
Composed of natural stone with minimal processing, slate roofs generate low greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternative materials. They are energy efficient due to their thermal mass, which helps stabilize interior temperatures during extreme fluctuations. At the end of their service life, slate tiles can be reclaimed or repurposed, making them an environmentally friendly roofing option.
Asphalt Roofs
The manufacturing process for asphalt shingle roofs involves petroleum and energy-intensive steps, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to slate. While asphalt roof tiles provide adequate insulation, they are less energy efficient than slate, which benefits from its natural thermal mass. Although old asphalt shingles can be recycled, many still end up in landfills. Still, newer programs are improving sustainability by repurposing them for road construction and as additives in other roofing products.
Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Maintenance needs and replacement costs should be considered alongside material qualities.
Slate roofs are widely regarded as low-maintenance roofs, but slate requires that broken or missing tiles be replaced immediately to prevent water ingress. Maintenance is generally limited and, if needed, requires skilled professionals. Replacement costs are high, but infrequent.
Asphalt shingles are easier and cheaper for repairs, but require more frequent repairs as shingles get blown off or damaged more frequently in heavy storms. This can increase cumulative replacement costs over time.
Weather Resistance and Installation Issues
Slate shingles and slate tile roofing stand up exceptionally well in regions with strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperature fluctuations. They are highly resistant to fire and rot, making them suitable for diverse climates.
Asphalt shingle roof systems can provide strong protection but may suffer from wind uplift or UV degradation if improper installation occurs or material quality is low. High-quality, energy-efficient shingles with enhanced UV and wind resistance are increasingly available.
Quick Comparison Table: Slate vs Shingle Roof
| Feature | Slate Roof Tiles | Asphalt Roof Shingles |
| Lifespan | 75–150+ years (natural stone) | 15–30 years (with regular replacement) |
| Upfront Cost | High (expensive roofing material) | Low–Moderate |
| Maintenance | Minimal but requires specialized skills | Occasional, generally easy |
| Environmental Impact | Low emissions, recyclable | Higher emissions, potential recyclable |
| Durability | Excellent, highly resistant | Good, but lower than slate |
| Weight | Heavy; may need structural reinforcement | Lightweight; fits most roofs |
| Appearance | Timeless beauty increases resale value | Flexible; mimics other roofing materials |
| Labor Costs | High (specialized skills, complex installation) | Lower (widespread skill base, quick installation) |
Ready to Upgrade Your Roof? Contact Armadas Exterior LLC Today!
When deciding between a slate roof vs shingle, or even other roofing materials, consider what matters most to you. If you’re after timeless elegance and a lifetime investment, slate’s high installation costs and labor are often well worth it. However, if budget and flexibility top your list, shingles offer affordability and easier replacements, making them a smart choice for many homeowners.