What is a slate roof?

A slate roof features thin tiles of natural stone installed over a solid deck and underlayment. Formed under intense heat and pressure, slate is exceptionally durable and delivers a distinctive, high-end look. Because the material weighs far more than asphalt, most homes need added structural support before installation. While upfront costs are higher and routine inspections are a must, many homeowners choose slate for its unmatched longevity and curb appeal.

What are the pros and cons of slate roofs?

Slate stands out for its 50- to 200-year life span, low maintenance, and classic aesthetic. It’s fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and often boosts resale value. On the flip side, slate runs far more per square foot than asphalt, weighs up to four times as much, and demands a contractor who specializes in the material. Tiles can crack on impact, and repairs cost more because the work is slow and precise. If your budget and structure can handle it, slate delivers top-tier performance for generations.

What’s the difference between synthetic slate vs. asphalt?

Natural and synthetic slate aim for a premium, stone-like appearance, whereas asphalt focuses on affordability. Real slate runs $10 to $30 per square foot installed and lasts up to 200 years; synthetic slate costs $10 to $15 and tops out at 50 to 100 years. Standard asphalt averages $3 to $8 per square foot and needs replacement every 20 to 30 years. If you want the slate look without the full price tag—or extra roof weight—synthetic is a solid middle ground.

How long do slate roofs last?

With routine inspections and prompt repairs, a natural slate roof can last well beyond 100 years; some hard-slate installations reach the 200-year mark. Soft slate falls in the 50- to 125-year range, and synthetic products last 50 to 100 years. Remember, flashing, fasteners, and the underlying structure may need attention sooner than the stone itself. Severe hail or fallen limbs can also shorten life span, so schedule periodic checkups with a slate-qualified roofer.

Are slate roofs worth it?

If you plan to stay in your home long term—or want a standout selling point—slate delivers strong value. Although installation costs are high, owners often recoup 60% to 70% at resale and enjoy lower replacement cycles than asphalt. The stone’s durability, energy efficiency, and timeless curb appeal also appeal to eco-conscious buyers because fewer roofs end up in landfills. Just be sure your framing can handle the weight and that you budget for occasional specialty repairs.

Can I walk on my slate roof?

Skip the DIY climb if you have a slate roof. Slate may be tough against the weather, but a single misplaced step can crack a tile and create a leak path. The surface also turns slick when wet, upping the risk of injury. Professional crews use staging and hook ladders that spread weight across multiple slates, protecting both the roof and the worker. To inspect or repair slate, call a roofer who specializes in the material.

Top-Rated Natural Slate Roofing Installations and Replacements Experts in Frederick, MD

Exterior Solutions, LLC

6410 Homebuilder Drive

Exterior Solutions, LLC

6410 Homebuilder Drive

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

22 years of experience

Founded by John Abbott, Exterior Solutions, LLC, has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Our goal is to let you live better at the same address. We believe in making, all of our home owners repeat customers. My expertise is in vinyl window replacement, vinyl siding, asphalt roofing and Exterior trim work. We will work with you every step of the way from the design to the completion of the project giving the customer service that you deserve. Please call me for your fair and honest consultation.

"I received 8 competitive bids for a full roof replacement on our 1901 Victorian B&B. We chose Exterior Solutions LLC, whose bid was 28% below the average. The 4,000 sq ft project included removing 35-year-old asphalt shingles, installing all new plywood sheathing, and updating roof venting. The roof has over 45 facets with a predominant pitch of 10/12, making it a challenging job. John A. and his team did an outstanding job installing CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles. John scheduled the work while our B&B was closed and ensured the roof was sealed before any rain. He worked closely with our neighbors to minimize disruptions. Cleanup was exceptional—nothing left behind. We’re extremely pleased with the quality, professionalism, and communication throughout. Highly recommend Exterior Solutions LLC for any roofing project."

Phillip L on May 2025

Founded by John Abbott, Exterior Solutions, LLC, has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Our goal is to let you live better at the same address. We believe in making, all of our home owners repeat customers. My expertise is in vinyl window replacement, vinyl siding, asphalt roofing and Exterior trim work. We will work with you every step of the way from the design to the completion of the project giving the customer service that you deserve. Please call me for your fair and honest consultation.

"I received 8 competitive bids for a full roof replacement on our 1901 Victorian B&B. We chose Exterior Solutions LLC, whose bid was 28% below the average. The 4,000 sq ft project included removing 35-year-old asphalt shingles, installing all new plywood sheathing, and updating roof venting. The roof has over 45 facets with a predominant pitch of 10/12, making it a challenging job. John A. and his team did an outstanding job installing CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles. John scheduled the work while our B&B was closed and ensured the roof was sealed before any rain. He worked closely with our neighbors to minimize disruptions. Cleanup was exceptional—nothing left behind. We’re extremely pleased with the quality, professionalism, and communication throughout. Highly recommend Exterior Solutions LLC for any roofing project."

Phillip L on May 2025

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Drive, Suite G10

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Drive, Suite G10

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

40 local quotes requested

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Maryland and Washington DC by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It’s time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Just imaging solution"

Jack S on April 2025

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Maryland and Washington DC by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It’s time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"Just imaging solution"

Jack S on April 2025

Paramount Builders Inc

12940 Plaza Dr

4.47(

223

)

•Approved Pro

Paramount Builders Inc

12940 Plaza Dr

4.47(

223

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

2433 local quotes requested

34 years of experience

Paramount Builders takes pride in being your local home improvement contractor. Since 1991, we have served our local community by providing the very best products, warranties, installation techniques, service, and most importantly; your experience from start to finish. Our exclusive product lines give us the benefit of being able to extend our top-of-the-line products to you, our neighbors, with certainty and affordability. We hand-picked our exclusive products with you, your family, and your home's aesthetic and longevity in mind. All of our products were created to keep your home energy efficient and protected in every way. Our commitment to excellence does not waiver. We understand what it means to own a home, and we understand as professionals what you and your home deserve. We live each day by our mission statement; "Improving the Community, One Home at a Time," and thank you for continuing to trust us!

"Unprofessional visit. Showed up unannounced and we only knew they were there because one person stood 10 feet from our porch staring at us in through our living room window. My wife spent 10 minutes talking to them, they stated they had no business cards, they only had an appointment card but didn't present it. Honestly when you show up at someone's house you need some sort of identifier if your walking door to door in casual clothes. After the uncomfortable dead stare through the windows my wife and i have decided to post a No Solicitors sign. They didn't take no for an answer at first, pushing with more questions to circumvent the no she gave, as well as interrupted our dinner, as they showed up right at 6pm."

Robert H on May 2023

Paramount Builders takes pride in being your local home improvement contractor. Since 1991, we have served our local community by providing the very best products, warranties, installation techniques, service, and most importantly; your experience from start to finish. Our exclusive product lines give us the benefit of being able to extend our top-of-the-line products to you, our neighbors, with certainty and affordability. We hand-picked our exclusive products with you, your family, and your home's aesthetic and longevity in mind. All of our products were created to keep your home energy efficient and protected in every way. Our commitment to excellence does not waiver. We understand what it means to own a home, and we understand as professionals what you and your home deserve. We live each day by our mission statement; "Improving the Community, One Home at a Time," and thank you for continuing to trust us!

"Unprofessional visit. Showed up unannounced and we only knew they were there because one person stood 10 feet from our porch staring at us in through our living room window. My wife spent 10 minutes talking to them, they stated they had no business cards, they only had an appointment card but didn't present it. Honestly when you show up at someone's house you need some sort of identifier if your walking door to door in casual clothes. After the uncomfortable dead stare through the windows my wife and i have decided to post a No Solicitors sign. They didn't take no for an answer at first, pushing with more questions to circumvent the no she gave, as well as interrupted our dinner, as they showed up right at 6pm."

Robert H on May 2023

Certified Roofing

9520 Berger Rd Suite 112

4.82(

885

)

•Approved Pro

Certified Roofing

9520 Berger Rd Suite 112

4.82(

885

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

Recommended by 95% of HomeAdvisor customers

3722 local quotes requested

Conveniently located in Columbia, Maryland, and Vienna, Virginia. Locally family and veteran owned & operated. Award winning. For the past 40 years, Certified has offered the Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Delaware, areas the highest quality workmanship and unmatched level of expertise in specialty metal, shingle, slate, cedar shake, and flat roofing installation. Certified is known for its skilled craftsmen and their attention to detail. All of the professional roofers, estimators, and project managers have completed thousands of hours of training from the largest manufacturers of roofing products. We strive for 100% satisfaction. The training and certifications we earned allow us to live up to this goal. We are confident we will far exceed your expectations on your next roofing, siding, window, or gutter project. Although we have completed many large commercial, industrial, religious and educational projects, the majority of our work is the installation of replacement roofs on residential homes. Licensed in MD, DC, DE, and VA.

"Great! Sales person walked me through the entire process and showed me a sample of all the products they use, including the warranty. The total cost came in under the estimate!"

Lou F on August 2025

Conveniently located in Columbia, Maryland, and Vienna, Virginia. Locally family and veteran owned & operated. Award winning. For the past 40 years, Certified has offered the Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Delaware, areas the highest quality workmanship and unmatched level of expertise in specialty metal, shingle, slate, cedar shake, and flat roofing installation. Certified is known for its skilled craftsmen and their attention to detail. All of the professional roofers, estimators, and project managers have completed thousands of hours of training from the largest manufacturers of roofing products. We strive for 100% satisfaction. The training and certifications we earned allow us to live up to this goal. We are confident we will far exceed your expectations on your next roofing, siding, window, or gutter project. Although we have completed many large commercial, industrial, religious and educational projects, the majority of our work is the installation of replacement roofs on residential homes. Licensed in MD, DC, DE, and VA.

"Great! Sales person walked me through the entire process and showed me a sample of all the products they use, including the warranty. The total cost came in under the estimate!"

Lou F on August 2025

Peak Roofing Contractors Inc

405 Belle Air Lane

4.78(

361

)

•Approved Pro

Peak Roofing Contractors Inc

405 Belle Air Lane

4.78(

361

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

Recommended by 95% of HomeAdvisor customers

1177 local quotes requested

30 employees. Family owned & operated. Pricing determined on a per job basis. No Travel charges. No Service fees. Fully licensed and insured. Accept all major credit cards. Senior citizen and Military discount of $25 Additional Email address - dawn@peakroofingcontractors.com, info@peakroofingcontractors.com. Additional Contact name - Luther Riggleman. Award winning.

"They came and looked at our roof but unfortunately they do not understand what an estimate means. The customer is expecting to pay a certain price for certain repairs. Nothing more, nothing less. This company likes to include open ended clauses in the contract which would allow them to charge more as they see fit when they get the job and the competition with other providers is over. This is just unacceptable. Nobody hires a company without a clear budget unless they want trouble."

Alejandro S on June 2025

30 employees. Family owned & operated. Pricing determined on a per job basis. No Travel charges. No Service fees. Fully licensed and insured. Accept all major credit cards. Senior citizen and Military discount of $25 Additional Email address - dawn@peakroofingcontractors.com, info@peakroofingcontractors.com. Additional Contact name - Luther Riggleman. Award winning.

"They came and looked at our roof but unfortunately they do not understand what an estimate means. The customer is expecting to pay a certain price for certain repairs. Nothing more, nothing less. This company likes to include open ended clauses in the contract which would allow them to charge more as they see fit when they get the job and the competition with other providers is over. This is just unacceptable. Nobody hires a company without a clear budget unless they want trouble."

Alejandro S on June 2025

Central Exteriors

11732 Nebel St

4.57(

863

)

•Approved Pro

Central Exteriors

11732 Nebel St

4.57(

863

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

521 local quotes requested

69 years of experience

Central Exteriors has been helping homeowners in Maryland and Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia repair and remodel their homes since 1956. Central Exteriors professional team of designers and installers will work with you to improve and enhance your home with top-quality products that will look beautiful and last for years to come. We maintain our excellent reputation through ongoing training and involvement in the remodeling industry. Bill Greenberg, past-President, is a member of the Professional Roofing Advisory Committee (PRAC) and was the 1991 president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Several other members of our staff are NARI-Certified Remodelers - a certification that gives special recognition to remodeling contractors who demonstrate a high level of competence and ethical standards. We are recognized by the CertainTeed Corporation as being quality master shingle installers. You can be confident that we will put years of experience to work for you...to transform your house into a home of comfort and beauty. Financing available - inquire for info. Feel free to email us directly at info@centralexteriors.com.

"Very disappointing. The firm was very late in its installation work - months after it promised. Its anaylsis of our gutters was unreliable. and its responsiveness in correcting its work was slow and required multiple calls and emails."

Bradford S on May 2025

Central Exteriors has been helping homeowners in Maryland and Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia repair and remodel their homes since 1956. Central Exteriors professional team of designers and installers will work with you to improve and enhance your home with top-quality products that will look beautiful and last for years to come. We maintain our excellent reputation through ongoing training and involvement in the remodeling industry. Bill Greenberg, past-President, is a member of the Professional Roofing Advisory Committee (PRAC) and was the 1991 president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Several other members of our staff are NARI-Certified Remodelers - a certification that gives special recognition to remodeling contractors who demonstrate a high level of competence and ethical standards. We are recognized by the CertainTeed Corporation as being quality master shingle installers. You can be confident that we will put years of experience to work for you...to transform your house into a home of comfort and beauty. Financing available - inquire for info. Feel free to email us directly at info@centralexteriors.com.

"Very disappointing. The firm was very late in its installation work - months after it promised. Its anaylsis of our gutters was unreliable. and its responsiveness in correcting its work was slow and required multiple calls and emails."

Bradford S on May 2025

Keith Roofing

611 Pennsylvania Ave SE Suite 248

4.69(

352

)

•Approved Pro

Keith Roofing

611 Pennsylvania Ave SE Suite 248

4.69(

352

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

332 local quotes requested

65 years of experience

Keith Roofing has been serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers since 1960. We've built our reputation on providing a high-quality finished product that will last for years! Count on our team for honesty and integrity when it comes to serving the needs of home and business owners in the DC area. Because each roof provides different challenges, such as the pitch of the roof, type of shingles, the gutter system, and number of valleys, Keith Roofing offers thorough on-site inspections and true estimates of your roofing repair needs. WE are based in and only service Washington,DC- SO we specialize on working on these Beautiful Historic Homes we have here in the District.

"They couldn't have been more responsive or helpful. Customer satisfaction was clearly their top priority. It was literally some of the best customer service I have ever experienced! I could not recommend them more!"

Brent L on October 2020

Keith Roofing has been serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers since 1960. We've built our reputation on providing a high-quality finished product that will last for years! Count on our team for honesty and integrity when it comes to serving the needs of home and business owners in the DC area. Because each roof provides different challenges, such as the pitch of the roof, type of shingles, the gutter system, and number of valleys, Keith Roofing offers thorough on-site inspections and true estimates of your roofing repair needs. WE are based in and only service Washington,DC- SO we specialize on working on these Beautiful Historic Homes we have here in the District.

"They couldn't have been more responsive or helpful. Customer satisfaction was clearly their top priority. It was literally some of the best customer service I have ever experienced! I could not recommend them more!"

Brent L on October 2020

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Dr.

4.87(

279

)

•Approved Pro

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Dr.

4.87(

279

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

4965 local quotes requested

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Maryland and Washington DC by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It’s time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"I liked tys presentation and the project manager Dylan who stayed in communication throughout all projects. Everything went well as for as I can tell and would pass the word on to have work done by Home Genius to others."

Ineze S on September 2025

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Maryland and Washington DC by offering full-service solutions for roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and insulation. We support our veterans and communities by supporting local and national charitable organizations through our Home Genius Cares initiative. With an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred designation, we also offer flexible payment options, industry leading warranties and a wide range of premium products tailored for your home. It’s time for a different experience, entrust your next home project to a genius and schedule your free inspection today!

"I liked tys presentation and the project manager Dylan who stayed in communication throughout all projects. Everything went well as for as I can tell and would pass the word on to have work done by Home Genius to others."

Ineze S on September 2025

JW Home Improvement

849 Quince Orchard Blvd

4.39(

5,502

)

•Approved Pro

JW Home Improvement

849 Quince Orchard Blvd

4.39(

5,502

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

9139 local quotes requested

24 years of experience

JWHI provides world-class customer service with consistent and superior workmanship. We strive to be the trusted market leader in the home improvement industry. Proudly, we are Super Service Award Winner for over a decade, and we plan to keep that streak going! Contact us today to discuss your next handyman or remodeling project. Our mission is to provide you with a happy home improvement experience!

"Thomas M was an excellent technician and did great work fixing all the basement windows around the house. These windows are difficult to find a replacement but he was able to repair and repaint them. The other technician was Pablo He worked on caulking all the windows around the house and he did some filling work on the garage sliding doors You did a good job, but Pablo left his trash around and didn’t pick up after himself so Thomas M and I did that on the third day. It took three days total, but it was two men for two days and one man for a 3/4 of a day actually. Although I’ll probably get charged for a full day, since it went past noon. The labor portion is the most expensive and a little higher than I initially anticipated. So, I was hoping for a quicker turnaround, but overall quality work was completed. I would highly recommend Thomas M as a technician to do future work. He’s very knowledgeable, friendly and does a great job. I would hire again but include more details in the contract language."

Stephen B on July 2025

JWHI provides world-class customer service with consistent and superior workmanship. We strive to be the trusted market leader in the home improvement industry. Proudly, we are Super Service Award Winner for over a decade, and we plan to keep that streak going! Contact us today to discuss your next handyman or remodeling project. Our mission is to provide you with a happy home improvement experience!

"Thomas M was an excellent technician and did great work fixing all the basement windows around the house. These windows are difficult to find a replacement but he was able to repair and repaint them. The other technician was Pablo He worked on caulking all the windows around the house and he did some filling work on the garage sliding doors You did a good job, but Pablo left his trash around and didn’t pick up after himself so Thomas M and I did that on the third day. It took three days total, but it was two men for two days and one man for a 3/4 of a day actually. Although I’ll probably get charged for a full day, since it went past noon. The labor portion is the most expensive and a little higher than I initially anticipated. So, I was hoping for a quicker turnaround, but overall quality work was completed. I would highly recommend Thomas M as a technician to do future work. He’s very knowledgeable, friendly and does a great job. I would hire again but include more details in the contract language."

Stephen B on July 2025

Peak Custom Remodeling Corporation

300 Red Brook Boulevard

4.75(

124

)

•Approved Pro

Peak Custom Remodeling Corporation

300 Red Brook Boulevard

4.75(

124

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

Recommended by 91% of HomeAdvisor customers

3791 local quotes requested

We are the only company in Maryland offering the “Forever Guarantee” - A guarantee of our workmanship for as long as both you AND the next owner own the home. Unlike other companies we don’t just TELL you something will look good - we SHOW you. We provide full color 3-D renderings of all of our products to show what they will look like on your home PRIOR to you making any decisions or signing a contract. We do this for free the first time we come out as part of our free estimate & design consultation. If you decide to move forward, you don’t have to pay a single dollar until the job is complete and you are satisfied. With the Forever Guarantee, full color 3-D designs before you make a decision, and no payments until the job is complete - our goal is COMPLETE peace of mind for all our customers. We then follow this up with top notch communication, customer service, skill, and quality for Maryland’s leading exterior replacement experience.

"Great work"

max d on August 2025

We are the only company in Maryland offering the “Forever Guarantee” - A guarantee of our workmanship for as long as both you AND the next owner own the home. Unlike other companies we don’t just TELL you something will look good - we SHOW you. We provide full color 3-D renderings of all of our products to show what they will look like on your home PRIOR to you making any decisions or signing a contract. We do this for free the first time we come out as part of our free estimate & design consultation. If you decide to move forward, you don’t have to pay a single dollar until the job is complete and you are satisfied. With the Forever Guarantee, full color 3-D designs before you make a decision, and no payments until the job is complete - our goal is COMPLETE peace of mind for all our customers. We then follow this up with top notch communication, customer service, skill, and quality for Maryland’s leading exterior replacement experience.

"Great work"

max d on August 2025

Get matched with top natural slate roofing installers and replacers in Frederick, MD

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The Frederick, MD homeowners’ guide to natural slate roofing installations and replacements

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Natural slate roofing installers and replacers in Frederick

Exterior Solutions, LLC

Exterior Solutions, LLC

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Home Genius Exteriors

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Paramount Builders Inc

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The Frederick, MD homeowners’ guide to natural slate roofing installations and replacements

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