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 Richmond, VA

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Customers say: Quality work

142 local quotes requested

21 years of experience

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Richmond 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!

"The project tuned out beautifully however we told Marquise that we needed a crew that spoke English well. With that being said then we then contacted Darryl the project manager that was very helpful and nice with all of our concerns and translating to the crew. The workers were very polite and cared about the final outcome. Overall we loved the experience and the final outcome and we would tell our neighbors and family about home genus!"

Brenda C on September 2025

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Richmond 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!

"The project tuned out beautifully however we told Marquise that we needed a crew that spoke English well. With that being said then we then contacted Darryl the project manager that was very helpful and nice with all of our concerns and translating to the crew. The workers were very polite and cared about the final outcome. Overall we loved the experience and the final outcome and we would tell our neighbors and family about home genus!"

Brenda C on September 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

38 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

Your Vision Remodeling, LLC

19406 Front St

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

Your Vision Remodeling, LLC

19406 Front St

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

53 local quotes requested

7 years of experience

Your Vision Remodeling LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Home Genius Exteriors

4198 Cox Road

4.90(

10

)

•Approved Pro

Home Genius Exteriors

4198 Cox Road

4.90(

10

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

Recommended by 90% of HomeAdvisor customers

1674 local quotes requested

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Richmond 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!

"Everyone was very friendly & explained all that was to be done. The roof looks great! Thanks to Alex for setting up the appointment to check out all the info, Garrett for thoroughly inspecting the roof & attic area & showing me examples of all the material being used. Plus all of the financial details. And Darryl for following up after the roof install. Great company to work with!!"

Denise H on September 2025

Elevate your home with Home Genius Exteriors, setting the standard in Richmond 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!

"Everyone was very friendly & explained all that was to be done. The roof looks great! Thanks to Alex for setting up the appointment to check out all the info, Garrett for thoroughly inspecting the roof & attic area & showing me examples of all the material being used. Plus all of the financial details. And Darryl for following up after the roof install. Great company to work with!!"

Denise H on September 2025

Peak Custom Remodeling

3251 Blenheim Blvd

5.00(

6

)

•Approved Pro

Peak Custom Remodeling

3251 Blenheim Blvd

5.00(

6

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

1060 local quotes requested

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. With the Forever Guarantee along with full color 3-D designs before you make a decision - 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 Virginia's leading exterior replacement experience.

"Amazing, made my house look so mucb better!"

max d on August 2025

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. With the Forever Guarantee along with full color 3-D designs before you make a decision - 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 Virginia's leading exterior replacement experience.

"Amazing, made my house look so mucb better!"

max d on August 2025

AROCON Northern Viriginia

950 N Washington St

4.75(

16

)

•Approved Pro

AROCON Northern Viriginia

950 N Washington St

4.75(

16

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers

1145 local quotes requested

One Team Pushing the Envelope of Innovation and Performance through an Elite Level of Customer Service. AROCON Roofing & Construction offers superior services at an affordable price because we are your Virginia contractor. Instead of focusing on completing as many jobs as possible, AROCON focuses on providing quality work and getting to know our customers. This allows us to provide high quality, customized results and unparalleled customer service without adding extensive overhead or expenses. For all of your Roofing & Construction needs, you can count on our experienced team at AROCON Roofing & Construction. We service all of Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Prince William, and all the cities lying within those counties. Call us today to make Home Improvement, Simplified. #rooftuneup.

"Excellent work cleaning gutters - will use again!"

Todd D on March 2025

One Team Pushing the Envelope of Innovation and Performance through an Elite Level of Customer Service. AROCON Roofing & Construction offers superior services at an affordable price because we are your Virginia contractor. Instead of focusing on completing as many jobs as possible, AROCON focuses on providing quality work and getting to know our customers. This allows us to provide high quality, customized results and unparalleled customer service without adding extensive overhead or expenses. For all of your Roofing & Construction needs, you can count on our experienced team at AROCON Roofing & Construction. We service all of Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Prince William, and all the cities lying within those counties. Call us today to make Home Improvement, Simplified. #rooftuneup.

"Excellent work cleaning gutters - will use again!"

Todd D on March 2025

R M Banning Roofing

7635-B Fullerton Rd

4.78(

252

)

•Approved Pro

R M Banning Roofing

7635-B Fullerton Rd

4.78(

252

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers

953 local quotes requested

2024 Super Service Award Winner in Roofing, Siding and Windows! R.M. Banning is a family owned business serving Northern Virginia for over 40 years. For over four decades R.M. Banning has earned the trust of thousands of customers through our new Roof, Siding and Windows. Top quality products and master applicators are the key to our success. Chances are if you live in Northern Virginia the R.M. Banning crews have worked for one or more of your neighbors. Consult with one of our estimators today and find out which products and colors will freshen your home and give it that new look. Take a look at the new Limited Lifetime warranties on siding and roofing products that are changing the home improvement industry.

"R.M. Banning did an outstanding job in replacing my roof, fixing damaged areas, making sure the roof is consistent with current code, replacing the chimney, gutters and skylights. I will be using their services for future projects to replace the siding of the house and windows and a few other projects."

John L on August 2025

2024 Super Service Award Winner in Roofing, Siding and Windows! R.M. Banning is a family owned business serving Northern Virginia for over 40 years. For over four decades R.M. Banning has earned the trust of thousands of customers through our new Roof, Siding and Windows. Top quality products and master applicators are the key to our success. Chances are if you live in Northern Virginia the R.M. Banning crews have worked for one or more of your neighbors. Consult with one of our estimators today and find out which products and colors will freshen your home and give it that new look. Take a look at the new Limited Lifetime warranties on siding and roofing products that are changing the home improvement industry.

"R.M. Banning did an outstanding job in replacing my roof, fixing damaged areas, making sure the roof is consistent with current code, replacing the chimney, gutters and skylights. I will be using their services for future projects to replace the siding of the house and windows and a few other projects."

John L on August 2025

GoodGood Roofing & Siding

615 S FREDERICK AVE 301

4.89(

9

)

•Approved Pro

GoodGood Roofing & Siding

615 S FREDERICK AVE 301

4.89(

9

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

274 local quotes requested

GoodGood Roofing & Siding is your trusted roofing expert in Washington D.C. With our top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail, we deliver exceptional results that stand the test of time. Whether you need a new roof installation or repairs, our team is here to exceed your expectations. Contact us today for a reliable and professional roofing service you can count on.

"We started working with Jorden to re-slope some gutters to divert storm water. As our low slope shingle roof needed to be replaced, we asked him to provide a proposal to replace the existing roof with a modified bitumen roof system with an additional 3" rigid foam insulation. Kevin helped to provide me with the standard roof flashing and edge details for this type of residential roof system, which they were not familiar with. Kevin and Jorden discussed it with the roof installers and the product manufacturer, and provided whatever was needed, responding promptly throughout the process. They let us know when the material prices were expected to go up so that we could order the materials. During the time that I was not available, they worked with us to revise the schedule, which was much appreciated! The work was planned and executed without any issues, and we are very happy with our new roof. Thank you Kevin and Jorden!"

Suzanne H on September 2022

GoodGood Roofing & Siding is your trusted roofing expert in Washington D.C. With our top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail, we deliver exceptional results that stand the test of time. Whether you need a new roof installation or repairs, our team is here to exceed your expectations. Contact us today for a reliable and professional roofing service you can count on.

"We started working with Jorden to re-slope some gutters to divert storm water. As our low slope shingle roof needed to be replaced, we asked him to provide a proposal to replace the existing roof with a modified bitumen roof system with an additional 3" rigid foam insulation. Kevin helped to provide me with the standard roof flashing and edge details for this type of residential roof system, which they were not familiar with. Kevin and Jorden discussed it with the roof installers and the product manufacturer, and provided whatever was needed, responding promptly throughout the process. They let us know when the material prices were expected to go up so that we could order the materials. During the time that I was not available, they worked with us to revise the schedule, which was much appreciated! The work was planned and executed without any issues, and we are very happy with our new roof. Thank you Kevin and Jorden!"

Suzanne H on September 2022

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

3782 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

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Dr.

4.87(

276

)

•Approved Pro

Home Genius Exteriors

8201 Corporate Dr.

4.87(

276

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

5066 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!

"Very pleased with the installation. Crew was early and worked very hard. Project manger was very professional and kind. Left my house spotless"

Joyce M 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!

"Very pleased with the installation. Crew was early and worked very hard. Project manger was very professional and kind. Left my house spotless"

Joyce M on September 2025

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AROCON Northern Viriginia

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GoodGood Roofing & Siding

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Natural slate roofing installers and replacers in Richmond

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Your Vision Remodeling, LLC

Your Vision Remodeling, LLC

Home Genius Exteriors

Home Genius Exteriors

Peak Custom Remodeling

Peak Custom Remodeling

AROCON Northern Viriginia

AROCON Northern Viriginia

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R M Banning Roofing

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GoodGood Roofing & Siding

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Certified Roofing

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Home Genius Exteriors

The Richmond, VA homeowners’ guide to natural slate roofing installations and replacements

Replace a Roof in Michigan

Replace a Roof in New Jersey

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