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Slate Roof Tiles in South Africa: Get Free Quotes

Compare slate roof tiles from independent suppliers across South Africa. Natural and imported slate for new roofs and re-roofing. Request a free quote today.

  • Quotes from: slate and roofing suppliers
  • Area: all nine provinces
  • Cost to you: free
Stack of charcoal natural slate roof tiles beside a half-finished pitched roof on a Highveld house in morning light
Stack of charcoal natural slate roof tiles beside a half-finished pitched roof on a Highveld house in morning light

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Roofs, walls and steps: measure each face and add them up, or type the total in the form.

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Tell us what you need and where. A slate supplier, tiler, cladding installer or roofer who works in your area quotes you directly.

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Buying slate roof tiles means choosing between natural slate, imported slate and lighter slate-look alternatives. SlateTiles.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent slate suppliers and roofers in your area. They quote you directly. There is no fee and no obligation. We do not sell tiles and we do not do any roofing work. If you are comparing slate roof tiles prices in South Africa, this is the quickest way to get several supplier quotes side by side.

Types of slate roof tiles

Natural slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, flat sheets. Most roof slate sold here is quarried in Brazil, India and China and imported. Some is sourced in southern Africa. Suppliers usually offer:

  • Natural cleft slate with a slightly rippled face, the traditional roof look.
  • Charcoal and black slate for a uniform, modern roof.
  • Multicolour slate with grey, green, rust and copper tones from minerals in the rock.
  • Calibrated slate cut to an even thickness for neat laying.

Slate sizes and thicknesses vary between suppliers and origins, so ask for a sample before you commit. Hold a few slates up in daylight, because colour looks different on a pallet than on a roof.

Where slate roof tiles are used

Slate suits steep and medium pitched roofs on new houses, estates and lodges. It is also the correct material when you need to match an older roof on a heritage home, such as the Victorian and Edwardian houses in parts of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Slate is heavy, so the roof structure must be designed for the load.

Highveld hail can crack slates, and frost is a factor inland. Coastal salt air is gentler on slate than on many metal fixings, so ask for copper or stainless steel nails.

On estates and in townhouse complexes the roof is often a controlled finish. Check the design guidelines for approved colours before you ask for quotes.

What to check before you order

  • The roof pitch and the head lap the slate needs at that pitch.
  • Whether the trusses and battens can carry the weight.
  • Slate size, thickness and grading, and whether the batch is single-colour.
  • Fixings: copper or stainless nails or hooks, never plain steel.
  • Spare slates for future repairs, from the same batch.

Ask your roofer or engineer to confirm the structure first. Plans for new roofs may need approval under the National Building Regulations. Also ask how the slates are packed and delivered. Pallets are heavy, so the supplier needs to know where a truck can stand and how the slates will get up to the roof.

What affects your quote

We do not give prices. Suppliers and roofers set their own, and the figures depend on a few things you can describe in the form:

  • The roof area in m² and the number of ridges, hips and valleys.
  • The type, origin and grade of slate.
  • Supply only, or supply and install.
  • Delivery distance and access for pallets or a crane.
  • Whether old tiles must be stripped first.

If you are comparing slate roof tiles prices in South Africa, make sure each quote covers the same slate, the same area and the same fixings. Otherwise the figures cannot be compared fairly.

Comparing slate roof tiles quotes

Natural stone varies from batch to batch, and prices move with imports, stock and transport. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact product: the colour, finish, size and thickness, and whether it is calibrated, so every quote is for the same thing.
  • Quantities: the price per m², box, pallet or piece, and how much is allowed for cuts and breakage.
  • Stock and delivery: in stock or on order, delivery to site or collection, and any off-loading charge.
  • VAT and returns: whether VAT is included, how long the price holds and whether unopened boxes can go back.

What to include in your request

  • State the roof area in m² and the pitch if you know it.
  • Say whether you want supply only or supply and install.
  • Name the colour and finish you prefer.
  • Mention if you are matching an existing heritage roof.
  • Give your suburb, access details and the date you need delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Who supplies slate roof tiles in South Africa?
Independent slate and roofing suppliers across the country stock or order in natural slate. Most is imported, and some comes from southern Africa. Submit one form on SlateTiles.co.za and suppliers near you send quotes directly. The service is free and carries no obligation.
How long does a slate roof last?
A well-laid natural slate roof can last many decades, often longer than the house fittings around it. Life depends on slate quality, correct head lap, copper or stainless fixings and care after hail. Ask each supplier about the slate grade you are quoted on.
Can my roof carry slate?
Slate is heavier than most roof tiles, so older roofs often need checking. A roofer or engineer should assess the trusses, battens and pitch before you order. Lighter slate-look options exist if the structure cannot take natural slate, and suppliers can quote on those too.
Do I need approval for a new slate roof?
Re-roofing with a different material can need local authority approval under the National Building Regulations. Estates, townhouse complexes and body corporates often require written HOA or trustee approval, and heritage areas may add rules. Check before you order, and mention it when you request quotes.

Slate Roof Tiles by province

Slate Roof Tiles by city and town

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