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?
How long does a slate roof last?
Can my roof carry slate?
Do I need approval for a new slate roof?
Slate Roof Tiles by province
- Slate Roof Tiles Gauteng
- Slate Roof Tiles Mpumalanga
- Slate Roof Tiles North West
- Slate Roof Tiles Limpopo
- Slate Roof Tiles Northern Cape
- Slate Roof Tiles Free State
- Slate Roof Tiles KwaZulu-Natal
- Slate Roof Tiles Eastern Cape
- Slate Roof Tiles Western Cape
Slate Roof Tiles by city and town
- Slate Roof Tiles in Johannesburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Pretoria
- Slate Roof Tiles in Centurion
- Slate Roof Tiles in Midrand
- Slate Roof Tiles in Sandton
- Slate Roof Tiles in Randburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Roodepoort
- Slate Roof Tiles in Krugersdorp
- Slate Roof Tiles in Randfontein
- Slate Roof Tiles in Germiston
- Slate Roof Tiles in Boksburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Benoni
- Slate Roof Tiles in Kempton Park
- Slate Roof Tiles in Alberton
- Slate Roof Tiles in Vanderbijlpark
- Slate Roof Tiles in Vereeniging
- Slate Roof Tiles in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Slate Roof Tiles in Middelburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Secunda
- Slate Roof Tiles in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Slate Roof Tiles in Rustenburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Brits
- Slate Roof Tiles in Klerksdorp
- Slate Roof Tiles in Potchefstroom
- Slate Roof Tiles in Polokwane
- Slate Roof Tiles in Tzaneen
- Slate Roof Tiles in Lephalale
- Slate Roof Tiles in Kimberley
- Slate Roof Tiles in Kathu
- Slate Roof Tiles in Upington
- Slate Roof Tiles in Bloemfontein
- Slate Roof Tiles in Welkom
- Slate Roof Tiles in Sasolburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Durban
- Slate Roof Tiles in Pinetown
- Slate Roof Tiles in Pietermaritzburg
- Slate Roof Tiles in Richards Bay
- Slate Roof Tiles in Newcastle
- Slate Roof Tiles in Ladysmith
- Slate Roof Tiles in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Slate Roof Tiles in East London
- Slate Roof Tiles in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Slate Roof Tiles in Cape Town
- Slate Roof Tiles in Bellville
- Slate Roof Tiles in Paarl
- Slate Roof Tiles in Stellenbosch
- Slate Roof Tiles in George
- Slate Roof Tiles in Worcester
