Get a quote
RF-02

Slate Roof Installation in South Africa: Get Free Quotes

Planning a new slate roof? Get free quotes from independent slate roofing contractors across South Africa. One form, no fee, no obligation. Request yours now.

  • Quotes from: slate roofers and roofing contractors
  • Area: all nine provinces
  • Cost to you: free
Roofer on a steep black slate roof laying slates on battens above a double-storey home in late afternoon light
Roofer on a steep black slate roof laying slates on battens above a double-storey home in late afternoon light

Measure up

Know the size? Enter it and we add the area to your request. Skip it if you are not sure.

0 m² to order

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

Get a free quote

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

Measure sheetMS-07405
Tick what applies (optional)

Free and no obligation. By sending you agree that we may share your request with a suitable supplier or installer. See our privacy policy.

A slate roof is one of the longest-lasting roofs you can put on a house, but it must be laid properly. SlateTiles.co.za is a free quote service. You send one request and we pass it to independent slate roofing contractors in your area, who quote you directly. There is no fee and no obligation. We do not install roofs and we do not sell slate. If you are weighing a slate roof against a concrete or clay tile roof, you can ask contractors to explain both.

How a slate roof is built

Slates are fixed in overlapping courses onto timber battens, over an underlay. Each slate is held with copper or stainless steel nails or hooks, and the head lap, the overlap between courses, depends on the roof pitch. The ridges, hips, valleys and flashings are where most leaks start, so a good slate roof installation spends time on these details.

  • Trusses and battens sized for the weight.
  • Breathable underlay beneath the slates.
  • Lead or other flashings around chimneys and walls.

A good slater sets out the courses from the eaves so that the lines run true across the whole roof, and keeps spare slates for later repairs.

Slate roof vs tile roof

Slate is thinner, denser and longer-lived than most concrete tiles, and its colour does not fade like a painted surface. It is also heavier per square metre than many alternatives and needs a skilled slater.

  • Slate: natural look, long life, higher skill needed.
  • Concrete tile: common and widely fitted, colour can fade.
  • Fibre-cement slate-look: lighter, with a similar appearance at a distance.

A contractor can tell you which suits your structure and budget. Slate is usually chosen where the roof is a visible feature, such as on a steep street-facing gable, and plain tiles are used on less visible sections.

What to check when you hire

Ask each contractor how many slate roofs they have laid and to show recent work. Confirm who handles the roof structure, scaffolding and waste removal. Ask what they do about hail damage and frost on the Highveld, and about salt air near the coast. Ask for a written scope that lists the slate, the fixings, the underlay and the flashings, so every quote covers the same work.

New roofs may need plans approved under the National Building Regulations. If the home is in an estate or complex, get HOA or body corporate approval first. Heritage homes in areas such as Parktown or older Cape Town suburbs may have extra rules.

What affects your quote

We do not give prices. Contractors price each job after seeing the roof or the plans. These details help them quote accurately:

  • Roof area in m², pitch and number of hips, valleys and dormers.
  • Slate type, size and origin.
  • Whether the old roof must be stripped and the structure strengthened.
  • Height, access and scaffolding needs.
  • Whether you want a new roof or a partial slate section.

Quotes are free, so request several and compare the scope line by line.

Comparing quotes for slate roofing

The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:

  • Scope: exactly what is included, from surface preparation and materials to cutting, sealing and clean-up.
  • Materials: the slate, adhesive, grout, sealer or fixings allowed for, and who buys and delivers them.
  • Timing: when the work can start, how long it takes, and curing or drying time before the area can be used.
  • Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages and how long the price holds.

What to include in your request

  • State the roof area in m² and the pitch.
  • Say whether it is a new build or a re-roof.
  • Mention estate, HOA or heritage rules that apply.
  • Upload plans or photos of the roof if you have them.
  • Give your suburb and the month you want to start.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find slate roofing contractors?
Slate laying is a specialist trade, so fewer roofers do it well. Submit one form on SlateTiles.co.za and independent slate roofing contractors near you contact you with quotes. The service is free, and you decide whether to accept anything.
Is a slate roof worth it compared with a tile roof?
Slate lasts very long and keeps its colour, but costs more to build and needs a stronger roof structure. Concrete tiles are common and lighter. Fibre-cement slate-look tiles sit in between. Ask contractors to explain the trade-offs for your house and area.
Does a slate roof survive Highveld hail?
Thin slates can crack in severe hail, as can most roofing. Thicker slates and correct fixing help. Cracked slates are replaced individually, so keep spares from the same batch. Check your home insurance for hail cover, and ask the contractor about slate thickness.
Can I put slate on an existing roof structure?
Often not without checks. Slate is heavy and needs closely spaced battens and a pitch suited to the head lap. A roofer or engineer should inspect the trusses first. If the structure cannot carry slate, a lighter slate-look tile may be the answer.

Slate Roofing by province

Slate Roofing by city and town

Get a free quote