Should You Keep Your Slate Roof or Replace It With Shingles?

For many homeowners in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas like Greensburg, Latrobe, Lawrenceville, and Squirrel Hill, roofing decisions aren’t just about cost. They’re about history, durability, and preserving the unique character of their homes. If you own an older home or a historic property, consider whether you should keep your slate roof or replace it with asphalt shingles.

Slate roofs are admired for their unmatched beauty and resilience, but asphalt shingles are often praised for their affordability and availability. However, when you weigh the long-term value, property aesthetics, and the cost of ownership over decades, not just years, the picture becomes much clearer.

Roberts Roofing has served the Pittsburgh area since 1948 and understands the architectural styles, weather conditions, and roofing needs unique to this region. In this guide, we’ll help you evaluate the true pros and cons of both slate and shingles, debunk common myths, and explore how expert guidance can make all the difference when preserving or replacing your roof.

The Long-Term Savings of a Slate Roof

One of the main reasons many homeowners consider switching from slate to asphalt shingles is cost. Asphalt shingles have a lower upfront price, which makes them an attractive option during roof replacement or renovation. However, the initial price alone doesn’t tell the full story.

Slate roofing, while more expensive to install, offers significantly greater longevity. An expertly installed slate roof can last anywhere from 75 to over 100 years. In contrast, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of roughly 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of materials and installation.

When you look at the cost of ownership over time, slate emerges as a more economical option. For example, if a slate roof costs $40,000 and lasts 100 years, that breaks down to $400 per year. On the other hand, if asphalt shingles cost $12,000 and need to be replaced every 20 years over the same century, you’d spend around $60,000 total or roughly $600 per year.

Beyond cost, slate roofs also reduce the number of times you’ll need to coordinate roof replacements, deal with contractors, and dispose of old materials. This makes them not only a more stable investment but also a more environmentally responsible choice.

The Pros and Cons of Slate Roofs for Homeowners

Slate roofs offer unique advantages that make them ideal for many Pittsburgh-area homes, especially those with historical or architectural significance. However, some challenges should be considered.

Benefits of Slate Roofing:

Durability: Slate is a dense, natural stone that can hold up against severe weather conditions, including hail, heavy snow, and high winds. Properly maintained, it can last a century or more.
Timeless Beauty: Slate provides a refined, elegant appearance that synthetic or asphalt materials cannot replicate. Each piece has a different texture and color variation that adds depth and character.
Fire Resistant: Slate is a natural stone that is completely fireproof. This can add an additional layer of safety to your home and may even result in lower insurance premiums.
Eco-Friendly: Because slate is natural and lasts so long, it generates less waste than shingles, which end up in landfills with every replacement cycle.
Added Value: Homes with slate roofs often enjoy greater resale value due to the perceived quality, luxury, and architectural appeal.

Drawbacks of Slate Roofing

Upfront Cost: The initial investment for a slate roof is significantly higher than for shingles, which may not be feasible for every homeowner.
Installation Requirements: Installing a slate roof requires specialized skills, tools, and experience. It’s not a job for just any roofing contractor.
Weight: Slate is much heavier than shingles. Your home must be structurally sound or reinforced to support the added load.

These factors make it essential to work with a roofer who understands the ins and outs of slate roofing to ensure a quality result that lasts.

Increased Property Value and Curb Appeal

In Pittsburgh neighborhoods known for their historical and architectural charm, such as Squirrel Hill, Lawrenceville, and parts of Greensburg, having a slate roof does more than protect your home. It enhances its visual appeal, supports higher property values, and may even help your home sell faster.

A slate roof helps your home stand out among others on the market. Prospective buyers often see a slate roof as a mark of quality craftsmanship and long-term investment. It shows that the homeowner has chosen a premium material that complements the home’s design and ensures lasting protection.

In neighborhoods where many homes share a similar construction, a slate roof becomes a key differentiator. Whether you’re planning to stay for decades or are considering a future resale, slate can increase your home’s value and marketability.

Common Myths About Slate Roofs – Debunked

Despite its many benefits, slate roofing is often misunderstood. Let’s address and correct some of the most common myths:

Myth: Slate is too expensive for the average homeowner.

While slate requires a larger initial investment, it more than pays for itself over time due to its longevity and low maintenance; when you account for the multiple shingle replacements that would be needed in the same timeframe, slate saves you money.

Myth: It’s nearly impossible to find a contractor who can repair or install slate.

This may be true in some areas, but Roberts Roofing has specialized in slate roof installation in Pittsburgh since 1948. Our team is trained in traditional slate techniques and can restore, repair, or replace your slate roof with expert care.

Myth: Shingles are always better for modern homes.

Not necessarily. While slate is commonly associated with historic homes, many newer homes can also support slate roofing, especially if the structure is reinforced. Additionally, synthetic slate products provide a lighter alternative for homes that may not be able to carry the full weight of natural stone.

Why More Roofers Don’t Work With Slate

One reason slate isn’t more widely recommended is that few roofing contractors have the necessary expertise to work with it. Unlike shingles, which are standardized and relatively easy to install, slate requires hand-cutting, precise placement, and specialized tools.

Many roofers aren’t trained in slate installation or repair. As a result, they steer homeowners toward asphalt shingles, not because it’s the better choice, but because it’s what they know.

This highlights the importance of choosing a roofing partner who is deeply experienced in slate. With proper installation, slate roofs offer a level of performance and beauty that few materials can match.

Why Roberts Roofing Gives You the Edge

At Roberts Roofing, we bring more than seven decades of experience to every project. Since 1948, we’ve helped Pittsburgh homeowners maintain, repair, and replace their slate roofs with craftsmanship that honors the home’s original construction.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Specialized Slate Roof Expertise: Our team is trained in traditional slate roof installation techniques that many modern roofers no longer know how to use.
Historic Preservation Knowledge: We understand the importance of maintaining the character of older homes and work with care to preserve their architectural integrity.
Local Experience: We know the neighborhoods, climate patterns, and building codes in the Pittsburgh area. This allows us to make recommendations that are practical, durable, and tailored to each property.
Honest Guidance: Whether your slate roof can be repaired or needs replacement, we provide honest, thorough evaluations based on your best interests.
Proven Reputation: Our portfolio includes numerous successful restorations of historic and high-end homes throughout the region.

Keep the Slate Roof or Switch to Shingles?

There is no universal answer to this question. The right choice depends on a range of factors unique to your home and your goals.

Reasons to Keep Your Slate Roof:

• The majority of your slate tiles are still in good condition.
• You plan to live in your home for the long term.
• Your home is historically or architecturally significant.
• You want the long-term financial and aesthetic benefits.

Reasons to Consider Shingles Instead:

• The roof structure is significantly damaged and cannot support the weight of the slate.
• You’re preparing to sell your home soon and need a faster or less expensive solution.
• Your budget doesn’t currently allow for the cost of slate restoration or replacement.

In some cases, synthetic slate may offer a middle ground. These materials mimic the look of real slate at a lower cost and weight, making them ideal for homes that can’t accommodate traditional slate but still want a similar aesthetic.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Your home is one of your most important investments, and roofing plays a central role in preserving that investment. Choosing between slate and shingles isn’t just a financial decision; it’s about how you want your home to look, function, and hold value over time.

Before making any decisions, schedule a professional inspection. Our experienced team can assess the condition of your current roof, identify any structural concerns, and provide personalized guidance.

Call Today For Your Free Roof Slate Consultation

Roberts Roofing takes a consultative approach when helping clients make roofing decisions. We never pressure clients to choose one option over another; instead, we provide them with the information they need to make the best choice for their homes and families.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of slate versus shingles, don’t go it alone. Let the experts at Roberts Roofing guide you through the process with transparency, skill, and local knowledge you can trust.

We offer free consultations to evaluate your roof’s condition and help you determine the best option, whether that’s a complete slate restoration, exploring alternative options, or targeted slate roof repairs for your Pittsburgh home.

Contact Roberts Roofing today to schedule your slate roof assessment. For over 75 years, local homeowners have trusted us to protect and preserve the beauty of their homes, and we’d be honored to help you do the same.