Hello ~
I'm looking at a 1925 Dutch Colonial that's a fixer upper. It has the original slate roof so it's 93 years old. Owner might do a roof certification during inspection process but I'm wondering what the cost estimate would be to remove the slate roof and put on a new asphalt shingle. Square footage of the home is 2500 but that's due to 3 floors, the roof size is probably a typical 2000 square foot or less since it's narrow.
I love the slate, but it's getting old and repairs seem exhorbitant. I'm trying to gauge whether this house is more than I can handle.
I'm in New Jersey.
Thank you.
Why would you ever dream of removing a slate tile roof? That is one of the very best coverings for a roof. That will far outlast asphault shingles, even the highest quality shingle. I would have them repaired.
If you are set on replacing the slate tile, I would suggest replacing them with a synthetic slate tile. My house was built with slate tile. Someone replaced them with asphault shingles. I am not installing synthetic slate tile.
Andrew
Handy Andy In Mt Airy NC
Hi there,
I know, it's blasphemy! But it's completely about cost. Everyone I've spoken with and most online searches show that even the tiniest repairs to a slate roof are extraordinarily expensive. Something like $1500 for a tiny section (few broken tiles). After a few small repairs, it would be like replacing an asphalt shingle roof. The house itself isn't in great condition, it looks like a fixer upper, with the current owner being a 90 year old lady who has been keeping it clean and functioning. While I do love the appearance of a slate roof I do not have the deep pockets for maintenance. There's already a long list of other things I need to update and renovate.
Synthethic slate tiles sounds interesting. I'll do some research on that. I wonder if you can repair a natural slate with synthetic slate and it begins to fall apart (as this one seems to be at 93 years old).