Slate roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing systems available. Throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, slate is commonly found on historic homes, high-end properties, and buildings where long-term performance and architectural character are a priority.
Whether the property calls for authentic quarried stone slate or an engineered synthetic alternative like DaVinci, our team has the experience and certifications to install, repair, and restore these systems correctly — with copper and lead-coated flashing where required.
Miguel lays out a hand-formed copper W valley on a job site and explains why it matters: the valley is one of the most vulnerable parts of a roof, and the raised center divides the water and sends it away. On slate built to last 75–100+ years, every component must match that lifespan.
Copper nails, copper flashing, and lead flashing where the system calls for it
Natural slate or DaVinci synthetic slate, matched to your home’s structure
30-year workmanship warranty plus the manufacturer’s material warranty
M
Miguel CespedesFounder & Owner, Shelby Roofing Services
From the moment we reached out for an estimate, Shelby Roofing Services made the process feel simple and well organized. Every step was communicated clearly. Highly recommend.
Estimate to InstallPosted on Google
G
Gladys ValdesGoogle Review
★★★★★
I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Shelby Roofing Services. From the first call to the final inspection, every step was handled with professionalism and care.
RoofingPosted on Google
L
Luis DuranGoogle Review
★★★★★
I recently had my roof repaired by Shelby Roofing and I couldn’t be happier with the results! From start to finish, the team was professional, punctual, and communicated every step of the way.
Roof RepairPosted on Google
Types of Slate Roofing We Install
A slate roof can be built with natural quarried stone or with DaVinci engineered composite slate. Both deliver the classic look of slate, but they differ in material, weight, and structural demands.
The Stone System
Natural Slate Roofing
Natural slate is a quarried stone material that has been used for roofing for over a century. It is known for its unmatched durability, natural beauty, and long lifespan. When properly installed, natural slate roofing can last 75–100+ years, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing systems available.
Each slate tile is unique in color, texture, and thickness, giving the roof a timeless, high-end appearance that cannot be replicated by manufactured materials. Because it is a natural stone product, slate is heavier than most roofing materials and requires proper structural support, as well as highly skilled installation to ensure long-term performance.
Natural slate is typically chosen by homeowners who want the most authentic, long-lasting, and traditional roofing system available.
The Engineered Alternative
DaVinci Synthetic Slate
DaVinci slate is an engineered composite roofing system designed to replicate the look of natural slate while offering different performance and installation advantages. Instead of stone, DaVinci slate is manufactured using high-performance polymer materials designed for durability, flexibility, and impact resistance.
One of the main advantages of DaVinci slate is weight. It is significantly lighter than natural slate, which means many properties can install it without requiring structural reinforcement. DaVinci also offers more flexibility in design, including multiple widths, color blends, and consistent appearance across the roof. While natural slate varies naturally, DaVinci systems are engineered to provide a controlled yet realistic slate appearance.
DaVinci slate is typically chosen by homeowners who want the appearance of slate with less structural demand and more design flexibility.
What Is a Slate Roofing System?
A slate roofing system is a layered roofing assembly made from either natural stone slate tiles or engineered composite slate, such as DaVinci slate. These tiles are installed in overlapping courses to create a water-shedding surface.
A complete slate roofing system includes:
Underlayment
Slate tiles
Long-life fasteners
Custom flashing
Ridge and hip components
Ventilation (when applicable)
Because natural slate is heavy, the structure must be evaluated to ensure it can support the load.
How a Slate Roof Is Installed and Why Each Step Matters
Every project begins with a complete tear-off of the existing roofing system. All materials, including shingles, underlayment, flashings, and ventilation, are removed. Nothing is reused.
Once the old roof is removed:
The decking is inspected
Damaged wood is replaced
The structure is evaluated for weight support
This ensures the system is built on a solid and properly supported foundation.
1
Underlayment Installation
Underlayment is installed across the roof deck. This provides a secondary layer of protection beneath the slate tiles in case moisture penetrates between them.
2
Roof Layout and Planning
The roof is carefully measured and laid out. This ensures proper spacing, alignment, and water flow across the system.
3
Slate Tile Installation
Slate tiles are installed in overlapping courses. Natural slate requires careful handling due to its brittleness, while synthetic slate allows for more flexibility during installation.
4
Fastening System
Each tile is fastened with long-life fasteners. Improper fasteners can deteriorate over time, causing tiles to loosen or fall.
5
Flashing Installation
All flashing is installed new at valleys, chimneys, walls, skylights, and penetrations. These are the most leak-prone areas and require precision.
6
Ridge and Hip Installation
Ridge and hip areas are completed with proper finishing components. These areas are exposed and must be installed correctly.
7
Final Inspection and Cleanup
The roof is inspected, the site is cleaned, debris is removed, and a final walkthrough is completed.
Natural slate tiles with copper snow guards — every fastener, every course installed to last a century
Shelby crew on a historic slate and copper project — precision detail work at the dormer and valley transitions
Why Copper and Lead Are Critical for Slate Roofing Systems
Slate roofing is designed to last 75–100+ years, which means every component must match that lifespan. Lower-grade materials can deteriorate over time. Even something as small as a nail can affect the entire system.
For example, standard nails can corrode. As they weaken, slate tiles can loosen or fall out.
This is why slate systems rely on:
Copper nails
Copper flashing
Lead flashing (in specific areas)
These materials resist corrosion and maintain structural integrity over decades, ensuring the roof performs long-term.
Copper snow guards on natural slate — every clip, nail, and flashing matched to the lifespan of the roof
“
Shelby Roofing Services did an incredible job replacing my roof with a beautiful slate roof. The craftsmanship is exceptional and the team was professional throughout the entire process.
C
Chef MedySlate Roof
★★★★★Google Review
Slate Roof Sizes, Colors, and Design Options
Slate roofing is a custom-designed system based on material, size, and color. Natural slate and DaVinci synthetic slate each offer their own range of options.
Quarried Stone
Natural Slate Sizes and Colors
Sizes
10" x 20"
12" x 24"
14" x 24"
16" x 24"
Smaller slates create detailed patterns, while larger slates create a cleaner look.
Colors
Gray
Black
Green
Purple
Red
Blended combinations are also available.
Engineered Composite
DaVinci Slate Sizes and Colors
Sizes and widths
Multi-width options (6", 7", 9", 10", 12")
Single-width systems
Multi-width options create a more natural, varied appearance.
Colors
Slate gray
Black
Brown blends
Custom blends
Natural Slate vs. DaVinci Synthetic Slate: What Is the Difference?
Both systems create the look of a classic slate roof. The main differences come down to material, weight, lifespan, and structural requirements.
Natural slate can last 75–100+ years when properly installed. DaVinci slate delivers long-term performance that varies by system. In both cases, the lifespan depends on using components, fasteners, and flashing that match the life of the roof.
How Much Does Slate Roofing Cost?
The cost of a slate roof varies from property to property.
Several factors impact the final price:
Roof size
Structure
Material selection
Complexity
A proper inspection is required to determine accurate pricing for your roof.
Warranties That Protect Your Investment
Every slate roof we install is backed by two warranties.
The Materials
Manufacturer/Supplier Warranty
Covers the roofing materials themselves.
The Installation
Workmanship Warranty
Shelby Roofing Services’ 30-year workmanship warranty covers the installation.
Both warranties are transferable if ownership changes.
Why Proper Installation Matters More Than the Material
Slate requires precision. Even the best natural or synthetic slate can only perform as well as the installation beneath it.
At Shelby Roofing Services, we focus on:
Proper layout
Correct fastening
Detailed flashing
Structural evaluation
Permits and Why They Matter
Permits help ensure:
Contractor licensing is valid
Insurance is verified
Work meets code requirements
We handle the full permit process.
Job Site Protection, Cleanup, and Final Walkthrough
During each project:
A dumpster is used and protected
The site is maintained
After completion:
A full cleanup is performed
Nails and debris are removed
A final walkthrough is completed
What Sets Shelby Roofing Services Apart
We guide each project based on:
Appearance goals
Longevity expectations
Budget considerations
In addition, we provide:
Full documentation
Drone inspections
Custom copper work
Clear communication
Recent Slate Roofing Projects
Every project is documented with before, during, and after drone photography. A few recent slate and copper projects:
Shelby Roofing Services is based in Blue Bell, PA and provides slate roof installation, repair, and restoration throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Yes, for long-term value. When properly installed, natural slate roofing can last 75–100+ years, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing systems available. DaVinci synthetic slate offers the appearance of slate with less structural demand and more design flexibility.
Does natural slate require structural support?
Yes. Natural slate is heavier than most roofing materials and requires proper structural support, so the structure is evaluated before installation to ensure it can support the load. DaVinci synthetic slate is significantly lighter, which means many properties can install it without requiring structural reinforcement.
Do you reuse any old roofing materials?
No. Every project begins with a complete tear-off of the existing roofing system. Shingles, underlayment, flashings, and ventilation are all removed, and nothing is reused. All flashing is installed new.
Do you repair existing slate roofs?
Yes. We repair individual slates, repoint flashings, replace damaged sections, and assess whether a full replacement is warranted. Properly maintained slate roofs can serve a property for generations.
Do you repair and replace slate roofs in NJ and Delaware?
Yes. Shelby Roofing Services provides slate roof repair and full replacement throughout PA, NJ, and Delaware. We serve historic homes in Haddonfield, NJ, Moorestown, NJ, Wilmington, DE, and Greenville, DE, where slate roofing is common.
Schedule a Slate Roof Inspection
Whether you are considering natural slate or DaVinci synthetic slate, Shelby Roofing Services provides detailed inspections and recommendations tailored to your property.
Shelby replaced my entire roof after a tree strike. 200+ year old home with some special needs. Excellent work. Fast, clean, and professional. Could not be happier.
Historic HomePosted on Google
M
Maria LopezGoogle Review
★★★★★
We hired Shelby Roofing Services for a new shingle roof, copper flashing, and skylight installation, and the results were phenomenal. The craftsmanship speaks for itself.
Roof, Copper & SkylightPosted on Google
E
Emma BrackenGoogle Review
★★★★★
I can’t say enough great things about this company. We had a leak in our roof over the weekend and they responded immediately. Honest, professional, and genuinely caring. Highly recommend.
Emergency LeakPosted on Google
V
Victor CaraballoGoogle Review
★★★★★
Shelby roofing did a great job repairing our roof after storm damage. The work was excellent, and the customer service was outstanding throughout the entire process.
Storm Damage RepairPosted on Google
A
Alex SharpGoogle Review
★★★★★
I’m very pleased with the professionalism, attention to detail and customer service provided by Shelby Roofing. I would recommend them to anyone for your roofing needs.
RoofingPosted on Google
J
Julio EnriqueGoogle Local Guide
★★★★★
10/10 — I would highly recommend this company because they did an amazing job replacing two skylights on my house. The crew arrived on time, was respectful, and left everything organized and clean!
Skylight ReplacementPosted on Google
I
Issac TGoogle Review
★★★★★
I had Shelby Roofing Services replace my siding, gutters, and windows, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The team handled everything professionally and with great attention to detail.
Before, during, and after aerial photography on every project. Your permanent record of quality.
🔨
Complete Tear-Off
Nothing from the old system is reused. Every installation starts with a fully inspected, clean deck.
🛡
30-Year Warranty
Manufacturer material warranty plus our workmanship warranty — both fully transferable at sale.
📞
24/7 Direct Access
Direct access to our team at every hour throughout your project. Call, text, or email.
Where We Work
Slate Roofing Across the Philadelphia Region
We perform slate installation, repair, and restoration throughout PA, NJ & Delaware. Communities with the highest concentration of original and historic slate include:
“Professional, reliable, and delivered premium quality work.” — Katie D.
■ Financing Available
Finance This Project — Payments Starting Around $117/Month
$10,000
project
~$117/mo
$20,000
project
~$234/mo
$30,000
project
~$277/mo
$40,000
project
~$366/mo
Financing options may be available for qualified applicants. Estimated monthly payment examples only. Final approval, rates, and terms depend on the financing provider.
