Slate & Tile Roofing

Slate and tile roofing represent the pinnacle of roofing craftsmanship. These materials have sheltered homes and historic buildings for centuries, and they remain the standard against which all other roofing products are measured for longevity and architectural beauty. In Green Bay and across Northeast Wisconsin, slate and tile roofs grace many of the area’s most distinguished homes — from century-old Victorians in the Astor neighborhood to custom-built estates in De Pere and the Fox Valley. Whether you’re considering a new slate or tile installation, need slate roof repair on an existing structure, or want to understand the differences between natural and synthetic options, this guide covers the materials, maintenance requirements, and restoration techniques that every homeowner should understand. Pierce Roofing brings 30+ years of hands-on experience with these premium materials to every project. For our full range of services, visit our slate roofing service page or request a free consultation.

Natural slate is a metamorphic stone quarried in thin, flat sheets that have been used as a roofing material for hundreds of years. A properly installed natural slate roof can last 75 to 150 years or more — far outlasting any other residential roofing material. The stone’s natural variation in color and texture gives each roof a unique, handcrafted character that no manufactured product can fully replicate. Slate is fireproof, virtually impervious to water absorption, and requires no chemical treatments to resist mold or algae. However, natural slate comes with significant considerations. It is heavy — typically 800 to 1,500 pounds per roofing square — which means the roof structure must be engineered to support the load. Installation requires specialized skills that general roofers often lack: each slate must be individually assessed for thickness and quality, cut to fit, and secured with the correct nail placement. For new installations, Pierce Roofing works with structural engineers when needed to verify that your home can support the weight. See our natural slate page for product details.

Synthetic slate shingles are manufactured from recycled rubber, plastic, or polymer composites molded to replicate the appearance of natural stone. These engineered products weigh a fraction of natural slate — typically 150 to 400 pounds per square — eliminating the need for structural reinforcement on most standard-framed homes. The weight savings alone make synthetic slate accessible to a much wider range of properties. Modern synthetic slate products have become remarkably convincing. From street level, it is difficult to distinguish premium synthetic slate from the real thing. They offer Class 4 impact resistance, wind ratings up to 110 mph, and warranties of 30 to 50 years. Installation is also more forgiving than natural slate, which helps keep labor costs down. The trade-off is lifespan: synthetic slate lasts decades, not centuries, and lacks the irreplaceable character that natural stone develops over time. Still, for homeowners who want the slate aesthetic without the structural demands of natural stone, synthetic slate delivers strong value.

Clay tile roofing has been a staple of Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Mission-style architecture for thousands of years. Made from natural clay fired at high temperatures, clay tiles are exceptionally durable, fireproof, and resistant to rot, insects, and color fading. A well-maintained clay tile roof can last 75 to 100 years or longer. Clay tiles are available in a range of profiles — barrel (half-round), flat, S-shaped, and interlocking — each creating a distinctive roofline. Their natural thermal mass helps regulate building temperature by absorbing heat slowly during the day and releasing it at night. Like slate, clay tiles are heavy (900 to 1,200 pounds per square) and require structural verification. They are also more brittle than some other materials, making them vulnerable to breakage from foot traffic or falling tree limbs. In Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw climate, only frost-resistant clay tiles rated for northern weather should be used. Our roofing types page covers product options in detail.

Concrete tile roofing offers many of the aesthetic benefits of clay tile at a lower price point. Made from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and iron oxide pigments, concrete tiles can be molded into virtually any profile — flat, barrel, shake, and slate styles are all widely available. Concrete tiles weigh roughly the same as clay (900 to 1,100 pounds per square) and share similar structural requirements. One advantage of concrete over clay is versatility in color and finish. Concrete tiles can be manufactured in a wider range of colors, including options that mimic weathered slate, aged cedar, and traditional clay in hues not found in natural clay. Lifespan is typically 40 to 60 years — shorter than clay or slate, but substantially longer than asphalt shingles. Concrete tiles are generally more resistant to breakage than clay during installation and maintenance. Our roofing types page provides full product and pricing information.

Slate roof repair and tile roof repair are among the most in-demand specialty roofing services in the Green Bay area. Many existing slate and tile roofs in Northeast Wisconsin are 50 to 100+ years old, and while the materials themselves may have decades of life remaining, individual components can fail and require expert attention. Pierce Roofing has repaired and restored slate and tile roofs throughout Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties, including historic homes where preserving the original roofing character is essential. Common repair and restoration needs include:

• Matching replacement tiles and slates: Finding materials that match the color, thickness, and profile of existing slates or tiles is critical for both weatherproofing and appearance. Pierce Roofing maintains a network of salvage sources and specialty suppliers for hard-to-find materials.
• Flashing repair and replacement: The copper, lead, or galvanized flashing around chimneys, valleys, and dormers is often the first component to fail on an older slate or tile roof. Replacing worn flashing without disturbing surrounding tiles requires careful technique.
• Mortar re-pointing: On tile roofs with mortared ridge and hip caps, the mortar joints deteriorate over time and must be cleaned out and re-pointed to prevent water infiltration.
• Structural reinforcement: After decades of supporting heavy roofing materials, some roof structures develop sagging, cracked rafters, or weakened decking. We assess structural integrity and coordinate reinforcement when needed.
• Underlayment replacement: Even when slates or tiles are in good condition, the underlayment beneath them can degrade. On older roofs, we can selectively replace underlayment sections without a full tear-off.

For a comprehensive look at our repair capabilities, visit our slate roofing service page, or explore the full roofing types comparison.

Choosing between slate vs tile — and between natural and manufactured versions of each — comes down to your priorities, budget, and your home’s structural capacity. Natural slate and clay tile offer unmatched longevity (75–150 years) but demand structural support and specialized installation. Synthetic slate and concrete tile provide much of the same visual impact at lower cost and weight, with lifespans of 30 to 60 years. For homeowners with existing slate or tile roofs, repair and restoration almost always make more financial sense than replacement — these materials are designed to last, and targeted maintenance extends their life dramatically. Pierce Roofing evaluates every slate and tile project individually, recommending the approach that protects your home and your investment. Call (920) 609-8304 for a free consultation.