Slate roofing installation, inspection and repair by conrad Roofing
Since 1947, Conrad Roofing has been a trusted name in high-quality slate roofing in Chicago. Whether you're preserving a historic church, renovating a classic estate, or investing in a long-lasting solution for a commercial property, our slate roofing services deliver the timeless elegance and durability you expect from true craftsmanship.
With over seven decades of experience, we specialize in both natural slate and advanced ready slate systems—each offering distinct benefits. We take pride in helping our clients make informed decisions tailored to their property, climate, and architectural style.
Why choose Conrad Roofing for your slate roofing project?
Experience you can trust.
With more than 75 years of hands-on roofing expertise, Conrad Roofing has completed tens of thousands of square feet of slate roof installations, restorations, and repairs across the region. Our portfolio includes private residences, commercial buildings, historic churches, and landmark institutions.
Masterful attention to detail.
Slate roofing demands skill, precision, and patience. Our team is highly trained in slate application techniques, ensuring a seamless installation that not only protects but enhances the beauty and integrity of your structure.
Customized solutions
We offer both traditional natural slate and ready slate roofing materials to suit different project needs:
Natural slate roofing
delivers unmatched durability and authentic charm. Quarried stone tiles can last well over 100 years and provide a distinctive, high-end appearance.
Ready slate systems
offer a lighter, more affordable alternative. Designed for easier installation, ready slate combines the look of real slate with modern performance benefits and reduced structural load.
Slate Roofing
Know the Pros and Cons
Weaknesses
Cost
Relative to other common roofing types, slate is expensive. That’s due in part to the use of natural materials, but it’s also due to the higher weight and complexity of installation.
not the best look for any home
Slate roofs have a very distinct look that won’t be the right esthetic fit on all homes. That’s especially true of very modern-looking homes.
Repairs
Repairs won’t be needed often, but they tend to be more complex than on other types of roofs. What’s more, an inexperienced contractor could cause more damage than they fix — by, for instance, walking on your slate roof.
Strengths
Beauty
Most roofing types are uniform, and as they age they simply look worn and tired. Slate is different. Each piece of slate ages slightly differently, giving your roof beauty when it’s installed and character as it ages.
Resale Value
That beauty and durability is a great selling point should you decide to move. It also means you’re more likely to recoup your investment.
Variety
There are many ways to design, pattern, and build a slate roof. That means you can find a configuration that meshes perfectly with your personal style and your home’s architecture.
Long-Term Savings
Let’s be honest. Even if you have exceptional genetics, your slate roof will probably be there long after you’re gone. The higher upfront cost we mentioned earlier is balanced out by the fact that you could go through four to ten traditional roofs — or more — over the lifetime of a slate roof.
Durability
That long-term beauty is important, especially since a slate roof can last from 75-200 years depending on the slate used. That’s three times as long as an asphalt roof, and even longer than a metal roof. What’s more, as Bankrate notes, it has insurance benefits too because of a higher degree of fire and wind resistance.
Slate roofing for historic and architectural restoration
Slate roofing plays a vital role in preserving the architectural character of historic buildings. At Conrad Roofing, we understand the importance of maintaining both aesthetic integrity and structural soundness. Our restoration work frequently includes:
Authentic slate tile replacement
Historical cornice restoration
Custom metal flashings and snow guards
Reproduction of original roofing profiles through our in house fabrication shop – we can match any profile or design detail
Our skilled craftsmen work closely with architects, historical societies, and property owners to ensure all work complies with preservation guidelines.
Who we serve
Homeowners
seeking premium, long-lasting roofing solutions that elevate property value
Commercial property owners
wanting architectural distinction with low-maintenance performance
Historic property stewards
requiring preservation-compliant roofing and restoration services
Religious Organizations
requiring specialized artisanal roofing and restoration services
Explore our slate roofing portfolio
From landmark churches to private estates and municipal buildings, our slate roofing projects speak for themselves. Visit our Builds Gallery to see how Conrad Roofing brings beauty and durability together, one tile at a time.
Slate Roof Types
If you’re new to slate roofing, you might be expecting something that looks like your typical asphalt roof, but with a bit more texture. The reality is a bit more complex than that since there are two big considerations when it comes to choosing and building a slate roof.
Slate Roof Colors
There’s a wide variety of slate types, each with its own characteristics. The two we look at most often are hardness and color. Soft slate can last for about 75-100 years, while hard slate can last twice as long — or longer. Slate also varies in color depending on where it’s quarried, and changes in color as it ages and weathers. We’ll discuss your options in advance of your installation.
Slate Roof Construction
The other variable is how the roof itself is constructed. This has to do with the layout of the colors — you may choose to have a uniform color, or pick a pattern, or simply randomize colors throughout the grid for variety’s sake.
Other factors, like cut and thickness of each piece, come into play as well. While the vertical joints are staggered the same as you’d find in a brick wall, there’s a bit of flexibility in terms of the way the tiles are cut and laid out horizontally. Here again, we’ll go over your choices so you can find the right fit.
We love slate roofs, but we’re aware they’re not for everyone. If you’re weighing your options, it helps to contact an expert, like Conrad Roofing.
Ready to discuss your options?
Synthetic slate roofing with timeless appeal and unmatched durability
Since 1947, Conrad Roofing has been a trusted name in high-quality roofing craftsmanship. We now proudly offer expert installation of synthetic slate roofing tiles—delivering the elegance of natural slate without the heavy weight, high cost, or ongoing maintenance.
Whether you're a homeowner upgrading your forever home, a property manager overseeing a commercial building, or a church preserving historic architecture, our synthetic slate roofing services provide a beautiful, long-lasting solution you can count on.
Why choose synthetic slate roofing from Conrad Roofing?
Synthetic Slate tiles offer the rich texture and color of quarried slate with superior performance. Unlike traditional slate, which is brittle and heavy, synthetic Slate tiles are made from recycled composite materials, offering exceptional durability, impact resistance, and color longevity.
At Conrad Roofing, we combine these innovative materials with over 75 years of roofing expertise. Every installation is handled with meticulous attention to detail—just as it has been since the day we opened our doors.
Benefits of synthetic Slate tiles:
Authentic 1" slate profile for a classic, dimensional look
Class 4 impact-rated and available with Class A or C fire rating
Sustainable, made from recycled materials
Color-fade resistant
Custom colors and blends available
Lightweight and suitable for most existing roof structures
Conrad’s legacy of craftsmanship meets modern technology
Conrad Roofing’s long-standing reputation is built on precision, honesty, and pride in our workmanship. We don’t just install roofs—we build lasting trust with each client.
Our synthetic slate roofing projects include:
High-end residential homes seeking the look of natural slate without structural upgrades
Commercial properties requiring low-maintenance, durable roofing solutions
Historic preservation work on churches and landmarks
Expert synthetic slate roofing installation in Chicagoland and beyond
Proper installation is key to maximizing the benefits of synthetic slate roofing. Our experienced crews understand how to install synthetic Slate tiles with care and precision—down to every nail, seal, and flashing detail.
Conrad Roofing services homeowners, property owners, and institutions throughout the greater Chicago area, offering:
Full roof replacement with synthetic slate
Custom color consultations and architectural planning
Repair and restoration for older slate-style roofs
Warrantied installations
Built to last. Designed to inspire.
A synthetic Slate roof by Conrad Roofing isn't just a protective layer—it's a long-term investment in beauty, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. With the charm of old world craftsmanship and the innovation of composite technology, it's the smart alternative to natural slate.
Frequently asked questions about Synthetic slate roofing
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Yes. Because synthetic slate tiles are significantly lighter than natural slate, they are ideal for historic structures that can’t support the added weight of quarried stone.
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Synthetic slate tiles come with a 50-year limited transferable warranty and are engineered to endure decades of weather exposure without cracking, fading, or warping.
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We offer a wide range of color options, including custom blends. The process ensures vibrant, fade-resistant hues that mimic natural slate variations.
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Synthetic Slate tiles are Class 4 impact rated, which is the highest industry standard for hail resistance. They also offer Class A or C fire ratings for added protection.
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Yes! We can offer a virtual remodeler tool to preview different color options on your home. Or schedule a consultation with us to receive samples and personalized recommendations.
Ready for a timeless roof that performs for generations?
Trust Conrad Roofing—Chicagoland’s synthetic slate roofing experts since 1947. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our craftsmanship and cutting-edge materials can transform your property.