Slate, cedar shake and specialty roofs in Fort Wayne
Slate roof repairs in Fort Wayne usually run $786 to $3,252, and a new slate roof $4,389 to $22,377. We work on the slate, cedar shake and tile roofs on the city's older houses, from a few cracked pieces to a whole new roof.
Fix the slate first
A slate roof with a handful of cracked or slipped pieces usually needs only a repair. Each broken slate comes out with a slate ripper, and a matching one goes in on a copper hook or a hidden nail. When we can't find salvaged slate in the same color, we bring new stone as close as we can get.
Most slate roofs fail at the metal before the stone. Valleys, chimney flashing and ridge caps rust through long before good slate wears out, and replacing that metal with copper is often the job that buys the roof decades more.
Do not walk on a slate roof. Slates crack underfoot, so we work from roof ladders and hooks, and we ask satellite installers and gutter cleaners to stay off.
Cedar shakes
Cedar shakes are split or sawn wood, thicker and rougher than cedar shingles. They weather from honey-brown to silver-gray, and they need air under them to dry between rains. We fasten new shakes with stainless nails, since plain steel stains the wood and rusts out early. A cedar roof that's mostly sound can have its broken and split shakes replaced one at a time.
What slate, cedar and specialty roofs cost
These roofs cost more than shingles because the material is heavy or slow to install and fewer crews do the work. National averages:
| Roof | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Slate repair | $786 to $3,252, about $2,014 |
| New slate roof | $4,389 to $22,377, about $13,348 |
| Cedar shake roof | $15,800 to $30,000, about $21,000 |
| Clay or concrete tile roof | $19,000 to $35,000, about $27,000 |
| Green (planted) roof | $10,000 to $25,000, about $18,000 |
| Copper roof | $45,000 to $90,000, about $55,000 |
Tile, copper and planted roofs are rare on Fort Wayne houses, and we price them one at a time. Copper shows up more often as flashing, valleys and bay-window tops than as a whole roof.
Fort Wayne's historic districts
If your house is in one of Fort Wayne's local historic districts, such as West Central, Williams-Woodland Park, Shawnee Place or Columbia Avenue, roofing you can see from the street needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before work starts. The application is free. The commission adopted a policy for metal roofs in those districts in 2024, and it has turned down solar panels that would cover whole roof faces. Ask us before you pick a material, and you can check an address on the county's iMap "Local Historic Districts" layer.
Slate and cedar questions
Should I repair or replace my slate roof?
Repair it if the stone is sound and only some pieces and the flashing have failed. If slates crumble at the edges, flake in layers or break when you press on them, the stone itself is wearing out and a new roof is the better money.
Can you match my old slate?
Usually close. We look for salvaged slate of the same color and size first, then new stone. On a front slope we'll show you a sample before we start.
Can a slate roof be replaced with shingles?
Outside a local historic district, yes, as long as the old slate comes off first. Inside a district, the Historic Preservation Commission decides, so we start with its approval.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
It depends on the grade of wood and how well it dries. Shakes in shade that stay damp go first, so we look at moss, cupping and splits rather than age alone.
What the quote usually covers
Usually included
- Broken slates swapped with matching salvage or new stone
- Copper flashing that lasts as long as the slate
- Cedar shakes fastened with stainless nails
- Roof ladders and hooks so nobody walks on the slate
Often priced separately
- Copper valleys and gutters
- Chimney reflashing
- Snow guards on slate
Confirm both lists in your written quote.
Book your free roof inspection
Three quick questions. Then here's what happens:
- We call you backTo hear what's going on and pick a time to come out.
- We go up and take photosYou see the same pictures we use to price the job.
- You get one written priceMaterials, flashing, decking and clean-up, all listed.
Other services
Let's take a look at your roof
Call us or send three quick answers. We'll get up there, show you the photos and write you one price.