Tile roofs last a lifetime and come in a range of styles and materials, giving buyers options from affordable to high-end. Tile roofs cost between $8,202–$24,645, including installation. Our guide covers what to consider before making a purchase.
A roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and provides structural support that keeps your home together. Though there are many types of roof materials, tile is an excellent option for homeowners looking for great weather protection and durability.
Find Expert Help
- Use our expert research to learn more about your project
- Enter your ZIP code and tell us about your home
- Match with local experts who can meet your needs
Get Your Roofing Project Quote Today
Compare quotes from local pros
What Is the Average Cost of a Tile Roof?
An average tile roof costs $16,000. It is typically more expensive than a traditional asphalt shingle roof. Below are the main factors that affect the average price.
- Labor: Labor is one of the most significant roofing expenses. Contractors will consider your roof size, height, and angle when calculating costs. You’ll likely pay more if you have a complex roof design that requires a special approach.
- Roofing Material: Some types of tile are more expensive than others due to their durability and installation complexity.
- Style: The tile style you choose affects labor and long-term maintenance costs. Certain tiles are better at managing water runoff and preventing mold buildup. This tiling will cost more but can save you money in the long run.
Cost by Square Foot
Here’s an overview of estimated tile roof costs based on your roof’s size. The material and installation costs are separate expenses.
| Roof Square Footage | Total Material Cost | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | $3,000–$15,000 | $12,000–$37,500 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$20,000 | $16,000–$50,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000–$25,000 | $20,000–$62,500 |
| 3,000 | $6,000–$30,000 | $24,000–$75,000 |
Cost by Style of Tiles
Here are the average costs of each tile style.
| Style | Installation Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Barrel | $10–$13 |
| Flat | $8–$9 |
| French | $9–$11 |
| Interlocking | $3–$5 |
| Mission | $9–$11 |
| Pantile | $8–$10 |
| Riviera | $9–$11 |
| Spanish-style | $8–$10 |
- Barrel Tile: Barrel tiles’ timeless look makes them a good investment. However, their semicircle design makes the installation process tricky, increasing labor costs.
- Flat Tile: Flat tiles are some of the easiest and most affordable to install. They have a basic look that matches most homes’ aesthetics.
- French Tile: French tiles have indentations that help maximize water runoff. They’re a bit more expensive than other tiles but a great option for areas with heavy rain.
- Interlocking: These tiles overlap and interlock on the side, making installation easy and affordable.
- Mission: Also known as “Double Roman,” these tiles have a distinct shape that is perfect for a Mediterranean look. However, their unique shape makes installation challenging.
- Pantile: Pantiles have a rippled look due to their “S” shape, which can be a good option for controlling water runoff.
- Riviera: Riviera tiles have a flattened bump, giving them a dramatic shaded look. Unfortunately, they can be hard to source, increasing the price.
- Spanish: Spanish tiles, sometimes called Mediterranean tiles, are ideal for regions with heavy rain. However, they’re extremely delicate and must be handled with care, which can lengthen the installation time.
Cost by Type of Tiles
Looking at the different tile types shows an overview of the various types of roofing materials and their costs.
| Type | Material Cost per Sq. Ft. | Installed Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Clay | $3–$7 | $8–$22 |
| Composite | $7–$11 | $12–$26 |
| Concrete | $2–$4 | $7–$19 |
| Metal | $6–$15 | $11–$30 |
| Slate | $5–$30 | $10–$45 |
| Terracotta | $5–$10 | $10–$25 |
Clay
Clay roof tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Though more expensive than other materials, they’re incredibly durable and require little maintenance.
A clay tile roof’s life expectancy is 100 years when properly installed.
Composite
Composite tiles come in a wide range of shapes and finishes.
They’re lightweight, eco-friendly, and last around 50 years.
The tiles can be expensive, but they’re easy to install, reducing labor costs.
Concrete
Concrete tiles are one of the most affordable options.
Concrete tile roofing can last up to 50 years if well-maintained.
However, they’re heavy and less water-resistant than other materials, making them susceptible to mold.
Metal
Metal roof tiles are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and last 50–70 years.
Metal roofing costs can be higher than for other roof types since installation can be complicated.
Slate
Slate tile roofing is one of the longest-lasting tiles. Hard slate tiles can last up to 200 years, while soft slate lasts about 125 years.
However, both types are heavy and usually require additional roofing support, increasing installation costs.
Terracotta
Terracotta tiles are incredibly durable, lasting up to 100 years, depending on your region.
They’re great at resisting heat but don’t hold up well in colder environments.
How to Quickly Calculate the Estimated Replacement Cost of Your Tile Roof
1. Take the square footage of your home
2. Multiply it by pitch multiplier for a typical roof of 1.12
3. This gives you the estimated square footage of your roof
4. Multiply this by the average cost per square foot of a tile roof of $9
5. This gives you an estimated cost of what you would pay for a new tile roof
What Are Factors That Affect Tile Roofing Cost?
Tile style, type, and installation difficulty have the most significant impacts. We’ve outlined a few other things to consider when budgeting for your new tile roof.
Boots and Vents
Roofs often have pipes or vents to expel waste from plumbing and ventilation systems. The collar on the bottom of the vent is called a boot, and it keeps water from infiltrating the roof. When replacing your roof, you’ll likely need to replace existing boots or vents, which can increase costs.
Color Selection
One perk of tile roofing is that it can be colored to match your home’s aesthetic. Adding color can increase the cost by $0.50–$5 per square foot.
Old Roof Removal
You’ll have to pay to remove your old roof before installing your new one. It costs $1–$6 per square foot, plus dumpster rental costs.
Replace Tiles vs. New Roof
Tile roofs are known for their durability. You can save a lot of money by replacing a small number of tiles instead of incurring the cost of a new roof installation. However, you may need to replace your roof rather than repair it if there’s damage underneath the tiles.
Reinforcement
Certain tile types can be very heavy. If you install slate or concrete tile roofs where lighter materials used to be, you’ll need to reinforce parts of your roof, increasing costs.
Tile Roof Underlayment
All roofs need underlayment for additional weatherproofing and protection. Your installer will determine the amount of underlayment needed based on your roof’s slope and selected tile type. The underlayment typically costs $0.50–$2 per square foot.
Get Your Roofing Project Quote Today
Compare quotes from local pros
How Does Tile Roofing Compare to Other Roofing Material?
Though there are several factors to consider when choosing a new roof material, two of the most important are the overall cost and projected life span of each material. Learn how tile roofing compares to other roofing material options by gauging both of these factors.
Asphalt Shingles
Basic, three-tab shingles are the cheapest and most common option, beginning at $4.25 per square foot and going up to $8.25. Asphalt shingles can be made from a variety of materials. Fiberglass shingles are less expensive, while composite shingles made from recycled material are costlier.
Aluminum Shingles
Aluminum is a step up from asphalt but not as pricey as tile or other metal options and is seen as an inexpensive metal roofing option. It is fairly resistant to saltwater corrosion. It ranges from $6.50-$21 a square foot when installed.
Cedar Shingles or Shakes
Cedar shingles and shakes are some of the most common types of wooden roofing material.
Cedar shake roof cost is comparable to wood shingles and shakes that can also be made from spruce, redwood, pine, or other coniferous trees. Wooden roofs typically cost $6.53–$9.90 per square foot.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay tile roofing is one of the oldest roofing materials. It’s eco-friendly, extremely durable, fire-resistant, and has great thermal properties, making it advantageous in hot climates or areas where wildfires are common.
The cost of tile roofing is $5.90–$14.68 per square foot.
Copper Tiles
Copper roofing is extremely durable, lightweight, and is one of the most unique-looking roofing options ranging from $20-$40 per square foot installed.
Flat Roofing
Ethylene propylene diene terpolyme (EPDM) roofing is a type of synthetic rubber.
It’s cheaper than many materials at $5.50–$7.50, but the labor to replace them usually costs more.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are not as common as they once were but are considered one of the most durable and trustworthy roofing materials, with a lifespan that can stretch from 75 – 150 years.
They are not for everyone though, with a high cost of $7.56–$18.70 per square foot and can be too heavy for some roofs.
Standing Seam Metal Panels
Standing seam panels are a metal roof option that will cost you considerably more than corrugated metal.
Steel Shingles
Similar to aluminum, stainless steel shingles are more expensive than asphalt but mid-range for metal options.
They range from $7 – $20 depending on the quality of steal used.
Zinc Tiles
Zinc tiles are the second-most expensive metal roofing option because they’re less available and one of the most corrosion-resistant roofing material.
The price of zinc tiles ranges from $14.50-$21 per square foot when installed.
| Material | Cost per sq. ft | Life span in Years | Cost Per Year of Use* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $2.08–$3.50 | 20–30 | $220 |
| Built-up Roofing (BUR) | $3.42–$4.90 | 15–30 | $370 |
| Clay Tiles | $5.90–$14.68 | 50–100 | $275 |
| Concrete Roofing | $5.16–$8.60 | 50 | $275 |
| Green Roofing | $10–$28 | 40 | $950 |
| Metal Roofing | $9–$14.60 | 40–70 | $430 |
| Slate Roofing | $7.56–$18.70 | 75–200 | $190 |
| Solar Roofing | $16.10–$20.85 | 25–30** | $1,350 |
| Wood Roofing | $6.53–$9.90 | 15–30 | $730 |
*Cost per Year of Use is an estimate for how much each roofing material costs for a 2,000 sp. ft roof for each year of its life span and is meant to help show the potential value of each option.
**Solar roofing life span is a general estimate due to the technology only being 10 years old.
- Your roof’s life span may vary depending on how well you maintain it and various weather and locational conditions. If not maintained properly, your roof may need replacement sooner rather than later.
Can You Install a Tile Roof Yourself?
You may be tempted to save money by installing a tile roof yourself. However, this can be dangerous and is best left to professionals. We’ve detailed why below.
Professional Tile Roof Installation
The extensive knowledge professional roofing installers have of the different parts of a roof structure helps with proper installation. They know how to maneuver heavy materials while standing on a roof, install underlayment and flashing to waterproof your home, and avoid breaking any tiles.
Roofing contractors can also ensure your roof installation is structurally sound. They’ll know how to correct an issue if something goes wrong. Most of all, you’ll have peace of mind that your roof has been installed correctly and will last as long as possible.
DIY Tile Installation
Do-it-yourself (DIY) roof installation or replacement isn’t recommended. When replacing tiles, a roofer will inspect the underlayment to see if it needs replacement. They’ll also check to ensure you don’t have mold or other structural issues. Hiring a professional saves you from the danger of climbing and standing on a precarious roof.
What Are Signs That You Need to Replace Your Tile Roof?
Replacing your roof can be costly, but it may be necessary. Here are some signs to look out for.
- Cracked tiles: Cracked tiles can be replaced, but waiting to do so can lead to long-term damage. Many cracked tiles may be a sign that your roof is getting old.
- Discoloration: Discoloration and algae buildup on roof tiles means you may need to remove moss from the roof. Left unmanaged, algae can eat away at your roof and cause severe damage.
- Interior staining: Staining on the interior ceiling likely signifies the need for emergency roof leak repair. It’s best to investigate this quickly, as holding off could cause more damage.
- Water seeping: Water can seep underneath improperly installed tiles. Noticing this may indicate that your roof is old or was installed improperly and requires replacement.
How Can You Save Money on Tile Roof Costs?
Some expenses are unavoidable if you need to replace your roof, but there are a few ways to save on overall roof replacement costs.
- Consider material: Natural tile materials such as slate, clay, and concrete can be appealing, but they’re heavy and require additional support. Choose a lighter material, such as composite or metal, to cut total costs.
- Don’t make custom upgrades: Tile roofing is highly customizable, but adding special-order designs and materials will add to your expenses.
- Style selection: Choosing an easy-to-install tile will save on installation costs. Time saved equals money in your pocket.
Get Your Roofing Project Quote Today
Compare quotes from local pros
Are Tile Roofs Worth It?
Tile roofing is an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and durable option great for protecting your home long-term. Hiring professional roofers is crucial to ensure your roofing is installed properly and lasts as long as possible.
Research various contractors in your area and request multiple estimates. Use our tool below to get matched with local contractors.
FAQs About Tile Roof Cost
Do tile roofs keep your house cooler?
Clay and cement tiles can keep your house cool because they have thermal properties that emit heat back into the air rather than absorbing it into your home, like asphalt shingles.
Are tiles a better investment than shingles?
Shingle roofs are quicker and easier to install than tile roofs. However, tile roofs last almost twice as long as shingle roofs, making a better long-term investment showing how long a roof can last.
How do tile roofs perform in different climates?
Tile roofs perform exceptionally well in warm, rainy climates. They don’t stand up well in areas that freeze and thaw because the temperature change can affect the tiles’ structure and cause them to crack.
Are tiles more expensive than shingles?
Tiles are more expensive than shingles, but the benefits of tile roofs can save you money long-term.