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.

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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

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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.

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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

Composite

Concrete

Metal

Slate

Terracotta

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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

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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.

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How Does Tile Roofing Compare to Other Roofing Material?

Though there are several factors to consider when choosing a new roof, 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

Aluminum Shingles

Cedar Shingles or Shakes

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Copper Tiles

Flat Roofing

Slate Tiles

Standing Seam Metal Panels

Steel Shingles

Zinc Tiles

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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