A tile roof costs $8,202–$24,645 or more, depending on the tile type you choose, your home’s roof size, and your local labor rates. This type of roofing material delivers long-lasting performance and comes in a wide range of styles that can fit various budgets. Our guide goes over the typical costs involved in installation and what to consider before you choose a tile roof. We also included insights from John Dybas, a roofing contractor featured on This Old House’s television series.
Key Takeaways
- Tile roofs cost between $8,202 and $24,645 including installation, with an average cost of $16,000 for a complete roof replacement.
- Concrete tiles are the most affordable option at $2–$4 per square foot for materials, while slate tiles are the most expensive at $5–$30 per square foot.
- Slate tiles offer the longest lifespan at up to 200 years for hard slate, while clay and terracotta tiles last up to 100 years with proper installation.
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What Is the Average Cost of a Tile Roof?
A tile roof costs $16,000 on average. 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.
Pro Tip
- If your home already has tile roofing with structurally sound tiles, chances are you can restore it rather than replace it with new tiles, says Dybas.
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 Size | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 square feet | $3,000–$15,000 | $12,000–$37,500 |
| 2,000 square feet | $4,000–$20,000 | $16,000–$50,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $5,000–$25,000 | $20,000–$62,500 |
| 3,000 square feet | $6,000–$30,000 | $24,000–$75,000 |
Homeowner Insights
In 2026, we surveyed 1,000 homeowners who recently replaced their roofs and found that 22% had installed tile roofing. Of those homeowners, nearly 50% spent $10,000 or more.
Cost by Style of Tiles
The table below shows the average cost of different styles of tile roofs per square foot of material.
| Tile Style | Installation Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel | $10–$13 | $12 |
| Flat | $8–$9 | $9 |
| French | $9–$11 | $10 |
| Interlocking | $3–$5 | $4 |
| Mission | $9–$11 | $10 |
| Pantile | $8–$10 | $9 |
| Riviera | $9–$11 | $10 |
| Spanish-style | $8–$10 | $9 |
Learn more about each type of tile, including aesthetics and installation, below.
- Barrel tile: Barrel tiles offer a timeless look. 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.
Pro Tip
- Spanish tiles require mortar-set installation for proper installation, says Dybas. Installers must wet the tiles before installation to ensure the mortar sets correctly. Otherwise, they can break off the mortar once it dries.
Cost by Type of Tiles
Looking at the different tile types shows an overview of the various types of roofing materials and their costs per square foot.
| Type of Tile | Material Cost | Cost with Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Learn more about each type of tile, and see pictures to get a better idea of what they look like, below.
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.
Homeowner Insights
Nearly 10% of homeowners in our 2026 survey installed concrete tiles, making it the most popular tile material. Clay tiles followed at 8% of homeowners.
Factors That Affect Tile Roofing Costs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pro Tip
- Dybas recommends polypropylene underlayment if you live in hot climates with constant sun, as this material won’t deteriorate from exposure to heat cycles.
How To Quickly Calculate the Cost of a Tile Roof
If you’re looking to calculate how much a tile roof replacement could cost before getting formal estimates, here’s a quick way to do the math:
- Multiply the square footage of your home by the roof’s pitch multiplier. If you don’t know the pitch multiplier, you can use the typical measurement of 1.12. This gives you the estimated square footage of your roof.
- Multiply your roof’s square footage by the average cost per square foot of your preferred tile. For an average cost, you can use $9. This gives you an estimated cost of what you would pay for a new tile roof.
You can also use our roofing calculator for an estimate.
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Comparing Tile to Other Roofing Materials
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 roofing option, ranging from $4.25–$8.25 per square foot. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of materials, like less expensive fiberglass options and more costly composite shingles.
Aluminum Shingles
Aluminum is a step up from asphalt but not as pricey as tile or other metal roofing options. It’s also fairly resistant to saltwater corrosion. Costs range from $6.50–$21 per square foot when installed.
Cedar Shingles or Shakes
Cedar shingles and shakes are some of the most common types of wooden roofing material.
The cost of a cedar shake roof is comparable to wood shingles and shakes 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 is one of the oldest roofing materials. It’s eco-friendly, durable, fire-resistant, and has great thermal properties, making it advantageous in hot climates or areas with wildfires. 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. Costs range 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 per square foot, but the labor to replace this material usually costs more.
Slate Tiles
Slate tile is one of the most durable and trustworthy roofing materials, with a lifespan that can stretch upwards of 150 years. However, they come with a high cost of $7.56–$18.70 per square foot and may weigh too much 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 fall mid-range for metal options at $7–$20. Costs largely depend on the quality of steal used.
Zinc Tiles
Zinc tiles are the second-most expensive metal roofing option because they’re less common and one of the most corrosion-resistant roofing material. The price ranges from $14.50–$21 per square foot when installed.
Homeowner Insights
About 47% of our 2026 survey respondents chose asphalt shingles as their replacement roofing material. Metal roofing was the second most popular option. Concrete tiles were third overall.
Can You Install a Tile Roof Yourself?
You may feel tempted to save money by installing a tile roof yourself. However, this can become dangerous and is best left to professionals. We explain why below.
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.
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.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Tile Roof
Replacing your roof is often costly, but the work you need done will depend on the signs of damage. Here’s a list of signs to look out for to know when you might need a roof replacement.
- Cracked tiles: You can have cracked tiles 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 To Save 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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Is a Tile Roof 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 Costs
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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