How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost? (2023 Guide)

Tile roofs are often considered one of the best types of roofs. They have a unique, striking appearance and are incredibly sturdy and versatile, often lasting more than 100 years. Unfortunately, tile roofs are expensive, starting at around $15,000 and often exceeding $20,000.* We’ve detailed the various factors that affect tile roof costs below.

*Cost figures in this article are based on 2023 reports from Angi, First American Roofing and Siding, and the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association.

We averaged prices from various 2023 home improvement reports and found that tile roofs can cost anywhere from $15,734 to $55,715. Most homeowners pay around $24,667 to install a tile roof on a 2,000-square-foot home. Roofers calculate tile roof cost based on your roof size and selected material. They typically charge $2 to $23 per square foot. 

Cost by Tile Roof Material

Material has a big impact on the cost of a tile roof. We’ve detailed common tile roof materials and their average costs per square foot below.

• Clay tiles ($9 to $21 per square foot): Clay roof tiles come in various 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 over 100 years.
• Composite tiles ($10 to $22 per square foot): Composite tiles use a mixture of asphalt, plastic, laminate, and wood to create a long-lasting roof with a life span of 30 to 50 years. Though composite tiles are durable, extreme weather can peel them back or chip or crack them. This can cause leaks if not fixed quickly.
• Concrete tiles ($2 to $20 per square foot): Concrete tiles are a more affordable tile roof material. They last up to 50 years if properly maintained. However, they’re incredibly heavy and may require additional support, increasing the project’s cost. They’re also less water-resistant than other materials like clay, making them susceptible to mold.
• Metal sheets/tiles ($9 to $23 per square foot): Metal roofs are low-maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient. Most metal roofs use metal sheets, which cover roughly 100 square feet, but some roofers offer metal tiles.
• Terracotta tiles ($9 to $23 per square foot): Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay that a manufacturer fires at a high temperature to fuse into single tiles. Terracotta tiles are low-maintenance and sturdy, lasting 100 years or more. They’re also fireproof, eco-friendly, and attractive.

Cost by Tile Style

Tile roofs come in various styles, each with a different cost, texture, and appearance. Simple and flat styles are on the low end of the cost spectrum while Roman tiles are on the high end. We’ve detailed the most popular styles and their average costs below:

• French tiles ($9 to $11 per square foot): Also called profile tiles, French tiles feature indents that direct water runoff into your gutters. These tiles are a bit more expensive than others, but they’re an excellent option for areas with heavy rain.
• Interlocking tiles ($9 to $11 per square foot): These tiles connect using side joints and are either granular or smooth in appearance. The interlocking design makes tile roof replacement relatively straightforward and provides a classic look. Many interlocking tiles also come in stone-coated metal for a more unique roof.
• Mission tiles ($9 to $11 per square foot): Also called double Roman tiles, mission tiles have a distinct pattern that mimics the appearance of Mediterranean roofs. You can also use them as ridge caps, which cover the roof along its ridgeline. However, mission tiles are more challenging to install than other options, increasing your total cost.
• Pantile tiles ($8 to $10 per square foot): This is an S-shaped, single-lap roof tile made out of a fired clay such as terracotta. The single-lap design features a bottom edge that only overlaps the row directly below it, providing a rippling look. Pantile tiles come in many patterns but have higher profiles and are extremely fragile, making them more damage-prone. 
• Riviera tiles ($9 to $11 per square foot): Riviera tiles look similar to mission tiles but are more intricate, rigid, and flat. They create a symmetrical roof with deep shadows but are often difficult to access.They’re also prone to cracking and slipping, so they have higher routine maintenance costs. 
• Roman tiles ($9 to $12 per square foot): Roman tiles have flat pans and round caps. You can choose single or double curves that look like Spanish S-shaped tiles. Roman tiles are versatile and come in many different heights and styles, but the higher their profile, the more fragile they are.
• Scandinavian tiles ($11 to $14 per square foot): These tiles have a scalloped shape and curve downward rather than up. This creates a European look often found in Scandinavian homes. Though Scandinavian tiles add a ton of character, they’re difficult to source and thus expensive.
• Spanish tiles ($8 to $10 per square foot): Spanish tiles, also called Mediterranean tiles, are ideal for regions with heavy rain. However, they’re incredibly fragile and must be handled carefully. This makes installation take longer, increasing the project’s total cost.

Beyond your roof’s size, tile style, and material, here are some other factors to consider when budgeting for tile roof installation. 

Labor 

You’ll want a professional roofer to handle tile roof installation. Roofers charge anywhere from $45 to $75 per hour. Labor costs increase if you have a steep slope or unusual roof style because installation is more dangerous and takes longer to complete correctly.

Location

Installation costs are higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Local weather can also affect your price, as you may need certain roofing materials to deal with specific climate trends. For example, a roofing job will cost more in an area that experiences severe weather because it requires better materials and more precision. Similarly, places that experience heavy rain or snowfall will require heavy-duty waterproof roofing.

Roof Removal or Repair

Tile roof installation often requires removing your existing roof, whether it’s tile or another material. Roof removal costs around $1 to $5 per square foot. The price varies among roofing contractors, so ask about removal costs when you receive a quote.

In some cases, you can save money by repairing an existing tile roof instead of installing a new one. Tile roof repair costs $4 to $9 per square foot for minimal damage. Again, costs vary among contractors, so ask your roofer how they calculate their pricing. 

Structural Reinforcement

Certain tile types, such as concrete and clay, are heavy and may require reinforcement, increasing your total cost. Hiring a structural engineer to ensure your roof can handle a heavy tile roof can cost $1,000 to $10,000. Where your price falls within this range depends on your home’s current structural integrity. 

Underlayment 

Underlayment is a waterproof barrier placed beneath the tiles to help seal the roof. This layer protects your home from severe weather and potential water damage, such as mold. Roofers replace the old underlayment when installing a new tile roof. The installer will determine the underlayment needed based on your roof’s slope and selected tile material. According to our research, underlayment costs 50 cents to $2 per square foot.

We recommend hiring a professional roofing company, as the job requires expertise and knowledge to determine how to best support the tiles and ensure proper ventilation and drainage. Use our tool below to connect with local roofing contractors.

When purchasing or selling a home, it is critical to complete a thorough inspection to understand the condition of the property. A standard home inspection includes an assessment of a home’s systems and physical structure. After the process, the inspector will provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations.

If you are thinking about buying a home or putting your home on the market, we strongly recommend finding an ASHI home inspector in your area.