How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost?

Tile roofing, popular in the Southwest, is catching on in the rest of the country due to its unique blend of aesthetics, durability, and performance. Although the cost to install a tile roof is considerably higher than a roof constructed from asphalt or metal, the expense is easily offset by an increase in resale value. Not to mention, you'll gain satisfaction from this aesthetically pleasing roofing upgrade. This buying guide provides an overview of tile roofing in addition to general tile roof costs.

Tile Roof Average Costs #

• Clay roof tile costs starts at approximately $5 to $15 per square foot but could cost as much as $15 to $30 per square foot or more. For a 2,000 square foot roof, this amounts to a total cost of around $10,000 to $60,000.
• Concrete roof tile costs are generally around $5 to $10 per square foot, or $10,000 to $20,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof.
• Tile is a heavy material, and it is sometimes necessary to upgrade a home's structural support to accommodate the added weight of a tile roof. If this is the case, it might tack on as much as $10,000 or more to the project.

The wide range in roofing tile quality, styles, and finishes can significantly affect the total tile roof cost, as will local labor costs and the difficulty of the installation (based on the pitch of the roof and the home design, i.e. whether there are skylights, gables, multiple levels, or other complex features).

Types of Tile Roofing #

Tile roofs are typically constructed from ceramic clay or concrete, although shake, wood shingle, and slate replications are also available.

Clay Tile Roofing #

Ceramic roof tiles, also referred to as clay roof tiles due to the material from which they are made, evoke a sense of classic Italian architecture, although the popularized version found in the United States has its roots in Spain. Ceramic clay roofing tiles are formed in a mold and baked in a kiln at extremely high temperatures, giving them superior strength and durability. It's not unheard of for a ceramic tile roof to last 100 years, and they are generally guaranteed for 50-75 years.

Concrete Tile Roofing #

Concrete roofing tiles originated in Bavaria and were made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. While these are still the main ingredients in the concrete roof tiles found on homes today, modern technology has provided significant improvements in strength, coloring, coating, and texture. With an average life of around 50 years, concrete roof tile is not as durable as ceramic tile. Still, it is an attractive option due to its lower cost and ability to imitate the look of more expensive materials such as ceramic and slate.

Benefits of a Tile Roof #

Whether you choose a tile roof constructed from ceramic or concrete, the end result is a high quality roof that provides a number of advantages, including:

• Performance: In addition to a long life, tile roofing holds up very well in extreme conditions such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Tile roofs also have a class-A fire rating.
• Efficiency: Tile roofs fly under the radar as a green building solution. Tile provides excellent insulation and air circulation that will help keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
• Appearance: There are many sensible reasons to install a tile roof, but you couldn't be blamed for purchasing one on looks alone. Tile not only provides look of classic beauty and quality, but can be purchased in a wide range of colors, designs, and finishes to match any design scheme.

Resources:

• The Preservation and Repair of
  Historic Clay Tile Roofs
• Why Tile? Tile Roofing Industry Alliance
• What is the Average Tile Roof Replacement Cost?

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