The National Roof Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA) reports that the average tile roof cost is $8,000 to $23,000, or $7 to $28 per square foot. This breaks down to $2 to $10 per square foot for materials and $5 to $18 per square foot for labor.* Higher-end materials will increase the total project cost.

A tile roof uses individual tiles made from clay, concrete, terracotta, and other materials. Tile stands out from traditional asphalt shingles and fits almost any architectural style. It’s also very long-lasting: A well-maintained tile roof can last 40 to 100 years, according to Craig Ricks Jr., president of Acadian Windows and Siding.

Though expensive, tile’s durability, style, and eco-friendly design make it popular among homeowners. We’ve detailed everything you need to know about tile roof costs before making an investment. 

*Article cost data sourced from Home Advisor and the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association.

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Tile Roof Installation Cost Factors

Three main factors affect tile roof installation cost:

• Tile material/type: Your tile roof cost is largely determined by the material you choose. “The weight of each individual tile can add costs due to structural reinforcements that may be necessary,” explains Austin Fain, the CEO of Perfect Steel Solutions, a roofing company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

• Tile style: Different tile styles require different installation methods, which can increase your total price. For example, interlocking tiles are the most expensive to install while barrel tiles are the least expensive.

• Roof size: The bigger the roof is, the more materials are required to cover its surface. Most contractors charge by the square, which equals 100 square feet. Steep roofs may require more material and labor than other styles because they’re more difficult to work on.

Tile Type

Depending on the type of tile, expect to pay $2 to $10 per square foot. Different tiles cost more because of how they’re made. Clay tiles are more expensive than concrete tiles due to their extracting and processing costs. Slate tile is pricier than clay due to the labor-intensive job of quarrying and shaping natural stone. 

Tile color, texture, and availability can also affect its price. For instance, clay tiles are popular for their classic appearance, so specific styles or colors may be harder to source.

Type of Tile	Average Material Cost (per Square Foot)	Average Installation Cost (per Square Foot)
Concrete	$2–$4	$7–$9
Clay	$3–$7	$8–$22
Terracotta	$5–$10	$10–$25
Slate	$5–$30	$10–$45
Metal	$6–$15	$11–$30
Composite	$7–$11	$12–$26

Tile Style

Some tile styles are harder to work with than others, increasing the installation cost. 

Tile Style	Average Cost (per Square Foot)
Interlocking	$3–$5
Plain/Flat	$8–$9
Pantile	$8–$10
Spanish	$8–$10
French	$9–$11
Mission/Double Roman	$9–$11
Riviera	$9–$11
Barrel Tile	$10–$13

Roof Size

The cost of a new tile roof increases based on roof size. Larger roofs require more materials, labor, and time to complete, increasing the overall installation cost. Expect to pay $7 to $28 per square foot, or $2 to $10 per square foot for materials plus $5 to $18 per square foot for labor.

Roof Size (in Square Feet)	Average Cost for Installation
1,500	$10,500–$42,000
2,000	$14,000–$56,000
2,500	$17,500–$70,000
3,000	$21,000–$84,000
3,500	$24,500–$98,000

Labor Cost

Labor accounts for 60% of your total project cost. Expect to pay $5 to $18 per square foot of roof space, or anywhere from $45 to $75 per hour. The cost may vary based on your home’s location and whether your roof design is unusual or has a steep slope.

“Roofing contractors will charge more for their labor if you have a bigger roof or require more complicated installation,” says Ricks.

Roofing contractors may charge per square, with one square equaling 100 square feet. Charging $1,500 per square equates to $15 per square foot.

 

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Additional Factors Affecting Tile Roof Installation Cost

We’ve outlined additional tile roof installation cost factors below.

Number of Vents and Boots

Your roof’s vents and boots may complicate the installation process, adding extra material and labor to the project. Installing tile around vents and boots requires intricate work, such as cutting and fitting tiles around them, which increases labor costs. The more vents and boots, the longer the process.

Roof Damage

After removing old roof material, you may discover damage. In this case, you may need roof repair, gutter repair, or soffit repair. If not fixed, your roof could be exposed to moisture, which can cause leaks, mold, and rot.

The average cost to repair a tile roof is $900 to $2,500, or $8 to $25 per square foot. Here are common types of roof repairs and their typical prices.

Type of Repair	Average Cost
Leak	$100–$1,500
Slipping	$175–$225
Cracks and chips	$250 (per square foot)
Sagging	$500–$2,500
Sealing	$1,200

Geographic Location

Tile roof cost changes depending on where you live. If tile roofs are popular in a certain area, the installation cost may be dramatically lower than in other areas of the country. Labor rates can vary significantly from one location to another based on the local cost of living and regional economic conditions.

The climate in your region can also impact tile roof installation costs. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures, may require additional waterproofing, insulation, or ventilation. This can affect the overall cost of installation.

 

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Professional vs. DIY Tile Roof Installation

Unless you have professional roofing or tile experience, we don’t recommend attempting tile roof installation yourself. Here’s why. 

Professional Tile Roof Installation

Tile roof installation involves several steps that require the expertise of qualified roofing contractors. Materials are heavy, delicate, and crack easily, so installation is best left to the professionals.

Before any work begins, the contractor will inspect and prepare the roof to ensure it’s structurally sound and can support the tile roof’s weight. If not, repairs and reinforcements may be necessary. Tile roofs also require proper ventilation and sealing to prevent leaks and water damage.

The labor to install a tile roof costs $5 to $18 per square foot, or $45 to $75 per hour. Pros may be able to get discounts on materials that homeowners don’t have access to. They may also provide a workmanship warranty, which is important considering the long-term investment being made.

DIY Tile Roof Installation

Installing a tile roof isn’t a do-it-yourself (DIY) job. It’s dangerous and requires careful planning, permits, and proper tools and materials. Any mistakes could result in injury or damage to the roof, tiles, or your home’s interior. It’s not worth trying to save on installation costs by doing the project yourself.

 

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How to Hire a Professional

We’ve provided several tips for hiring a professional contractor:

• Research: If you know someone with a tile roof, ask for recommendations on reputable contractors. Look at trusted online review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau or Yelp, to find top-rated professionals. 
• Check for insurance and licensing: Roofing contracts must post a surety bond to be licensed. A surety bond protects customers by promoting ethical practices and contract completion in the roofing industry. 
• Ask about code-approved installation methods: Request proof of certification for code-approved tile roof installation, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone or fire-prone region.
• Ask for references: Ask for references to check the quality of work.
• Get estimates: Contact at least three roofing contractors for estimates.
• Request an itemized quote: Get an itemized quote from the contractor to see exactly what you’re paying for.

 

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How to Reduce Tile Roof Installation Costs

Here are some ways to help reduce tile roof installation costs when hiring a professional.

• Choose a cost-effective material and style. Complex designs and premium materials cost more, but less expensive options are still durable and come in various colors, textures, and styles. 
• Choose a lighter material that won’t require additional roof support.
• Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare their pricing.
• Pick a tile that will withstand years of use without cracking or leaking.
• Plan the installation during the off-season (spring or winter) when roofing contractors have less work.

 

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Our Recommendation

Tile roofing is a durable, classic option that enhances your home’s overall appearance. Hiring professional and experienced roofers is essential to ensure your tile roof is handled with care and properly installed. The average tile roof cost is steep, but it’s an attractive, long-lasting investment that offers your home excellent protection against the elements.

 

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