An in-depth round-up of tile roof replacement costs in 2024

When someone talks about tile roofing, our imagination draws the Mediterranean architecture with the distinctive traditional terracotta tile roofs in reddish hues. Nevertheless, sun-kissed clay tiles still often found in the Southwest do not represent the whole spectrum of tile roofing options available on the market. Advancements in technology have led to the development of lighter and more robust alternatives to traditional tiles like metal, slate, or concrete. In most cases, they are cheaper to install while not inferior in aesthetics and energy efficiency. 

If you believe a tile roof could be a great addition to your home, learn the difference between its types and styles, as they not only determine roofing durability and installation method but also serve as major pricing factors. Below you will find in-depth information about tile roof replacement costs, both general and for specific materials. With these actual numbers in mind, you can get a realistic estimate of your roofing project before applying to local roofers.

The national average cost of replacing roof tiles

According to the latest figures, most US homeowners pay around $17.250 to replace a tile roof, including material and labor but excluding additional services like old roof turn-off or fascia installation. However, as tile roofing is a general term covering different materials and styles, the overall cost might be as low as $8.500 for concrete tiles or as high as $48.000 for slate or terracotta tiles.

The total average cost to replace roof tiles

Low-end cost	$8.500
Average price range	$17.200 – $26.500
High-end cost	$48.000

The national average tile roof cost per square foot

Knowing the actual cost of roofing per square foot is even more important than knowing the average total cost for similar roofing projects across the country. By multiplying your roof size by the tiles installation cost, you can predict your expenditures and allocate the existing budget accordingly. 

The cost of tile roof per square foot varies from $7 to $25, where $5 - $15 you pay for labor and only $2 - $10 for material. Keep in mind that tile roofing is one of the most complicated to install, so you will hardly save on this expense item.

Roof tile pricing per square foot

Cost per sq. ft. (materials alone)	$2 – $10
Cost per sq. ft. (labor alone)	$5 – $15
Cost per sq. ft. (material and labor)	$7 – $25

The cost to replace tile roofing by roof size

Roof size is one of the major cost-formation factors when estimating the total roofing cost. The larger the roof, the more materials and labor are required, resulting in a higher overall cost. Here's a rough estimate of the cost to replace a tile roof based on the overall roof's square footage:

Roof square footage	The average cost to install
1.000	$7.000 – $25.000
1.200	$9.000 – $27.300
1.500	$11.500 – $35.500
2.000	$14.000 – $46.000
2.500	$17.500 – $57.000
3.000	$21.000 – $62.000
3.500	$24.800 – $70.000

Roof tile replacement cost by material type

The type of material used for tile roofing has a significant impact on the overall installation cost. Different materials come at different prices, determined by their visual and performance features, durability, and maintenance requirements.

For example, concrete tiles are on the lower end of the roofing installation cost range as they are made from a mixture of relatively inexpensive raw materials compared to natural slate and clay that require extraction and more extensive processing. At an average cost of $10 to $20 per square foot, clay and slate tile roofing options require more specialized installation and additional shipping costs. Nevertheless, they allow recouping the investment, offering long-lasting durability, distinctive appearance, and increased property value.

Tile roof cost per square foot depending on the material

Material	The average cost to install
Concrete	$7 – $19
Composite	$12 – $26
Metal	$11 – $30
Slate	$10 – $45
Clay	$8 – $22
Terracotta	$10 – $25

Concrete

Homeowners on a tight budget go for concrete as it offers the aesthetic appeal of natural tile roofing without the higher price tag associated with clay and slate. The combination of lower material, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs makes concrete tiles a cost-effective choice. You can expect to spend around $15.500 to cover a 1,500-square-foot roof with concrete tiles.

Composite

Synthetic roofing is made of fiberglass, plastics, asphalt, and other recycled composite materials, making it more eco-friendly than other tile options. It mimics the appearance of clay, slate, or wood shingles while offering better cracking and chipping resistance, lighter weight, and lower maintenance requirements. Composite roof tiles replacement cost varies from $12 to $26 per square foot installed. 

Metal

Metal tile roofing represents a perfect blend of metal's strength and traditional tiles' aesthetic appeal. Roofs of this type are typically made from steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. They are significantly lighter than traditional tile materials like clay, slate, or concrete, making them easier to install and reducing transportation fees. In addition, metal tile roofs are generally energy efficient and resistant to mold, mildew, and algae growth. Depending on the type of metal used, the style and finish of the tiles, and labor costs in your area, they may cost from $11 to $30 per square foot.

Slate

Thanks to its natural durability and aesthetic value, slate tops the list of tile roofs. Nevertheless, this material is not a one-size-fits-all due to its excessive weight, additional installation requirements, and high upfront cost. Anyway, homeowners who opt for this high-end roofing have an assurance that their investment will recoup as slate can last for over a century, offering a unique appearance that enhances a home's curb appeal and value. The cost of tile roof replacement made of slate goes from $10 to $45 per square foot, depending on the slate type and complexity of the roof structure.

Clay

This traditional tile roofing is made of natural clay fired in a kiln to form tiles in various shapes and sizes. Clay tiles especially fit coastal homes, giving them a timeless look inspired by Mediterranean architecture. Clay has natural thermal properties, fire, and moisture resistance, and can serve for over 60 years with proper maintenance. Unfortunately, this roofing is heavier than concrete, making it more tricky to install. You should expect to spend around $16 per square foot for a new clay roof. However, the cost might be as high as $22 per square foot for complicated roof structures.

Terracotta

Terracotta is a popular variation of clay roofing with a signature reddish-brown color and earthy appearance. Like classic clay, it is fired in a kiln, making it a long-lasting and weather-resistant material. Terracotta is commonly installed in hot climates as it is good at reflecting solar heat and regulating indoor temperatures. On top of that, this tile roofing is fire-resistant and can serve for more than 50 years if not exposed to continuous freezing and thawing processes. Terracotta roof tiles cost around $10 - $25 per square foot, including installation. 

The cost of replacing roof tiles by style

The estimated cost of a tile roofing project is greatly affected by factors like the material and the style of the tiles. While the material used is the biggest factor in determining the cost, the tiles' design also plays a significant role. For instance, high-barrel or S-shaped tiles require more expertise to install than low-profile ones, boosting spending on labor. Therefore, when selecting the roofing option for your project, consider the tiles' material and style, as both impact the project's overall cost.

Tile roof cost calculator based on roofing style and profile

Tile profile	The average cost to install
Interlocking	$3 – $5
Flat	$8 – $9
Spanish	$8 – $10
Double Roman	$9 – $11
Barrel	$10 – $13

Interlocking

Roofing tiles of interlocking design overlap and interlock by side joints, allowing them to fit together securely, providing enhanced weather resistance and a streamlined appearance. Roofers lock them into place and install them as a single lap, optimizing spending on labor. This style of tile roof is one of the least expensive, costing an average of $3 - $5 per square foot.

Flat tiles

This type of roofing involves flat, overlapping tiles that come in concrete, clay, or slate materials. They are installed in rows, with each tile overlapping the one below, creating a waterproof barrier. Flat tile roofs lack water courses and do not provide significant insulation. Nevertheless, they offer a versatile aesthetic appeal, require minimal maintenance, and can be purchased for as low as $1.5 - $2 per square foot without installation fees.

Spanish tiles

This curved tile roofing has a distinctive S-shaped form resembling sea waves. Spanish tiles have originated in Mediterranean architecture and come to our days in their original style, with wide water courses and multiple neat rows that create a solid pattern. They are commonly made from clay or concrete and are installed in regions with hot climates like Southern Europe, Latin America, and the Southwestern United States. Spanish tiles are heavy and brittle, which makes them rather complicated to install. The cost of new roof tiles in this style ranges from $8 to $10 per square foot, including material and labor. 

Double Roman tiles

Also called Mission, Double Roman tiles have a distinctive rib profile with water courses, resembling classic Roman-style roofing. They are often installed on traditional-style homes and historic buildings, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Double Roman tiles are usually made from concrete, clay, and metal, which ensures their durability and long service life. Nevertheless, their profile, weight, and fragility make them complicated to install. You should expect to spend up to $11 per square foot to get Mission tiles installed by a professional. 

Barrel tiles

Authentic barrel tiles are on the high end of the tile roofing price range, featuring a unique curved design and an extensive lifespan. They come in the form of a taper wider at one end and resemble a barrel or half-cylinder. Their unique profile makes barrel tiles ideal for curved roofs, preventing moisture buildup. Tiles made of terracotta clay last for over a century, but their cost may get over $13 per square foot. Cheaper alternatives from metal and concrete cost $10 - $11 per square foot. 

The cost of replacing a tile roof by brand

Thanks to its cost, durability, and elegance, tile roofing is widely selected by American homeowners. And, as known, demand creates supply. That is why you may find up to 10 local manufacturers selling tile roofing products for every taste and budget.

Here is how the roof tile price may differ by manufacturer

Roofing brand	Cost per square foot (material only)
Eagle Roofing Products	$4.00 – $8.00
Boral Roofing	$3.00 – $16.00
GAF	$7 – $18
Ludowici Roof Tile	$9.00 – $20.00

Eagle Roofing Products

This leading tiles manufacturer boasts over three decades of experience in the local roofing market, offering a wide assortment of tile roofing profiles and finishes to meet various architectural styles.

The best-selling roofing collections offered by the manufacturer include Capistrano with distinctive high barrel profile tiles, Malibu with smooth flat tiles that create a modern aesthetic, Ponderosa with concrete tiles mimicking rustic wood shakes, and Tapered Slate with tiles replicating natural slate. 

Boral Roofing

This is a leading manufacturer of clay and concrete roof tiles that meet the highest quality standards. Boral roofing products are designed for ultimate energy efficiency and long-lasting performance.

Some of this brand's best-selling tile roofing collections include Saxony with concrete tiles that mimic the look of natural slate, Barcelona with high-profile S-shaped concrete tiles of Mediterranean style, and US Tile Clay with high-quality and durable tiles in various profiles and colors.

GAF

This brand has a special place in the American roofing market, producing top-notch asphalt shingles and authentic slate tiles. The GAF's TruSlate collection offers innovative roofing products that combine hand-split quarried slate with high-performance waterproofing materials. This roofing system is lighter than traditional slate, making it simpler to install and reducing the need for additional structural support. 

And while GAF does not offer a wide range of tile roofing collections like other manufacturers, their TruSlate system provides an attractive and durable option for homeowners looking to achieve the classic look of natural slate roofing.

Ludowici Roof Tile

This renowned American manufacturer has a rich history dating back to 1888. Its products are known for their exceptional durability, sophisticated appearance, and craftsmanship quality. 

Some popular Ludowici tile roofing collections include the Spanish one that features the classic "S" shaped profile tiles, which are prevalent in Spanish-style architecture, and the French one with low profile tiles with a unique flared design, giving it a European touch. The brand's assortment also covers interlocking, barrel, and custom-designed turret tiles. 

Labor cost to replace a tile roof

 Tile roofing is one of the most complicated to install. The process requires proper planning, knowledge of roofing techniques, and attention to detail to ensure long-lasting results. Materials often used for tile roofing, like clay, can easily crack and get damaged in unskilled hands. That is why it is recommended to hire a certified roofer to mount heavy tiles of Barrel, Mission, or other intricate designs. 

The labor cost of a tile roof per square foot averages $6 - $15 and hinges on the material type, installation approach, structural complexity of the roof, and local rates. Systems with multiple hips and ridges are especially complicated to work with, as tiles must be cut to fit every roof element. 

You can get a precise price quote for your roofing project by applying to a local contractor. A preliminary calculation is based on your roof size in squares, the selected roofing material, and the rate of a roofer for this kind of service. 

A more detailed calculation of a roofing project involves a few stages. First, contractors assess the current roof condition to decide whether it needs to be repaired or removed before tile roof installation. Second, they evaluate aspects like the material and style of tiles you want to install as well as the height and pitch of your roof. Third, they consider your requirements and expectations regarding the roof's lifespan and performance, deciding on additional services like sealing, flashing, or venting. Fourth, they discuss the available budget, offering to select from a few estimates. 

If you want to save on the cost of replacing a tile roof, opt for budget-friendly materials like concrete and steel. Plus, request as many quotes as you can from local roofing companies and contractors to ensure you get a fair price for the installation. And finally, feel free to negotiate the price with roofers, as some may be willing to lower their rates, especially if you need additional work done like gutters and downspouts installation or roof painting. 

Factors affecting the tile roof replacement cost

From tile delivery to the site to the roof reinforcement and underlayment installation - numerous expenditure items can add to the total cost of a tile roofing project. Your roofer should guide you through these services and add-ons so you can determine whether you need to pay extra for them. 

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of popular roofing services that come up with tile roofing installation. See the table below to discover their actual costs for better budget planning. 

Additional roofing service	Average cost
Roof inspection	$0.10 – $0.50 per sq. ft.
Getting permits	$150 – $500
Old roof removal	$1.00 – $3.00 per sq. ft.
Tile roof repair	$8 – $20.50 per sq. ft.
Tile roofing delivery	$600 – $1.500
Roof reinforcement	$1.000 – $10.000
Underlayment installation	$0.10 – $0.90 per sq. ft.
Replacing roof trusses	$5.00 – $14.00 per sq. ft.
Replacing roof decking	$2.00 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
Sealing	$500 – $2.000
Drip edge installation	$1.50 – $3.00 per linear foot

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