How Much Does a Concrete Tile Roof Cost in 2024?

The average cost of installing a concrete roof is $24,000, but the cost typically varies from $19,500 to $36,500.

concrete tile roof

Are you looking to install a concrete tile roof? You should expect to pay $19,500 to $36,500. The national average cost is around $24,000, and the average price per square foot is $16. However, installing a concrete tile roof can cost as little as $13,500 or as much as $52,500.

Many homeowners choose concrete tile roofs because they are remarkably durable and have a 50 – 100 year lifespan. In addition, they are low maintenance and can withstand extreme weather, fires, and insect damage. 

In this price guide:

Average Concrete Tile Roof Costs

National Average Cost$24,000
Typical Price Range$19,500 – $36,500
Extreme Low End Cost$13,500
Extreme High End Cost$52,500

The prices above include both roofing materials and labor costs. The average roof size in America is about 1,700 square feet, and the average square foot cost of a concrete tile roof is $16.

Concrete Tile Cost Estimator by Roof Size

The average cost of a concrete tile roof, including materials and installation, is $16 per square foot, and the typical cost of the tiles only is $3.50 to $9.00 per square foot.

National Average Cost per Square Foot (materials and labor)$16
Typical Price Range per Square Foot (materials and labor)$9 – $22

However, roofs are typically priced by the roofing square rather than the square foot. One roofing square covers about 100 square feet, and the average cost of a concrete tile roofing square is $350 to $1,000.  

The table below shows the typical cost per roof size.

Roof Size Typical Cost
500 sq. ft$8,000
1,500 sq. ft$24,000
2,500 sq. ft$40,000

Other Factors that Affect Cost

Many other factors affect the cost of a concrete tile roof, including:

Type of Tile

Concrete roof tiles can be flat or curved, and the two most popular types of curved tiles are Spanish and Barrel. Curved tile roofs are more expensive but add more value to your home.

Tile TypeDescriptionTypical Sq. Ft. Cost
FlatBasic tiles with no texture or curves$4 – $10
SpanishLook like traditional spanish-style clay tiles, but are more durable (especially in high humidity)$8 – $10
BarrelSteeper curve than Spanish tiles, making them extremely resistant to damage from hail or mold$10 – $20

Tile Manufacturer

The brand of roof tile you choose also affects your roof cost. Factors that contribute to brand price differences include:

  • Manufacturing location
  • Quality
  • Length of warranty
  • Brand reputation
  • Manufacturing efficiency
  • Economies of scale

Two popular concrete roof tile manufacturers are Boral Roofing and Eagle Roofing.

BoralEagle
Warranty 50-year Lifetime
Typical Cost per Square$300 – $400$400 – $500
Manufacturing LocationNorthern CaliforniaArizona and Florida

Roofing Contractor

The roofing company you choose also affects the price. Roofers charge different rates depending on location, experience, and quality factors.  

When choosing a roofing contractor, things to look for include:

  • How many years of experience do they have?
  • Are they licensed?
  • Are they insured?
  • What do previous customers say about their work?
  • Are they an authorized installer for the tile brand you’ve chosen?
  • Do they guarantee their work? 

Roof Underlayment

Roof underlayment is a smooth protective layer between the roof tiles and roof deck. Depending on the brand and material, it can cost $0.05 to $0.65 per square foot (materials alone). The most common types of underlayment are:

  • Felt
  • Synthetic
  • Rubber
Underlayment MaterialTypical Cost / sq. ft.Description
Felt$0.05 – $0.50Budget-friendly option; heavier felt will last longer
Synthetic$0.15 – $0.55Lighter, easier to work with, and more durable; often recommended for concrete roofs
Rubber$0.55 – $0.65Easiest to install and 100% waterproof

Roof Pitch

Roof pitch measures the incline of the roof. Steeper roofs are harder to work on and require greater safety precautions. Therefore, all else equal, a higher roof pitch will lead to a higher price tag. 

If you are in the market for a new roof, you probably want to check out other popular types of roofing. There are many benefits to installing a new roof, which are affected by the roof type. In addition, it is important to consider the cost of roof repairs, maintenance, and add-ons — proper maintenance will help your roof last longer.

Clay Tile Roof 

Clay tile roof installation costs more than concrete tile, but typically lasts longer. In addition, many homeowners prefer the timeless look of clay, even though clay roof tiles require more maintenance than concrete.

The prices in the table below are per square foot (for the tiles only).

National Average Cost$15
Typical Price Range$8 – $24
Extreme Low End Cost$8
Extreme High End Cost$30

Roofing Shingles Cost

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofing materials because of how affordable they are. On average, roofing shingles cost about $159 per roofing square, or within the typical range of $1.28 – $1.90 per square foot.

National Average Cost$159 per roofing square
Typical Price Range$128 – $190 per roofing square
Extreme Low End Cost$96 per roofing square
Extreme High End Cost$208 per roofing square

Solar Roof

Many homeowners are gravitating to solar energy to help the environment and save money on utility bills. The average cost of a new solar roof is $49,000, or $16.15 – $25.40 per square foot.

National Average Cost$49,000
Typical Price Range$40,000 – $60,000
Extreme Low End Cost$40,000
Extreme High End Cost$60,000

Solar Panels

Solar panels are a less expensive way to utilize solar energy than a full-on solar roof. On average, solar panels cost about $20,000.

National Average Cost$20,000
Typical Price Range$15,000 – $26,000
Extreme Low End Cost$5,000
Extreme High End Cost$50,000

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Standing seam metal roofs are energy efficient, durable, and low maintenance. The average standing seam metal roof costs about $29,000, or $6.75 – $18.00 per square foot.

National Average Cost$29,000
Typical Price Range$18,000 – $41,000
Extreme Low End Cost$18,000
Extreme High End Cost$41,000

Roof Cleaning

If you want to maintain your concrete tile roof for as long as possible, it is essential to keep it clean. Professional roof cleaning costs about $500 on average.

National Average Cost$500
Typical Price Range$375 – $600
Extreme Low End Cost$200
Extreme High End Cost$1,000

Roof Repair

To properly maintain your roof and house, you need to repair roof damage quickly. The average roof repair costs about $750 on average.

National Average Cost$750
Typical Price Range$350 – $1,150
Extreme Low End Cost$140
Extreme High End Cost$4,350

Gutter Installation

Gutters are essential because they control the flow of rainwater, protecting your house and your roof from water damage and mold. The average cost to install gutters is $1,300.

National Average Cost$1,300
Typical Price Range$900 – $2,500 
Extreme Low End Cost$500
Extreme High End Cost$7,250

To maximize the life of your roof, you want to keep your gutters clean. So, you can hire a professional to clear debris regularly or clean your gutters yourself. 

Cost of a Concrete Tile Roof by Location

Your geographic location also affects the total cost of a new concrete tile roof.

Local Cost of Labor

The local cost of labor will impact the overall price you pay. Generally speaking, areas with a higher cost of living also have higher labor costs.

The following states have the lowest cost of living:

  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Kansas
  • Alabama
  • Georgia

And these states have the highest cost of living:

  • Hawaii
  • Massachusetts
  • California
  • New York
  • Alaska

Local Cost of Materials

The cost of materials is also variable. Local material costs are impacted by:

  • Cost of living
  • State and local taxes
  • Local demand
  • Transportation costs

Local Building Permits and Inspections

Many states, local municipalities, and HOAs require permits, inspections, and approvals. The related fees can vary; the higher their costs, the higher the overall price. 

Material Disposal Fees

Disposal fees and regulations also add to the total project cost and vary depending on location.

FAQ About Concrete Tile Roofs

Can you install a concrete tile roof DIY?

Roofing in general is not a DIY home improvement project. Instead, it is hard work that takes knowledge and expertise. Here are the reasons you should hire a professional roofer to install your concrete tile roof (or any other kind of roof, for that matter):

Safety: Roofing is dangerous, and an experienced professional complies with safety standards. You can injure yourself or your loved ones if you do not have the proper training. 
Time: Your time is valuable, and a professional roofing crew will complete the job much quicker.
Warranties: Many roofing contractors guarantee their work. If you are unfamiliar with the installation process, you are liable to make a costly mistake. Furthermore, improper installation can void the tile manufacturer’s warranty. 
Tile weight: Roofing tiles are very heavy and difficult to work with.
Tools: A roofing company already has the tools needed to complete the project. Purchasing the required tools adds a lot to the project cost.  
Quality: For many Americans, their home is their most significant investment. Protect your investment by hiring a trained professional who guarantees the quality of their work.

When you factor in material costs, time, and possible injuries/damages, you could end up with a higher total cost attempting a DIY installation.  

Is a concrete tile roof expensive?

“Expensive” is relative. For example, concrete tile roofs cost less than clay tile roofs but more than asphalt shingles. However, concrete tile roofs last longer and require less maintenance than shingles. Therefore, long-term, concrete tile roofs tend to be cost-effective. 

Are concrete tile roofs energy efficient?

Yes. Concrete and clay tile roofs help insulate your home, so your air conditioning/heating doesn’t have to work as hard.

Are concrete tiles better than clay tiles?

Both clay and concrete tile roofs are energy efficient, durable, and Class A fire tested. However, they each have unique advantages.

Clay tiles:

● Longer life span
● More desirable to homebuyers
● Classic look
● Easily recycled

Concrete tiles:

● More affordable
● Wider variety of colors
● Less maintenance
● Can withstand more weight than clay
● Can withstand up to 200 mile per hour winds
● Fireproof

You need at least a 4/12 roof pitch to install clay roof tiles.

Is roofing underlayment necessary?

Although it is not 100% necessary, roofing underlayment is highly advisable. It protects your home from leaks and water damage, so it is crucial in cases of heavy rain or snow. It also protects your home when a roof tile or shingle gets damaged. 

Find a Roofing Contractor Near You 

Concrete tile roofs are durable and energy efficient. Many concrete tiles are just as attractive as clay but are available at a much lower price tag. RoofGnome connects you to the best roofing contractors near you, and one of them can help you work out the details of your concrete tile roof project.

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Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.