How much does a concrete tile roof cost to replace?
How much does a concrete tile roof cost to replace?
$7 – $19 cost per square foot installed
$10,500 – $47,500 total replacement cost (1,500-2,500 SF roof)
Concrete tile roof cost
A concrete tile roof costs $7 to $19 per square foot installed or $10,500 to $47,500 for a 1,500 to 2,500 SF roof. Most homeowners spend about $24,500 for a concrete tile roof replacement. Concrete roof tile material prices are $3 to $5 per square foot on average.
| Roof square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $7,000 – $19,000 |
| 1,500 | $10,500 – $28,500 |
| 2,000 | $14,000 – $38,000 |
| 2,500 | $17,500 – $47,500 |
| 3,000 | $21,000 – $57,000 |
Average concrete roof tile replacement cost
The following table shows the average cost to install or replace a concrete tile roof.
| National average cost | $24,500 |
| Minimum cost | $7,000 |
| Maximum cost | $57,000 |
| Average range | $10,500 to $47,500 |
Concrete roof tiles prices
Concrete roof tile prices are $3 to $5 per square foot on average for the tiles alone, depending on the brand, quality, and style. Concrete roof tiles contain a mixture of sand, cement, and water and are molded with a low-, medium-, or high-profile design.
Low or flat concrete roof tiles often look like slate or wood shingles.
Medium-profile concrete tiles have a slight curve – less than 1" high – every 5 inches of tile width.
High-profile concrete tiles have a large curve of 1" or higher for every 5 inches of tile.
Medium- and high-profile concrete roof tiles create a wave-like appearance, like the popular Spanish and mission clay tiles.
Cost factors to install a concrete roof
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Remove old roofing | $1 – $3 |
| Materials | $3 – $5 |
| Labor | $3 – $11 |
| Total cost to install | $7 – $19 |
The following factors affect the cost to install a concrete roof:
Climate – Cold, wet climates with freeze-thaw cycles may require an additional water shield or ice dam barrier, costing $2 to $5 per square foot installed.
Remove old roofing – Removing and disposing of old roofing costs $1 to $3 per square foot or more, depending on the roof size and whether it is asphalt or tile.
Roof size and pitch – Larger and high-pitched roofs require more equipment, labor, and materials.
Roof complexity: Labor costs are higher on roofs with a pitch over 6:12, more than four corners, skylights, or other design complexities.
Material quality & brand – Boral Roofing and Eagle Roofing Products are the primary U.S. concrete tile manufacturers, both having a wide style variety. Eagle Roofing carries lighter-weight options that cost more than standard-weight tiles.
Installation method - Concrete roof tiles are installed on battens or nailed directly to the roof deck and underlayment. Installing the tiles directly to the roof underlayment costs less, but batten installation may be required, depending on the roof pitch and local building codes.
Accessories and enhanced design – Custom designs and styles increase the total cost.
Roof inspection – Inspecting a roof costs $100 to $400 on average.
Repairs – Fixing roof damage costs $150 to $6,000+, depending on the damage.
Permits & fees – Roofing permits cost $150 to $500. Contractors often include roofing permit fees in a roof replacement estimate.
Concrete roof underlayment
Concrete roof underlayment costs $0.75 to $4.00 per square foot installed on average, depending on the type, weight, and number of layers required. Roof underlayment and flashings are vital for concrete tile roofs to prevent water infiltration and ensure the roof's lifespan.
Most roof replacement estimates include the underlayment.
Concrete tile weight and structural requirements
The most common concrete roof tiles weigh 900 to 1,100 pounds per square, more than double the weight of asphalt shingles. When replacing an asphalt roof with concrete tile, consult a structural engineer to determine if the roof framing is adequate to support the tile weight.
Structural engineers charge $300 to $900 to inspect a home's framing integrity.
Reinforcing rafters and trusses costs $5 to $14 per square foot of roof area.
Replacing the roof deck costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Some manufacturers offer lighter-weight concrete roof tiles, but lightweight concrete tiles are typically costlier and more prone to breakage.
Minimum pitch for concrete roof tiles
The International Residential Code (IRC) states a concrete tile roof requires a 4:12 minimum pitch with one underlayment layer. Lower-sloped roof pitches between 2.5:12 and 4:12 require two underlayment layers for adequate waterproofing.
Roofers must consult building codes and the tile manufacturers to confirm installation requirements.
Concrete roof shingles cost vs. clay
Installing clay roof tiles costs $8 to $25 per square foot. Concrete is less crack-prone and can be made to look like clay tile. Still, concrete roof tile weighs 40% more and fades quicker than clay tile.
Concrete roof tiles pros and cons
The following table shows the benefits and potential drawbacks of concrete roof tiles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Tip: Seal the tile every few years to maintain the color.
Frequently asked questions
How long do concrete roof tiles last?
Concrete roof tiles last 30 to 50+ years, depending on the material and installation quality, weather, site conditions, and maintenance schedule. The underlayment typically requires replacement after 20 years or sooner. Underlayment is essential as concrete tile is prone to moisture penetration.
Inspect a tile roof, underlayment, battens, and flashing at least once every 5 years to determine when it needs replacing.
How many concrete tiles are in a square?
A square of concrete roof tiles contains 80 to 100 tiles on average, depending on the tile size.
Can concrete roof tiles be painted?
Concrete roof tiles can be painted. Power wash the roof first with a pressure below 1,200 PSI to remove dirt, debris, and mildew buildup. Hire a professional roof painter to apply a high-quality primer and 100% acrylic, UV-resistant paint for best results.
Getting estimates from tile roof installers
Before hiring a local roofing contractors, be sure to:
Have a structural engineer inspect and determine if the roof needs reinforcement before tiling.
Know your approximate roof square footage so you can confirm the estimate details.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed roofing contractors with experience installing concrete tile roofs.
Look for members of the Tile Roofing Industry (TRI) Alliance and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Ask for references and photos of projects going back at least five years to see how their work holds up.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured and bonded.
Avoid selecting the lowest bid as quality may suffer.
Get detailed contract and warranty terms in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have with concrete tile roofs?
What tile do you recommend for my roof, and why?
Do you have a portfolio of your previous jobs?
Will you use subcontractors? If so, are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the project take?
Will you install new flashings?
How will the crew leave the site at the end of each day?
How will you protect my yard and driveway during the installation?
What type of underlayment do you use, and how many layers do you install?
Is underlayment included in the estimate?
Is removing my old roof included in the estimate? If not, how much extra do you charge to remove and dispose of my old roof?
How long should the tile last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What is included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you need a permit to install the roof?