How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a tile roof costs an average of $17,456, with most homeowners paying between $8,455 and $26,457. For high-end projects—like a complex roof made from premium terracotta tiles—you could pay up to $47,000. 

You can expect to pay between $7 and $25 per square foot, including $2 to $10 per square foot for materials and $5 to $18 per square foot for installation. 

If you're considering a new roof, tile offers a timeless look with exceptional durability and weather protection. Understanding the costs involved can help you make the best decision for your home.

Tile Roof Cost Factors

A variety of factors come together to make up the total price of your tile roofing project. Here's a look at the breakdown of cost factors.

Roof Size

The size of your roof plays a significant role in the overall cost of installing a tile roof. Professional tile roofing costs between $7 and $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. Keep in mind that many contractors charge by the "square," which equals 100 square feet. Knowing this can help you budget effectively and compare estimates when you're getting quotes from roofing professionals.

Labor

Labor costs for a new tile roof range from $5 to $18 per square foot. You may pay more per square foot if your roof has many hips and ridges, which require cutting to fit. For an average roof with 17 squares or 1,700 square feet, installation prices run $8,500 to $30,600.

When you request an estimate, keep in mind that most contractors charge by the square, not per square foot. One square equals 100 square feet. For example, if your installer charges $1,200 per square, that translates into $12 per square foot.

Your roofing contractor will evaluate aspects like the tile material and style and the height and pitch of your roof when calculating how much to charge for installation.

Color or Painting

If you'd like to add color to your tiles, you'll pay between $0.50 and $5 per square foot, depending on the design you choose.

Underlayment

Installing new underlayment costs between $2 and $3 per square foot. It's a common part of tile installation because underlayment typically lasts only 10 years. Without replacing it, your tiles can leak or crack over time. The amount you pay depends on the type of tile required for your roof slope.

Disposal

You can expect to pay around $1 to $5 per square foot for the demolition and disposal of your old roofing materials.

Tile Roof Cost by Material

Roof tiles range from $2 to $10 per square foot for materials alone. If you're looking for a long-term investment, tile roofing is an excellent choice, offering durability and weather protection for almost any climate. 

You'll pay the least for concrete tiles and the most for terracotta. When making your decision on tile roof material, consider factors like durability, ease of installation, and the aesthetic you're aiming for.

Concrete

Concrete roof tiles cost $2 to $4 per square foot. If you’re looking for a roof that’s friendlier to your budget, concrete is a reasonable choice. However, concrete tiles weigh over 900 pounds per square, which is around two-thirds as much as some of the other tile options. Since this material isn’t as water-resistant, it can grow mold. Concrete roof tiles also last about 30 to 50 years, much less than terracotta.

Clay

Standard clay tiles cost $3 to $7 per square foot. Clay is the oldest roofing material. Some regions feature buildings with tiles that are thousands of years old. Since clay is heavier and more water-resistant than concrete, it costs more. In exchange, you may enjoy a surface that lasts longer than your house. However, it is more expensive and difficult to install.

Terracotta

Terracotta roof tiles cost $5 to $10 per square foot, which is more expensive than standard clay options. Terracotta is a kind of clay in which the manufacturer bakes the unique color into the material during the firing process. This leads to an appearance that is less likely to fade over time. Homeowners prefer it for warmer regions because it reflects solar heat. Terracotta is long-lasting but less resistant to freezing, so it's not a good choice if you live in a region with harsh winters.

Tile Roof Cost by Style

While roof tile material is the biggest factor in cost, it’s worth knowing about the different styles of tiles. Simple designs, like a flat shake, cost less, while a traditional barrel tile costs the most. Because they sometimes require different installation techniques, this can impact the price.

The style of tile you select not only influences the look of your roof but also impacts water runoff, mold buildup, and ease of installation. Spanish tiles are the most common style. If you’re on a budget, you might want to opt for flat tiles, and unusual barrel tiles will set you back the most to purchase and install.

Interlocking

Interlocking tiles cost $3 to $5 per square foot. These tiles overlap and interlock by side joints, which means pros can install them as a single lap. This makes them one of the least expensive and simplest options in terms of installation.

Spanish

Spanish tiles cost $8 to $10 per square foot to install. These S-shaped tiles look like rows of undulating waves with wide watercourses and are sometimes called Mediterranean tiles. They’re the most common roof tile style and are ideal for regions with heavy rains. They require careful installation to avoid breakages. Scandia is essentially a Spanish style turned upside down and costs about the same.

Mission

Installing Mission tiles costs $9 to $11 per square foot. Also called “Double Roman,” this tile style has distinct ribs that are very pronounced. Popular for a Mediterranean look, it has smaller watercourses, but there are more of them. Because of their shape, installation is more complex and costs more than average.

Flat

Flat shakes are one of the most economical types of roofing tiles; you can sometimes find them for less than $2 per square foot, and they cost $8 to $9 to install. This style resembles granulated asphalt and wood shake. It has no watercourses, but the flat surface avoids trapping rainwater (providing there is ample pitch on the roof). The adaptability of the finished look makes it very popular for almost any home.

Pantile

Installing pantiles costs $8 to $10 per square foot. These single-lap tiles are significantly lighter than other options. The style resembles a flattened S, which creates a rippling visual effect. It provides a classic “Old World” look with ample runoff for water.

Barrel

Barrel tiles cost $10 to $13 per square foot to install. Because of their unusual design, this style is usually one of the most expensive to purchase and install. True barrel tiles have a taper that is wider at one end. Traditionally, workers wrapped the clay around a barrel or even their legs. Due to its shape, this style is ideal for a curved roof and helps to prevent mold buildup.

French

Installing French tiles runs $9 to $11 per square foot on average. Also called “Profile,” this style looks like a reversed version of the Double Roman. Instead of humps, you get generous indents. This greatly increases the speed of water runoff. The use of special edge and cap pieces and the tight fit required during installation increase the overall costs.

Riviera

Riviera tiles cost $9 to $11 per square foot to install. Similar to the Mission design, this style has flat bumps instead of rounded bumps. If you’re looking for a dramatic shading pattern, Riviera tiles are a great choice, although they aren’t always easy to source, driving the price up.

Tile Roof Maintenance and Repairs

To maximize your tile roof's longevity, it's essential to maintain a regular maintenance schedule. Here are some tile roof maintenance tasks to consider:

Cleaning

The average cost of roof cleaning is $460. Regular roof cleaning can extend the lifespan of a roof by 10 to 20 years by removing problematic debris, moss, mold, and algae. It also improves your home’s curb appeal and helps spot problematic roof issues.

Inspections

A professional roof inspection is beneficial if you’ve experienced stormy weather or if you just want peace of mind that your roof is in good condition.

Repairing Cracks and Chips

Replacing a few cracked or chipped tiles is a relatively simple repair job. However, replacing several tiles might cost up to $250 in total.

Slipped Tiles

Another straightforward job is to replace or repair slipping tiles. Expect to pay $175 to $225.

Sagging Roof

Poor installation, a buildup of snow, or heavy rainfall can lead to sagging tile roofs. Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage. If there is major rot in the roof timbers, you could pay up to $7,500.

Leaks

If your tile roof leaks, expect to pay between $100 and $2,000 to make it waterproof again. Simple repairs like cracked flashing, broken tiles, or clogged gutters are inexpensive. Major deterioration of multiple tiles or structural support will cost considerably more.

Sealing

The price to seal a roof runs $1,400 on average, and you’ll need to do it every few years. However, not all homes require this service. There is debate amongst the profession on whether this is beneficial for clay or concrete tiled roofs. Concrete is a porous material, but the pitch of the roof, along with the overlay arrangement, can be sufficient to keep the water out. Applying sealants requires power washing and walking on the tiles, and these can both cause damage to the tiles. Your local tile roofing company will advise you on your specific tile’s sealing needs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Installing a tile roof is a job best left to the professionals. Only attempt it yourself if you have extensive roofing experience. Working with heavy tiles poses significant safety risks, and improper installation can lead to serious issues for your home. A licensed, experienced tile roofer will install your tile roof safely and correctly. They'll ensure your roof has the necessary support and structure to function properly, giving you the professional-looking results you want. 

Even if you need to replace just a few tiles, hiring a pro is the best way to go. Tile materials are heavy and durable but also delicate in certain spots—stepping on them the wrong way can cause cracks. It's also crucial to ensure that the flashing—the areas where your roof intersects with vertical structures like chimneys and dormers—is watertight. "The flashings for tile roofing are different and need to be installed by tile roof professionals," says Bob Tschudi, a Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. "Otherwise, you risk leaks and shortening the lifespan of your roofing system."

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.