Concrete Tile Roof

Why to Choose Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete shingles are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners for good reasons. Benefits of concrete roof tiles include:

• Highly durable. These tiles can last 50 or more years when well-maintained. They can withstand hail, high wind, fires, rotting, and mold.
• Low maintenance. Concrete is difficult to damage, so little upkeep and maintenance is required to maintain the roof for many years to come.
• Energy efficient. Concrete roof tiles are very energy efficient. In fact, they are a preferred roofing option for heat and hot climates, because they reflect heat more efficiently than many other roof types.
• Great appearance. Concrete shingles have an attractive appearance that can boost curb appeal. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors.

How Much Do Concrete Roof Tiles Cost?

Concrete Roof Tiles

Average Installation Cost $11,485 - $20,946

Cost Breakdown

• Materials 60%
• Labor 40%

The average cost to install concrete roof tiles is anywhere between $11,485 and $20,946 as of 2024, or $3.83 to $6.98 per square foot. This estimated cost is based on a standard-sized 3,000 square foot roof, and includes the cost of both materials (the roof tiles) and professional labor (the cost to have a contractor install them).

Keep in mind that costs can vary depending on a few key factors, like the size and structure of your home, and your roof’s pitch and slope. This can also impact the percentage of the total project cost that is made up by labor charges as opposed to material cost. For example, a roof that is trickier to work on or requires more preparation for a new installation may have higher labor rates.

Your contractor may also charge more for demolition and removal of your old roof. Underlayment, drip edge, fascia, and gutters may be required during your roof replacement, which will also make the cost go up.

Tile roof installation costs will vary by region, so it is best to get a sense for roofing replacement costs in your area before talking to contractors. You can use our Cost Calculator tool to estimate your project’s cost based on where you live.

Roof Installation Cost Calculator

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Concrete vs Clay Tiles

Concrete roofing tiles are a popular, budget-friendly alternative to traditional clay roofing tiles. This type of roofing has a long lifespan up to 50 years, requires low maintenance, offers good fire protection (Class A rated), and is resistant to rot and insects.

Concrete is also considerably lighter in weight than clay tiles, preventing the structural problems often associated with clay.

Lastly, concrete roofing is extremely durable, and its strength is reinforced by the interlocking mode that has been developed in new roofing installation processes for concrete tiles.

Weight: Can Your Roof Support Heavy Tiles?

The heaviness of concrete is something to think about as you research your roof installation. Concrete tiles are more than twice as heavy as asphalt shingles. So unless your home has previously had a tile roof, you will need to have your home evaluated by a structural engineer to make sure it can handle the weigh of your new roof.

A qualified local roofing installation contractor will be able to evaluate this for you. If your home needs additional structural support, this could increase the total cost of installation by thousands of dollars.

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Roof Underlayment

One of the great things about concrete tile roofs is that they last for a long time. However, the roof underlayment beneath them is not quite as staunch, and it will need to be replaced every 20 years.

These roof tiles are also somewhat fragile in spite of their durability, so make sure that even for a seemingly easy roof repair project — no matter what type of roofing tiles you install — you hire an experience pro instead of attempting a DIY fix.

The good news is that when it comes to maintenance, the most you will need to do is lightly rinse them once a year. If there has been severe weather in your area, you may also wish to check for broken, cracked, or chipped concrete shingles.

Roof Maintenance

Concrete roofing is designed to be long-lasting. However, maintenance is still important to prevent major problems such as leaking roofs, but also to preserve the color of the tiles and the overall decorative appeal of your roof.

Consider trimming or removing overhanging trees to prevent moisture buildup from moss or lichen growth. Unlike with clay tiles, you can use a pressure washer to clean your concrete roof, but use the concrete-rating nozzle and wash from a distance of 3-4 feet to avoid forcing water underneath the tiles.