How Much Does a Tile Roof Replacement Cost in 2024?

The average cost to replace a tile roof is $12,508, but the cost typically varies from $8,274 to $21,005.

closeup of intense color roofing tiles

Homeowners pay $12,508 on average to install a new tile roof, but that price typically ranges from $8,274 to $21,005. Plan to pay at least $5,800 on the low end or upward of $47,000 on the high end.

What this means to you: This average cost to replace your tile roof typically ranges from to $10.88 to $33.75 per square foot.

How Much Does a Tile Roof Replacement Cost?

If your home is your castle, then a tile roof is surely the crowning glory. How much will this crown cost? 

  • National average cost: $12,508
  • Typical price range: $8,274 – $21,005
  • Extreme low end: $5,800
  • Extreme high end: $47,667+

Tile roofs are a popular choice for their longevity, durability, and Mediterranean aesthetic. If you have always wondered what a tile roof would cost, keep reading to learn more about this popular roofing material.

Cost Estimator By Size

Here we’ll use our $10.88 – $33.75 per square foot average to figure the cost to replace the tile roof on three sizes of roof.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Materials are a large part of your total cost to replace your tile roof. Maintenance and replacing the underlayment should also be factored in as ongoing cost considerations.

Material Costs

Roofing tile in a pattern to detail a roofer tiling a roof
Photo Credit: WorldSkills UK / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Across the home improvement board, concrete, as a material, is usually less costly than other natural materials. This proves true for concrete tile roofs as well, which are the least expensive tile option. Clay and terracotta tiles fall in the middle of the pricing range, while slate falls at the high end. 

If you are looking for other tile options, manufacturers also produce metal and composite tiles. These tile roof options are harder to price. Metal tile prices, for example, vary widely depending on the price of raw materials, gauge, fastener type, manufacturer, coating, the complexity of the job, and pitch. 

Some manufacturers make roofing tiles out of composite materials that resemble natural tile, shake, and slate. These are hard to price as well. Check with several local companies to get a good average for your area if you are interested.

One other note: Natural tile materials such as concrete, clay, and slate are heavy and put an extra burden on your home’s structure. Your roofer will need to determine which type of tile, if any, your home can currently support. You may need to hire a contractor to add extra supports to the roof or walls before these tiles can be installed.

Tile Installation Costs By Material ($-$$$$ shows least to most expensive type of tile)

Tile Installation
Costs By Material
Least to Most Expensive
Type of Tile
Concrete Tile$
Clay Tile$$-$$$
Terracotta Tile$$-$$$
Slate$$$$

Maintenance

Close up of old roof tiles that are chipped and discolored
Photo Credit: Christoph Rupprecht / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Tile roofs require very little maintenance, but decades of neglect will take a toll. Most experts recommend a twice-yearly self-inspection.

(See the costs for gutter cleaning below. Most gutter cleaners will blow off the roof, and you may be able to get them to do a visual inspection while they’re there.)

It’s also a good idea to inspect the roof before the stormy season and after a big storm.

Every five years, plan to have a professional roof inspection to proactively manage problems or address issues. Homeowners pay an average of $294 or from $123 – $419 for a roof inspection. You should plan to budget no less than $75 and probably no more than $725 for this service.

Factors that will increase your base inspection price:

  • Drone inspection ($165 – $440)
  • Thermal inspection ($400 – $625)
  • Large square footage
  • Complex roof design (dormers, skylights, steep pitch, multi-story roof)
  • If a certification letter is required ($80 – $220)

Remember, prevention of tile roof problems usually costs less in the end.

Replacing the Underlayment

Roll of roofing felt on top of a roof
Photo Credit: pointnshoot / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Your roofing company may say that a tile roof will last for decades, and this is usually true. Tile roofs are hailed for their durability and fortitude. However, your underlayment will not last quite that long. 

The underlayment for your roof usually has a shorter lifespan than the tile itself and will need to be replaced every 8 to 30 years. (This is commonly referred to as an “R & R” or “remove and replace.”)

Talk with your roofing contractor to ask about the life expectancy and warranty for the underlayment he or she installs. Underlayment material choices vary by climate and region and have last for shorter or longer periods. 

Expect to pay an average of $437 to $787 per square to replace your underlayment. (A “square” is equal to 100 square feet.) This includes removing existing tile, replacing the underlayment, and putting the tile back in place.

Of course, if there are a few broken tiles or if any part of the roof deck needs to be replaced, this is an ideal time to have that done.

Extra Services

Sometimes you save money by combining home improvement projects. For example, many roofing companies offer guttering or gutter cleaning as well. Other times, there are coordinated services that need to happen, such as having trees trimmed before you replace your roof.

In any case, while you’re in the home improvement mindset, you may want to consider these extra services to tack on your tile roof replacement bill.

Gutter cleaning

Clogged gutter that are full of water and not draining
Photo Credit: Eric Schmuttenmaer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Many roofing companies also will clean and replace gutters. Did you know that gutter clogs can cause water damage to your existing roof? That’s just one reason to make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned.

If your gutters are in good shape but are due for a cleaning, expect to pay an average of $183.25 for this service.

If your gutters need to be replaced, plan to pay an average of $1,275 to replace sectional gutters or an average of $1,524 to replace seamless gutters.

Tree work

a tall teal-colored house surrounded by large trees
Photo Credit: Diego Lizcano / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Overhanging trees are a danger to roofs and gutters, so this is a great time to get your trees trimmed back. Plan for an average of $475 per tree or from $315 to $700 per tree on average. You may pay as little as $85 per tree on the low end or $1,267 per tree on the high end.

Chimney cleaning

Picture of a series of house rooftops and they all have chimneys
Photo Credit: Barb / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

While your focus is on the roof, you may want to consider cleaning the chimney. An average chimney cleaning and inspection for a single flue wood fireplace will set you back $128 to $306 on average.

Cost of a DIY Tile Roof 

Two workers replacing tile roofing
Photo Credit: felizfeliz / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Tile roofing is not a DIY project for these four reasons:

  1. Tile roof warranty: Many manufacturers have installation requirements that must be met for their manufacturer’s warranty to be valid and probably won’t warranty a roof with a DIY installation. 
  2. Service warranty: Some installers offer labor or workmanship warranties as well. If they are certified by the manufacturer, they may also offer extended manufacturer’s warranties. 
  3. Tile weight: Tile roofs are very heavy and require special equipment to haul and lift the roofing tiles.
  4. Time and expertise: Most homeowners don’t have the needed skill, time, or inclination to install their own tile roof. 

Bottom Line: Replacing a tile roof is a job best left to the pros.

Cost of a Tile Roof By Location

Labor costs to install your tile roof will vary from region to region. A lower cost of living where you live will mean a lower cost for your tile roof installation project and vice versa. 

FAQ About Tile Roofs

1. How well do tile roofs perform by climate?

According to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance, concrete and clay tile roofs perform well in almost any weather conditions.

Here are a few other details to consider:

Warm climates: Clay, metal, concrete, and slate perform well in the Sunbelt region of the U.S.

Cold climates: Metal, slate — yes. Tile and concrete — maybe. 

Check to see if your clay tiles meet the Grade 1 ASTM C1167 standard to withstand freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter season.

Concrete is not a very porous material, a quality that prevents interior freezing. Therefore, as long as the concrete is manufactured to national standards, freeze-thaw cycles should not impact the integrity of this material. 

A batten system or other special installation techniques may prolong the life of tile roofs in some climates. Ask your roofer what works well in your region. 

Note: Installation is just as important as the materials you choose. Be sure to choose a professional roofing company that will follow all industry guidelines for your area and materials.

Hail: Concrete and clay tiles have been industry tested to resist hail damage from hailstones up to 2 inches. Slate tiles receive a Class 4 (highest) or Class 3 (second highest) rating for hail impact resistance based on the thickness of the tile.

Many standard metal roofing materials are rated Class 4 for hail impact resistance, but you’ll have to check with your roofing contractor to see if their metal tiles are rated by this standard.

Fire Rating: Concrete, clay, and slate all earn a Class A fire rating, which is the highest rating a roofing material can earn. Metal and other non-combustible materials are rated as Class A if the other components of the system meet the Class A requirements.

Wind: Tiles (clay and concrete) and slate are commonly used in coastal areas and hold up well in high winds. However, as noted above, installation is key, and your installer may need to follow special installation practices so your tile roof will withstand strong winds. 

Metal roofs can withstand hurricane-force winds as well, but make sure you follow industry standards for this type of wind load, have a solid deck and frame, and choose the right style of metal roof for your pitch and roof type.

Earthquakes: According to the tile roofing industry, tiles are industry-tested and meet or exceed industry codes. Others say that lighter materials, such as metal, perform better when earthquakes hit.

2. I have heard of tile roofs costing up to six figures. Is this correct? 

If you plan to install a large slate tile roof, this figure is not unusual.

3. What are a few tips when choosing a roofing contractor?

Most homeowners’ first impression of a company will be through its website.

Here are a few things to look for:

✔️ Professional Image: Image isn’t everything, but assess how the company presents itself online.

✔️ Certifications and Accreditations: This is where the rubber meets the road — or the roof. A company may say it is the best roofer, but if that’s true, the contractor will have the industry credentials to back up that claim. 

✔️ Length of time in business: How many years has the roofing firm been in operation? Most sources say to look for a company that has been in business for at least five years.

✔️ Certified Installer/Contractor Status: Companies that meet manufacturer requirements become “certified contractors” with that manufacturer and should offer enhanced warranties.

✔️ Is the roofer licensed, insured, and bonded?

✔️ Reviews: You can’t make everyone happy, but if a company strives to meet industry standards and provides exceptional customer service, most of the reviews should reflect this. Of course, asking friends and your insurance company for recommendations also is helpful. 

✔️ Estimates and Payment: Estimates and contracts should be in writing. Phrasing such as “A partial payment for materials… after they have been delivered to your home” is not unusual.

✔️ Permits and Inspections: Ask your roofer about permit and inspection requirements for your tile roof replacement project.

Find a Roofing Contractor Near You

A tile roof is an investment, but if it works with your budget, it can offer durability and long-lasting beauty for decades.

Expect to pay around  $12,508 on average for a new tile roof, or if you need an R&R (remove and replace), plan on spending $437 to $787 per square.

Remember, you have a variety of material options to give your home that coveted Mediterranean aesthetic in almost any climate.

RoofGnome connects you to the best roofing contractors near you, making it easy to find one who can replace your tile roof.

Main Photo Credit: PxHere / CC0

Sarah Bahr

Sarah is a writer who has previously worked in the lawn care industry. In her spare time, she likes to garden, raise chickens, and mow the grass with her battery-powered lawn mower.