Concrete roofing tiles are the number one roofing option for many homeowners. These types of tiles are budget-friendly, energy-efficient, and extremely durable. However, there are many factors you have to consider before installing a concrete tile roof.
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Average Cost Of A Concrete Tile Roof
To install concrete tiles on a 3,000-square-foot roof, you’ll need to pay from $11,352 to $20,490.
The average cost of a new concrete tile roof is around $15,960, which comprises the price of the necessary materials and the cost of labor.
Many factors can influence how much a new concrete tile roof will cost, the size of the roof being one of the most important ones. The slope and pitch of your roof can also determine the total price.
Of course, you have to consider the labor costs as well. It’s challenging to determine the exact cost of labor since it varies by region.
Concrete tiles are heavy compared to other types of roof tiles, which means the house may not be able to handle the weight.
To prevent structural damage, the roofing contractors might need to reinforce the house to prepare it for the concrete tile roof, which can drastically increase the overall price of the installation. We’re talking about an increase of a few thousand dollars.
Other factors that can impact the price of a concrete tile roof include the type of concrete tile, accessibility, the complexity of the installation, and the location of your home.
| Roof Tiles | Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Tiles per 3,000 Square Feet | $11,352 – $20,490 | $15,960 |
| Concrete Tiles per 1 Square Foot | $3.80 – $6.84 | $5.32 |
| Concrete Tiles per 1 Roofing Square | $380 – $684 | $532 |
| Clay Tiles per 3,000 Square Feet | $21,850 – $40,150 | $31,112 |
| Asphalt Shingles per 3,000 Square Feet | $5,000 – $12,000 | $8,500 |
You can use our Roofing Calculator to estimate the cost of installing a new roof, using different materials.
Concrete Tile Roof Cost By Square Foot
The price for installing concrete tiles on a roof varies from $3.80 to $6.84 per square foot.
The national average cost of concrete tiles amounts to $5.32 per square foot.
It’s important to mention that you can get a lower price per square foot for more coverage. In other words, the bigger the roof, the lower the cost per square foot will be.
Roofing contractors can add a few dollars to the average concrete tile square footage price if they are required to remove and dispose of the old tiles or shingles.
Homeowners who are renovating their homes will pay more for the roof than those who are building a new house from scratch.
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Concrete Tile Cost By Roofing Square
One roofing square is the same as 100 square feet. This is a measurement term used by contractors to determine the amount of materials and labor that will be necessary to cover 100 square feet.
So, for example, if a roof has 3,600 square feet, that will be 36 roofing squares.
By that logic, if concrete roofing tiles cost $3.80 to $6.84 per square foot, one roofing square will cost between $380 and $684.
The average cost for concrete tiles is $532 per roofing square.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to get tiles for one extra roofing square in case some tiles get damaged over time. Of course, you can always buy extra tiles when the time comes, but you might not be able to find the exact model and color for your roof.
What Is Concrete Roofing Tile?
Concrete roof tile has been used since the 19th century, and they continue to be a popular roofing option to this day. Made using a combination of water, cement, and sand, concrete tiles have come a long way since then.
Roofing concrete tiles are designed to resemble clay tiles, wood shakes, and slate tiles. The concrete tiles offer a flat, clean appearance.
If you want that rural charm, you’ll be able to achieve this look with concrete tiles. The reason they’re so common is because they’re widely available.
Concrete roofing tile is also a cost-effective alternative to clay roof tiles. More specifically, concrete tile are usually 20% more affordable than clay tiles.
Concrete Roof Tile Manufacturers
One of the most important parts of installing a concrete tile roof is finding a reliable tile manufacturer.
Some of the industry-leading concrete roof tile manufacturers include Marley, Boral Roofing, Monier, Sandtoft, BMI Redland, Eagle Roofing Products, SIG Roofing, Auburn Tile Inc., Crown Roof Tiles, and others.
If you’re interested in any of these concrete roof tile manufacturers, we advise you to visit their websites and see what they have to offer.
Make sure you find a concrete roof tile manufacturer that offers plenty of options and trustworthy service. You can look for customer reviews and see what their experiences were like. In addition, search for a manufacturer that offers a limited lifetime warranty for their concrete roof tiles.
Concrete Tile Roof Features
One of the most noteworthy features of concrete tile roofs is their energy efficiency.
Since the tiles are so thick, a concrete tile roof can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing your energy bills.
Concrete roofing tiles come in a variety of styles and finishes. You can choose between textured and smooth tile finishes for your roof.
The concrete tiles are also available in a wide selection of colors, so you’ll be able to find one that matches your home’s appearance. This makes concrete roofing a good choice for those who want their house to have a traditional or modern appearance.
Concrete tiles offer excellent performance, as they’re resistant to wind, fire, and impact.
When it comes to weather resistance, a concrete tile roof has a wind resistance of up to 125 miles per hour. Not to mention that the concrete tiles have a Class 3 hail rating.
Moreover, a concrete tile roof offers excellent sound insulation, minimizing any external noise.
Concrete Tile Roof Installation
Concrete roofs must be installed by a professional. They require a time-consuming and labor-intensive installation, which can’t be done by homeowners.
If the house needs to be reinforced to be strong enough for a concrete tile roof, the installation process becomes increasingly complicated.
If the home already has a tile roof, the contractors will need to replace the underlayment and take various moisture-resistant measures.
Pro Tip: Hire a structural engineer to evaluate your home and the weight of the previous roof. Doing this will let you know if your house will be able to handle a concrete tile roof or if it will require some structural support.
Concrete Roof Maintenance
Unfortunately, a concrete tile roof requires a lot of maintenance.
Heavy rain, winds, and hail can damage the concrete tiles, in which case they should be replaced as soon as possible.
It’s also recommended to have the concrete tile roof inspected once a year.
Proper maintenance can also prevent a leaking concrete tile roof.
If you have an overgrown tree that’s taller than your house, it would be a good idea to remove any overhanging branches that might damage the concrete tiles. It could also lead to overgrowing moss or lichen build-up.
For DIY maintenance, use a pressure washer to clean the concrete roofing tiles. Just make sure not to get too close to the tile, or water might get trapped underneath. In addition, make sure to use a concrete-rating nozzle for the pressure washer.
Regular maintenance is also important to maintain the color of the concrete tiles, as they can fade out from being exposed to the sun.
Keep in mind that the underlayment needs to be replaced every 20 years.
Is Concrete Tile A Good Roof?
There are many reasons why concrete tiles are such a popular choice for a new roof.
First and foremost, concrete roofing tile is extremely durable, and it offers a Class A Fire Rating.
Since they’re energy-efficient, concrete tiles can absorb sunlight much faster than other types of roof tiles. That’s why concrete tiles are the main choice in homes located in hotter climates.
Finally, a concrete tile roof has a clean, flat appearance, which makes the house look better and increases curb appeal.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Concrete Roof?
As good as concrete tiles are, they’re not perfect.
Weight
One of the main disadvantages of roofing concrete tiles is that they’re quite heavy.
In fact, 100 square feet of concrete tiles can weigh anywhere from 820 to 1,1100 pounds. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that the structure of your home is strong enough to be able to support the weight of concrete roofing.
Maintenance
Another factor you should keep in mind when it comes to this roofing option is long-term maintenance.
You’ll need to have your concrete tile roof inspected at least once a year to prevent any costly repairs.
If the tiles aren’t properly treated and moisture-proofed, they might absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Not to mention that water absorption makes them even heavier than they already are.
How Long Does Concrete Tile Roof Last?
If they’re well-maintained, concrete tiles can last for more than 50 years.
This is more likely to be the case in regions with no to minimal extreme weather conditions.
Even though concrete tiles are durable and can withstand wind and hail, the less impact they’re exposed to, the better.
Pro Tip: To increase the lifespan of your concrete roof tile, it’s important to keep it clean. Don’t allow any mold or mildew to accumulate on the tiles. If any of the tiles get damaged due to harsh weather conditions, make sure to replace them right away.
Is Concrete Roof Tile Expensive?
Installing a concrete tile roof might seem expensive when you look at the overall price of the whole project. After all, $15,000 is a big budget for a home improvement project.
However, if you want to get a clay tile roof, you can expect to pay twice as much.
Compared to other types of roof tiles, concrete tiles are one of the most budget-friendly options.
Concrete Tile Roof vs Clay Tile
If you’re unsure which roof tile to choose for your roof, concrete or clay, here’s what you need to know.
Both concrete tiles and clay tiles are solid options, as they’re both energy-efficient and are great for hot weather.
Concrete tiles are a better option if you’re on a budget, as clay tiles are twice as expensive.
To be more precise, while the average cost of a new concrete tile roof is $15,960, you would have to set aside around $31,112 for a new clay tile roof.
On the other hand, clay tiles are more durable than concrete tiles. Whereas concrete tiles have a life expectancy of 50 years, well-maintained clay tiles can last 100 years.
Concrete tiles come in a wider variety of colors and styles.
What’s more, as heavy as concrete tiles are, they’re actually more lightweight than clay tiles.
Concrete Tile Roof vs Asphalt Shingles
If you’re torn between concrete roofing tiles and asphalt shingles, these two roofing options are quite different.
Asphalt shingles offer more variety.
For example, you can choose between three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, luxury shingles, etc. On the other hand, concrete tiles aren’t as versatile compared to asphalt shingles.
Concrete tiles absorb less heat than asphalt shingles.
Since asphalt shingles are attached directly on the roof, they allow for more heat transfer, which makes the attic much warmer. It can even increase your energy bills in summer.
Concrete roofs are also more durable, and they offer better impact resistance and weather resistance than asphalt shingles.
Did you know? Concrete tiles are more than twice as heavy as asphalt shingles. To be more precise, one concrete tile can weigh 6 to 11 pounds, while one asphalt shingle only weighs about 2 pounds.
Since they require less materials for the manufacturing process, asphalt shingles are also more affordable than concrete tiles.
What’s more, asphalt shingles are easier to install, so the total price adds up to an average of $8,000. Low-cost asphalt shingle projects can be $5,000, while high-end installations can cost $12,000.
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Is Concrete Tile Worth It?
Concrete roofing tiles are worth it if you consider their affordability, energy efficiency, and durability.
However, if your house can’t handle the weight of a concrete tile roof, you’ll have to set aside more money for the structural support project.
A concrete tile roof would be a good option for homes that already have a tiled roof.
You’ll also need to invest in annual roof maintenance to keep your concrete tile roof in good condition and good-looking for the next 50 years.
Choose The Right Tiles For Your Roof
Whether you’re renovating your house or building a new one, your home can benefit from a concrete tile roof.
The concrete roof tile is durable, weather-resistant, long-lasting, not to mention cost-effective. With a good value for the money, you’ll be able to provide your home with a reliable roof for the next 50 years.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
