Tile Roofing

Clay vs Concrete Tile

Clay Tile (Traditional)

• Cost: $800-$1,500 per square installed
• Lifespan: 75-100+ years
• Weight: 800-1,000 lbs per square (very heavy!)
• Benefits: Natural material, exceptional durability, won't fade, historic authenticity

Concrete Tile (More Common)

• Cost: $600-$1,000 per square installed
• Lifespan: 50-75 years
• Weight: 900-1,100 lbs per square
• Benefits: More affordable than clay, excellent durability, many color options

Tile Styles

• Spanish/Barrel Tile: S-shaped curved profile, classic Mediterranean look
• Flat/Slate Profile: Low-profile modern appearance, works with contemporary designs
• Double Roman: Alternating wide and narrow sections, elegant formal appearance
• Pantile: Gentle S-curve, traditional European farmhouse style

Advantages of Tile Roofing

Important Considerations

Structural Requirements (Critical!)

Tile is VERY heavy (800-1,100 lbs/square vs 200-400 lbs for asphalt). Your home's structure must support this weight:

• Professional structural engineer evaluation often required
• Roof framing may need reinforcement ($3,000-$10,000+)
• Not recommended for older homes without structural assessment
• Building codes may require additional support

Installation Requirements

• Experienced tile roofers essential (not all roofers work with tile)
• Proper underlayment critical for tile longevity
• Installation takes longer than asphalt (5-10 days)
• Cannot walk on tiles without breaking—requires planks
• Minimum 3:12 pitch required (some tiles need 4:12)

Energy Efficiency

Tile roofs excel in hot climates:

• Thermal mass absorbs heat during day, releases at night
• Natural air space under tiles provides ventilation
• Light colors reflect solar heat effectively
• Can reduce cooling costs by 20-30% in hot climates
• Ideal for southwestern and southern states

Cost Analysis

For typical 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares):

• Concrete Tile: $18,000-25,000 installed
• Clay Tile: $22,000-35,000 installed
• Structural Reinforcement: $3,000-10,000 (if needed)

Despite high upfront costs, tiles can outlast 3-4 asphalt roofs (50-100 years vs 20-25 years each).

Maintenance

• Replace broken tiles promptly (individual tiles break if walked on)
• Clean moss/algae buildup (more common in humid climates)
• Inspect and maintain underlayment (may need replacement before tiles wear out)
• Keep gutters clean (tiles channel lots of water)
• Annual inspections recommended

Climate Considerations

Best Climates:

• Hot, sunny regions (Southwest, South, California)
• Moderate freeze-thaw cycles
• Areas with wildfire risk (tile is fire-proof)

Challenging Climates:

• Severe freeze-thaw cycles (water absorption can cause cracking)
• Areas with large hail (tiles can crack)
• High snow load regions (extreme weight concerns)

Is Tile Right for Your Home?

Tile roofing is ideal if:

• Your home has Spanish, Mediterranean, Mission, or Santa Fe architecture
• You live in a hot, sunny climate
• Your home structure can support the weight (engineering assessment)
• You want a lifetime roof solution
• You value distinctive, premium aesthetics
• HOA requires or encourages tile roofing

Consider alternatives if:

• Budget is limited (tile costs 2-3x asphalt)
• Home is older without structural reinforcement
• You live in area with severe freeze-thaw cycles
• Finding experienced tile roofers is difficult in your area

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tile roofs leak more than shingles?

No. When properly installed with quality underlayment, tile roofs are excellent at shedding water. The tiles themselves are waterproof.

Can I walk on my tile roof?

Individual tiles break under foot traffic. Professionals use walking boards. Avoid walking on your tile roof yourself.

How often do I need to replace tiles?

Rarely. Individual broken tiles can be replaced, but the bulk of tiles last 50-100 years. Underlayment may need replacement after 20-30 years.

Are all tile roofs terracotta colored?

No! Modern tiles come in many colors: terracotta, brown, gray, black, green, even custom colors. Concrete tiles offer the most color variety.