Synonymous with Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture, tile roofing is the premium standard for durability and aesthetics. However, it represents the highest tier of labor difficulty and material cost.
1. Clay vs. Concrete
While they look similar, there are distinct differences:
- Clay Tile: Made from natural clay baked in kilns. Extremely durable color (doesn’t fade) but can be brittle under foot traffic.
- Concrete Tile: Made from cement, sand, and water. Heavier and cheaper than clay, but the surface color can fade over time.
2. The “Weight” Factor (Structural Warning)
The most critical factor when switching to tile is weight. A square (100 sq. ft.) of asphalt shingles weighs ~250 lbs. A square of concrete tile can weigh 900 to 1,100 lbs.
If your home was not originally built for tile, you likely need a structural engineer to inspect the trusses. Reinforcement is often required before installation, which is NOT included in standard labor rates.
3. Underlayment: The Real Roof
With tile roofing, the tiles shed the bulk of the water, but the underlayment keeps the building dry. Because tiles are not water-tight (wind-blown rain can get under them), a high-grade, double-layer underlayment is mandatory.
We recommend a high-temp self-adhered membrane, similar to Ice & Water Shield, for the entire deck when installing tile.
4. Cost Profile
Tile has the highest “Difficulty Factor” (2.5x) in our database. This is due to:
- Material Handling: Moving tons of tile to the roof requires conveyor belts or cranes.
- Cutting: Tiles must be cut with diamond blades for valleys and hips (high labor time).
- Flashings: Requires expensive copper or lead flashing kits.