Roofing comparison
Tile Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: Cost Comparison
Clay and concrete tile last far longer than asphalt and cost several times as much. There is also a structural question that does not apply to any other roofing comparison, and it has to be answered before price.
Tile roof
$12 to $30 per sq ft installed
Asphalt shingles
$4.50 to $11 per sq ft installed
| Feature | Tile roof | Asphalt shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $12 to $30 | $4.50 to $11 |
| Typical 1,800 sq ft roof | $21,600 to $54,000 | $8,100 to $19,800 |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 20 to 30 years |
| Weight | Very heavy | Moderate |
| Structural reinforcement | Often required | Rarely |
| Performance in heat | Excellent | Good |
| Walkability for repairs | Poor, tiles crack | Good |
| Individual repairs | Tiles can be swapped | Shingles can be swapped |
Tile roof
- Lasts 50 years or more, often outlasting the underlayment beneath it
- Excellent in hot, sunny climates
- Fire resistant
- Individual tiles can be replaced without a full tear-off
- Three times the installed cost
- Very heavy, often needing structural reinforcement
- Cracks if walked on carelessly
- The underlayment beneath usually needs replacing before the tile does
Asphalt shingles
- Lowest cost roofing by a wide margin
- Every roofer works with it
- Light enough for any standard roof structure
- Simple, cheap repairs
- Shortest lifespan of the common materials
- Degrades faster in intense sun and heat
- Less impressive at resale in tile regions
The verdict
Choose tile in hot sunny regions, on a house you intend to keep for decades, and where the structure is already designed for it, which is common in areas where tile is the local norm. Choose asphalt for the lowest cost, for a house you may sell within ten years, and anywhere the roof structure is framed for a light covering. Before pricing tile on an existing asphalt roof, get the framing assessed by a structural engineer, because retrofitting tile onto a structure not designed for the load is not a decision for a roofing salesperson.
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View on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can any roof support tile?
No. Tile weighs several times what asphalt shingles weigh, and a structure framed for a light covering may need reinforcement to carry it. That is a structural engineering assessment, not something to settle with a roofing estimate. Houses in regions where tile is standard are usually framed for it already.
How long does a tile roof last?
The tiles themselves commonly last 50 years or more, and in some cases far longer. The underlayment beneath them does not: it typically needs replacing on a shorter cycle, which means lifting and resetting the tiles. Budget for that mid-life job rather than assuming the whole roof is maintenance free for its rated life.
Is a tile roof worth it over asphalt?
In hot, sunny climates and on a long hold, the lifetime arithmetic can favor tile despite roughly three times the upfront cost. On a house you may sell within a decade, you will not recover the difference. Local norms matter too, since in some regions a tile roof is expected and in others it looks out of place.
How do I choose a roofing contractor?
Get at least three written quotes with the same scope, check state licensing and insurance directly rather than taking a copy at face value, and be cautious with contractors who arrive door to door after a storm. Ask what happens if deck rot is found once the old roof comes off, because that is the most common change order on a roofing job and the price for it should be agreed in advance.