Tile Roof Options
Tile roofs are typically made from concrete or ceramic clay. They have been popular in the Southwest for decades due to their durability and heat dissipation properties, but are equally practical in any part of the country. While many homeowners opt for Mediterranean or Spanish style tile roofs, tiles are sold in a large variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, including those that mimic wood,slate, and other materials.
Solar Roof Tiles
The energy efficiency of solar roofing makes it a new breed of roof altogether. Many states offer tax credits for installing solar systems, and some electrical companies will even buy surplus energy back from you. Made to look like traditional roofs, solar roof tiles make bulky, unsightly solar panels a thing of the past. In fact, most people who purchase solar tiles are pleasantly surprised to find that they enhance the beauty of their home. Solar technology, while still relatively new and expensive, is the ultimate Green roofing solution.
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Reasons to Install a Tile Roof
The beauty of tile is perhaps its most prominent selling point, but there are certainly other reasons to install a tile roof. One of the main ones is energy efficiency: roofing tiles are installed in such a way that air circulates beneath them, which limits heat transfer and helps to lower both heating and cooling costs. Further improving the efficiency of a tile roof is the inherent insulating properties of clay and concrete. Other benefits include:
- Better ice damming prevention than other types of roofing
- Class-A fire rating
- Resists winds up to 130 miles per hour
- Absorbs impacts from hail and other debris
- Mold, mildew, and algae resistance
- High degree of customizability
- Manufacturers often provide a warranty against color fading for the life of the product
Tile Roof Costs
The following prices are based on a new 2,500 square foot installation:
- Standard concrete roof tiles cost $5 to $10 per square foot ($12,500 to $25,000) installed.
- Higher end and custom concrete tiles cost $9 to $14 per square foot installed ($22,500 to $35,000).
- Basic ceramic clay tiles cost $7 to $12 per square foot installed ($17,500 to $30,000) ; better quality and/or custom shaped ceramics can run as high as $20 to $30 per square foot installed ($50,000-$75,000).
- Solar roof tiles are a new product and prices are constantly changing, but a reasonable estimate for an installed solar system is $25 to $35 per square foot ($62,500 to $87,500). Save money by only installing solar tiles on your roof’s south side.
- Unusually steep slopes, skylights, and multiple dormers may add anywhere from $1 to $5 per square foot ($2,500 to $12,500) to the total cost
- Removing and disposing of your old roof can add from $1 to $3 per square foot ($2,500-$7,500) to the project cost
- Note that tile is heavier than other materials, and your roof structure may need added supports to withstand the weight. If this is not a practical option for you, lightweight clay and concrete tilesthat eliminate the need for structural changes are available at a cost of approximately 10-15% more than standard tiles.