System Overview
Tile roofing represents one of the oldest and most durable roofing systems in existence, with installations lasting 50-100+ years. Clay and concrete tiles offer exceptional fire resistance, weather durability, and aesthetic appeal. They are the premium choice for Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Mission, and Southwestern architectural styles.
As an estimator, tile roofing requires careful attention to structural requirements (tiles are heavy - 8-15 lbs per square foot), specialized installation methods, and extensive underlayment and flashing systems. The material cost is high, labor is specialized, but longevity and curb appeal justify the premium price in appropriate markets.
Structural Warning: Tile roofing adds 800-1,500 lbs per square (8-15 psf) to roof load. Existing structures must be evaluated by an engineer before installation. Inadequate framing can lead to structural failure, especially in snow country.
Tile Types
Clay Tile (Traditional)
The original tile material - natural clay fired in kilns at high temperatures. Extremely durable, fade-resistant, and environmentally friendly. Premium product with centuries-long lifespan. Common in historic districts and high-end homes.
900-1,200 lbs per square
75-100+ years (often outlasts building)
$4.00-10.00/SF (tile only)
Terra cotta, red, brown, natural (unglazed)
- • Longest lifespan of any roofing material
- • Natural, sustainable material
- • Colors never fade (natural pigments)
- • Class A fire rating
- • Excellent thermal mass (energy efficient)
- • Recyclable and non-toxic
Concrete Tile (Modern Alternative)
Manufactured from sand, cement, and pigments. Molded into various profiles to replicate clay tile appearance at lower cost. Most popular tile option for new construction. Available in extensive color palette.
800-1,100 lbs per square (lighter than clay)
40-60 years (50+ in ideal conditions)
$2.00-5.00/SF (tile only)
30+ colors, blends, custom matches
- • Colors may fade over 15-20 years (recoating available)
- • Quality varies by manufacturer
- • Lower cost than clay (40-60% savings)
- • Freeze-thaw durability issues in harsh climates
- • Still requires structural evaluation for weight
Profile Types
Both clay and concrete tiles are available in various profiles, each with different coverage rates, installation methods, and aesthetic effects.
Mission "S" Tile (Barrel Tile)
Classic curved profile with separate base (pan) and cap (cover) tiles. The iconic Spanish Colonial look. Most expensive and labor-intensive.
Two-Piece "S" Tile
Interlocking curved tiles that create mission barrel appearance with single-layer installation. More economical than traditional mission.
Flat Profile (Mediterranean/French)
Low-profile interlocking tile with subtle curves. Sleeker, more modern appearance. Lighter weight than barrel tiles.
Low-Profile/Slate Look
Flat tiles designed to mimic slate. Minimal profile for contemporary designs. Lightest tile option.
Materials & Components
Tile roofing systems require extensive underlayment, battens (optional), specialized flashings, and trim pieces. The tile itself is only 40-50% of total material cost.
1. Underlayment (Critical for Tile)
Tile roofs are not waterproof - tiles shed water to the underlayment, which is the actual water barrier. Two layers are standard; three layers recommended in severe climates.
Critical: Underlayment is the roof. Tiles only protect underlayment from UV and physical damage. Never skimp on underlayment layers.
2. Battens (Wood Strips)
Horizontal wood strips fastened to deck create airspace under tiles for ventilation and drainage. Required in some regions, optional in others. Increases labor and cost but extends system life.
3. Fasteners
Tiles in high-wind or steep-pitch areas must be mechanically fastened (nailed, screwed, or clipped). Fastening requirements vary by code and wind zone.
4. Trim & Specialty Tiles
Ridge, hip, rake, and eave closure pieces. Custom-fabricated or manufacturer-supplied specialty tiles.
5. Flashing Materials
Valleys, walls, chimneys, and penetrations require metal flashing and pan systems designed for tile profiles.
6. Adhesives & Sealants
Ridge caps, hip tiles, and certain profiles require mortar or adhesive. Foam or mortar closures seal gaps.
Estimation Considerations
Structural Evaluation
Always include cost for structural engineering review. Most jurisdictions require stamped plans for tile roof installations or conversions from lighter systems.
Waste Factor
Tile breakage during shipping, handling, and installation requires significant waste allowance. Complex roofs increase waste dramatically.
Regional Variations
Installation methods, code requirements, and material availability vary significantly by region. Verify local practices.
Material Lead Time
Custom colors and specialty tiles often have 6-12 week lead times. Standard colors: 2-4 weeks. Factor into project scheduling.
Material Takeoff Details
Step-by-Step Takeoff Process
Measure all roof planes with pitch multipliers. Tile coverage follows actual roof surface, not horizontal footprint.
Coverage varies by profile. Manufacturer specs list tiles per square. Add waste factor.
Two full layers are standard. Three layers in harsh climates. Include 10% lap waste.
All linear transitions require specialty tiles or metal trim. Measure each separately.
Horizontal battens at tile exposure spacing. Calculate linear feet based on roof width and spacing.
Calculate nails, clips, mortar, and foam closures based on installation method.
Custom metal pans and flashings for valleys and penetrations.
Important: Tile coverage rates vary significantly by profile and manufacturer. Always verify with actual product specifications. A 10% error in coverage rate means ordering 300+ tiles too few on a 30-square roof.
Labor Estimation Guidance
Tile roofing is extremely labor-intensive. Skilled tile setters command premium wages. Expect 2-3x the labor hours of asphalt shingles. Complex roofs with extensive trim work can exceed material costs in labor.
Baseline Productivity Rates
| Task | Hours/Square | Crew Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tearoff existing roof | 1.5-2.5 | 3-4 | Tile tearoff is slow, heavy |
| Underlayment (2 layers) | 0.6-1.0 | 2-3 | Two full layers required |
| Batten installation | 1.0-1.5 | 2 | If specified |
| Flat profile tile | 3.0-4.0 | 2-3 | Fastest tile type |
| Two-piece S-tile | 4.0-5.0 | 2-3 | Most common profile |
| Mission barrel tile | 5.0-7.0 | 2-3 | Two-piece system, slowest |
| Ridge/hip installation | - | 2 | 0.5-0.8 hrs per LF |
| Valley installation | - | 2 | 0.8-1.2 hrs per LF |
Factors That Speed Up Work:
- • Simple gable or hip roof (no valleys)
- • Low pitch (4/12-6/12)
- • Experienced tile crew (5+ years)
- • Batten system (easier tile alignment)
- • Flat or low-profile tiles
- • Good weather conditions
- • Easy material staging and access
Factors That Slow Down Work:
- • Multiple roof levels and dormers
- • Extensive valleys and trim work
- • Steep pitch (8/12+)
- • Mission barrel tiles (two-piece system)
- • Custom color or trim details
- • Inexperienced crew with tile
- • Difficult access or multi-story
Example Labor Calculation
Common Estimating Mistakes
1. Missing Structural Engineering
Converting from shingles to tile without structural evaluation. Most buildings are not designed for 8-15 psf additional dead load. Structural failure, code violations, and liability issues.
Fix: Always include structural engineering review as a line item ($1,000-2,500). Budget for potential upgrades (rafters, trusses, sheathing) as allowance or exclusion.
2. Insufficient Waste Factor
Tile breakage from shipping, handling, cutting, and installation is significant. Using 10% waste on complex roofs guarantees running short and delays.
Fix: Use 15-20% waste minimum for standard jobs. Complex roofs with valleys, hips, dormers: 20-30% waste. Always order 50-100 extra tiles for future repairs (custom colors have long lead times).
3. Forgetting Second Underlayment Layer
Bidding single layer of felt when two layers are standard and often required by code. Underlayment is the actual waterproof membrane in tile systems.
Fix: Always include two full layers of #30 felt or synthetic underlayment. Three layers in severe climates or low pitch. Doubles underlayment cost but critical for warranty and performance.
4. Underestimating Ridge/Hip Labor
Ridge and hip cap installation is time-consuming and requires precision. Each cap tile must be individually set, mortared or adhered, and aligned. Can equal field tile installation time on hip roofs.
Fix: Budget 0.5-0.8 hours per linear foot for ridge/hip work. On hip roofs, this can add 80-120 hours to project. Never estimate ridge/hip as percentage of field time.
5. Wrong Tile Coverage Rate
Using generic tiles-per-square instead of actual product specs. Coverage varies from 80-120 tiles per square depending on profile, exposure, and manufacturer.
Fix: Always get manufacturer specs for exact product. Verify coverage rate, weight, and fastening requirements. A 10-tile-per-square error means 320 tiles short on 32-square roof.
6. Missing Specialty Trim Tiles
Forgetting starter tiles, rake tiles, eave closure, and specialty pieces. These can add 15-25% to material cost.
Fix: Create separate takeoff for eave starters, rake edge, ridge cap, hip cap, and any specialty transitions. Budget $4-12/LF for trim tiles depending on profile.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Structural engineering review is mandatory - tile adds 800-1,500 lbs per square to roof load
- ✓Two layers of underlayment are standard - underlayment is the actual waterproof membrane
- ✓Waste factor must be 15-30% due to breakage - always order extra tiles for future repairs
- ✓Labor is 2-3x shingles - experienced tile setters are essential and command premium rates
- ✓Ridge and hip work is time-intensive - budget 0.5-0.8 hours per linear foot for quality work
Get the Complete Tile Roofing Estimating Template
Excel-based template with tile quantity calculators for all profiles, underlayment layer worksheets, trim tile takeoff tools, structural load calculators, waste factor formulas, and detailed labor breakdowns for clay and concrete tile systems.
Template Includes:
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