The average cost of a new clay roof, including material and installation, ranges from $16,524 to $23,855, based on a typical 1,700-square-foot roof.
The biggest factor influencing a clay roof’s cost is its size. Clay tile roofs range from $9.72 to $14.05 per square foot, according to data we collected from a cost estimator database used by contractors. If you know your roof’s square footage, use these figures for a more accurate estimate.
Aside from roof size, the type of clay tile also impacts price. Many clay tile options are available, with prices ranging from $8 to $20 per square foot, including material and installation. The most expensive clay roof type is barrel style, while the least costly is flat style.
Read below for a breakdown of clay roof tile costs by type and other factors that may affect price. If you’re unsure whether or not a clay roof is right for your home, explore the most common roof types for an overview of each material’s price, pros, and cons.
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Key Takeaways
- Clay roofs are significantly more expensive than traditional asphalt-shingled roofs, which average $12,500.
- Converting to a clay roof may also require you to invest in expensive new supports for your roof structure.
- Clay roofs are distinctively beautiful and can last 100 years or more with the right care.
What Is the Cost of a Clay Roof?
Clay tiles come in numerous styles and designs, which can affect price. Some, like flat tiles, are less costly, while others are considered luxury options and will be much more expensive. Below, we’ll break down the total cost ranges for clay roof installations, including material, overhead, and labor costs.
| Cost Level | Material Cost per Square Foot | Installation Cost per Square Foot | Project Total for a Typical Roof |
| Low end | $3.62–$4.92 | $2.05–$2.78 | $9,639–$13,090 |
| Middle | $6.25–$8.99 | $3.47–$5.06 | $16,524–$23,885 |
| High end | $9.60–$12.80 | $5.40– $7.20 | $25,500–$34,000+ |
Our cost data comes from a price estimator database for contractors. The estimates included in this article cover materials and average installation costs. Project totals reflect a 1,700-square-foot roof.
What Is the Cost of a Clay Roof by Type?
Several varieties of clay roof tiles are available for your next home roof replacement. Each style has unique looks and benefits, such as better airflow, heavier weight, or a more economical price.
Flat Style
Flat roof tiles are the “baseline model” for any stone roof material. Their flat, simple design allows them to be quickly and efficiently installed, making them highly cost-effective. As such, they are the least expensive roof tiles available, typically costing between $8 and $9.75 per square foot to install — for a typical-sized roof, that puts your total bill at around $13,600 to $16,575.
Spanish Style
Spanish style is the most common type of clay tile available, typically seen in midwestern or Mediterranean climates, such as Florida and Utah. They have a rounded, barrel-like appearance and interlock, so when placed onto a home, they present a beautiful wave-like appearance. You can expect to pay between $9 and $14 per square foot for Spanish tiles. For a standard 1,700-square-foot roof, that means your total costs would be between $15,300 and $23,800.
Mission Style
Mission tiles, also known as “double-roman” tiles, have a similar appearance to the Spanish style but don’t overlap. Instead, mission tiles are nailed directly to the underlayment or battens. These tiles are thinner and have smaller channels, making them slightly more fragile and difficult to install than other options. You can expect to pay between $9 to $12 per square foot for mission-style clay tiles. The final cost for a typical U.S. roof will be between $15,300 and $20,400.
French Style
Less common in the United States, French tiles are some of the most water-resistant stone roofing tiles. They interlock on all four sides and have a tighter seal against water, allowing less moisture to access the underlayment. They’re also some of the heaviest and most difficult to install. These are a pricier type of tile, typically costing between $10.90 to $15 per square foot. For a standard roof, your costs would likely be between $18,530 and $25,500.
Barrel Style
Like Spanish-style tiles, barrel tiles have a round appearance but are much larger with more space beneath, making them heat- and mold-resistant. However, they’re heavy and challenging to manage, making them expensive. Barrel-style tiles typically cost between $15 and $20 per square foot, putting the total cost on a standard roof between $25,500 and $34,000.
Read our article about the cost of tile roofing for more detailed cost information.
How Much Do Clay Roofs Cost by Roof Size?
After material type, the next most important cost factor is the square footage of your roof. The larger the roof, the more materials and labor hours are required to complete the job.
Below is a chart detailing the total expected cost of a clay tile roof installation based on common national roof sizes. Remember, a typical roof is around 1,700 square feet. A professional roofing contractor can help you quickly determine the size of your roof.
| Roof Size (Square Feet) | Price Range | Average Cost |
| 1,000 | $9,720–$14,050 | $11,885 |
| 1,500 | $14,580–$21,075 | $17,828 |
| 2,000 | $19,440–$28,100 | $23,770 |
| 2,500 | $24,300–$35,125 | $29,713 |
| 3,000 | $29,160–$42,150 | $35,655 |
| 3,500 | $34,020–$49,175 | $41,598 |
| 4,000 | $38,880–$56,200 | $47,540 |
| 4,500 | $43,740–$63,225 | $53,483 |
| 5,000 | $48,600–$70,250 | $59,425 |
How Much Does a Clay Roof Cost by Materials?
In most cases, your roofing contractor will buy all the materials and add this cost to the quote you receive. This makes up a substantial portion of your total price.
Roofing materials are typically sold in two ways: roofing squares or bundles. A roofing square contains enough materials to cover a 100-square-foot section, and a bundle is roughly one-third of a square.
The following table outlines clay tile roof material costs based on the size of your roof. A typical roof is about 1,700 square feet, meaning you’d need roughly 17 roofing squares.
| Number of Roofing Squares | Total Material Cost Range | Total Cost Average |
| 1 | $625–$899 | $762 |
| 5 | $3,125–4,495 | $3,810 |
| 10 | $6,250–$8,990 | $7,620 |
| 15 | $9,375–$13,485 | $11,430 |
| 20 | $12,500–$17,980 | $15,240 |
Which Factors Impact How Much a Clay Roof Costs?
The size of your roof and the specific materials you choose are the two most important cost factors in any roofing project. However, several other variables can impact your roof replacement cost. For example, a high-sloped roof or a roof that’s not prepared to handle the additional weight of clay tiles can inflate your bill.
Below, we’ll examine each of these cost factors in more detail and explain how they can impact the price of your roofing project.
Roof Slope
Unless you have a flat roof, the total size of your roof will be significantly larger than your home’s first-level square footage. If you don’t account for your roof’s slope, you may be in for some sticker shock when the final bill comes due.
To find your roof’s true square footage, you’ll need to find the steepness of each sloped surface, otherwise known as its pitch. A roof’s pitch is calculated by its rise-over-run ratio, or how many inches its slope rises for every 12 inches it extends. For example, a roof that rises 4 inches for each horizontal foot has a slope of 4:12. Once you have your roof’s slope, you can plug it into a roofing calculator to find its true square footage.
A professional roofing contractor will take exact measurements when assigning a quote. However, finding your roof pitch and size yourself can give you a better estimate of the cost of potential projects. You can often gauge your roof pitch by climbing into your attic and examining the rafters. This video explains how that’s done.
The table below shows just how much of an impact pitch can have on the size of your roof and how much it can change your project’s total cost.
| Base Square Footage of Home | Roof Pitch | Roof’s True Area in Square Feet | Clay Roof Installation Cost |
| 2,200 | 4:12 | 2,541 | $30,212 |
| 2,200 | 6:12 | 2,695 | $32,044 |
| 2,200 | 8:12 | 2,897 | $34,446 |
| 2,400 | 4:12 | 2,762 | $32,840 |
| 2,400 | 6:12 | 2,929 | $34,826 |
| 2,400 | 8:12 | 3,149 | $37,441 |
| 2,700 | 4:12 | 3,092 | $36,764 |
| 2,700 | 6:12 | 3,279 | $38,987 |
| 2,700 | 8:12 | 3,525 | $41,912 |
Roof Reinforcement or Reframing
One of the few major downsides of clay roof tiles is their weight. On average, clay tiles weigh around 600 pounds per roofing square — more than twice as heavy as asphalt shingles. While some homes can withstand the increased load of clay tiles, others must be reframed or reinforced.
The exact cost of reframing or reinforcing roof structures will vary depending on your home’s size, age, condition, and design. However, for a full roof reframing, most homeowners pay between $15,000 and $30,000.
Roof Repairs and Add-Ons
When working on a project, roofers may come across damaged structures that must be repaired or replaced for construction to continue. When this happens, they’ll bring these damaged sections to the homeowner’s attention, generate an updated price estimate, and proceed with the repair. While minor damage can be negligible cost-wise, others carry a hefty price tag.
Alternatively, a homeowner may request upgrades, repairs, or other services during a roof replacement project. This practice can be time and cost-efficient since knocking this out during a roof replacement kills two birds with one stone.
Commonly requested additional services include gutter replacements, adding skylights, replacement of flashing, and chimney repair.
Here is a quick list of most repairs and add-on services that can impact the cost of your roofing project.
- Repairing or replacing flashing: $10–$27 per linear foot.
- Roof sealing: $1–$4 per square foot.
- Gutter repair or replacement: $1,000–$7,000
- Adding a skylight: $900–$2,500
- Repairing a chimney: $150–$1,000
- Vent or ductwork repair: $150–$900
- Replacing insulation: $2.14–$4.30 per square foot, totaling $1,500 to over $2,000.
- Roof underlayment replacement: $2–$3 per square foot.
What Are the Benefits of Investing in a Clay Roof?
On average, clay tiles have a useful life of 50 to 100 years or more with proper care and maintenance. This lifespan is comparable with stone roofing materials like slate and concrete. However, unlike these other materials, clay is weather-resistant and comparatively light — concrete and slate are susceptible to rain and are about one and a half times as heavy as clay.
Here are some additional benefits of clay tile roofs. These roofs are:
- Eco-friendly: Clay tile roofs are made of natural stone materials and are recycled when replaced, keeping them out of landfills.
- Energy-efficient: The design of most clay roofs provides a natural airflow between the tiles and the underlayment. This system creates ventilation that helps the roofs resist heat, making them far more energy-efficient than standard asphalt shingles.
- Mold- and mildew-resistant: Some stone shingles, like concrete, tend to collect mold, mildew, and algae. However, the natural ventilation of clay tile roofs helps them resist these problems.
- Beautiful: One of the most impressive benefits of clay tiles is their aesthetic appeal. Their striking color and rich selection of styles allow homeowners to have an attractive and gorgeous roof.
- Low-maintenance: Clay is one of the best low-maintenance roof options available to homeowners. Clay roofs are resistant to mold and mildew and don’t lose tiles often, meaning upkeep consists solely of an occasional roof inspection.
- Water-resistant: The gutter-like channels inside clay roofs allow for efficient water runoff, diverting moisture from the roof deck.
What Does DIY Clay Roofing Cost?
Installing a clay roof is not a DIY job. An incorrectly constructed roof can lead to water damage, pest infestations, and thousands of wasted dollars.
Clay, slate, and concrete tiles are all too heavy to be lifted, managed, and installed without a trained team and special equipment. As such, homeowners should always hire a professional roofer for clay roof replacements over a DIY approach.
Hiring a Professional for a Clay Roof Installation
While not common, fraudulent companies exist, and you’ll want to avoid them at all costs. Thankfully, by following these simple steps, you can find a reliable, skilled roofing company for your clay roof replacement.
- Find local experts near you: Search for local contractors specifically offering clay roofing tile installations.
- Check their background and credentials: Before scheduling appointments, look into a company’s background, work history, and customer reviews. We recommend checking their Google My Business account, Better Business Bureau Page, and Yelp Reviews.
- Get a quote from a few options: Schedule appointments with the top companies you’ve vetted to obtain quotes. By going with more than one quote, you can get a better idea of your project’s true price and find the best deal.
- Consult them about their recommendations: During the quote process, ask questions about the project — this will give you a better idea of issues or problems that may arise.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
So, Are Clay Roofs Worth the Cost?
Clay roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingles but are a middle-of-the-road option for stone materials. This price lines up with their overall quality and lifespan. They’ll last far longer than any asphalt shingle but are second best, right behind slate, for total lifespan. However, they’re much less heavy than other stone roofing materials and have unique benefits (such as being resistant to mold, water, and heat), making them an excellent choice.
All in all, clay roofs are typically well worth their price tag. They last up to 100 years, have a unique and beautiful appearance, and are highly energy-efficient. But homeowners should consider their downsides as well. Namely, they can be fragile, heavy, and expensive to replace or repair in the event of damage.
FAQs About Clay Roof Costs
While long-lasting, clay roofs cost significantly more upfront than standard asphalt or metal roofing options. They require expert installation and are heavy, so in some cases, a roof may need to be structurally reinforced to handle the weight, driving up the price. They’re also only suitable for roofs with steeper slopes of at least 4:12.
Clay roofs are prized for their durability. However, clay tiles can crack when struck by a tree branch or hail, leading to costly repairs.
Clay roofs can last 50 to 100 years, sometimes more, making them a great long-term investment. The lifespan of clay tile roofs will depend upon climate and maintenance. Roofs exposed to extreme climates with constant high heat, strong winds, or frequent storms won’t last as long as those in milder climates.
The best way to ensure a long-lasting clay tile roof is to perform regular maintenance. Clay tiles are susceptible to algae, so have the roof washed about every three years to keep it in good condition. You should also perform regular inspections and make repairs as necessary.
Clay roofs are almost twice as expensive as asphalt roofs. The average price of an asphalt roof is about $12,500, ranging from $1.50 to $11 per square foot, depending on material choice. The average price of a clay roof is $20,200, ranging from $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on tile selection.
However, even though a clay tile roof is more expensive upfront, it can last up to 100 years, saving you money in the long run. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, need to be replaced every 15 to 40 years.
Clay roofs last 50–100 years on average, while slate roofs can last up to 200 years, depending on the type of slate used. Both materials are heavy, but slate is heavier than clay, often requiring structural reinforcement so the roof can handle the weight load. Both materials are weather-resistant, but clay tiles are more likely to crack under impact.
Regarding price, slate is slightly more expensive, with an average cost of $20,825 to $26,010 per 1,700 square foot roof versus a clay roof’s average price tag of $16,524 to $23,855. Both materials can increase resale value and add aesthetic appeal to a home.
