How much does it cost to replace roof tiles? [2024]

Is your roof rusty, worn-out or leaking, or do you just want to give it a new lease on life? Whatever the reason you're considering to replace roof tiles, you should first have an idea of what the cost of replacing roof tiles is.

A tiled roof can last for 50 years or more and can add value to your home. In this guide, we look at the cost of roof tiles in different styles and the overall roof replacement cost.

1. Types of Roof Tiles 
2. Do You Need New Roof Tiles?
3. How Much do Roof Tiles Cost?
4. How Much Does Tile Roofing Installation Cost?
5. Quotes for Replacing Roof Tiles

Types of roof tiles

What type of tile roof do you want? Today, there are more options than in the past. Some are classic roof tiles and some are newer roof tiles that can look just as good as the classics:

• Terracotta roof tiles are an Australian favourite
• Slate roof tiles can be perfect for some roofs
• Concrete tiles are the least expensive and can look like terracotta or slate
• Asphalt shingles are becoming a popular option in Australia
• Timber shingles can be used as feature tiles on a pergola or patio overhang or can cover an entire roof
• Solar roof tiles are now available. Some are designed to look like ordinary roof tiles

Those are some of the more popular types of roof tiling. Asphalt shingles aren't exactly tiles, but they look like tiles and come in a variety of colours and designs. When installed they look like tiles. Timber shingles are made from Western red cedar. They are popular in the United States and are now available in Australia.

Do you need new roof tiles?

Removing and replacing roof tiles can be expensive. First, ask if you really need to replace them. Roof repairers can clean and replace tiles for you and patch any leaks. It costs around $250 to clean a roof. Repairs cost around $25 to $40 per square metre, but if it's a small job, it will cost more because of travel and setup time. A full roof restoration can be expensive, but the results can be stunning and you won't have to pay for new tiles.

Ask a roof repair specialist if it is possible to repair or restore a tiled roof. If it is possible and you're happy with the tiles you have, you will save money. If you want a new tile roof, shop around for roof tiles and get quotes from roofing specialists. A tiled roof can last for 50 years or more and will add value to your home.

Read more: How much does it cost to replace roof tiles?

How much do roof tiles cost?

If you have your heart set on terracotta or slate, don't overlook concrete tiles. Today's concrete tiles can look exactly like terracotta or slate tiles and cost far less. Here's a comparison:

• Slate tiles range in cost from $125 to $200 per square metre. Quality slate costs more. Middle range slate costs around $140 per square metre. $200 per square metre is on top of the range slate
• Terracotta tiles are surprisingly expensive. They start at around $150 per square metre and go up to $225 for the best quality tiles. Middle range terracotta tiles cost around $175 per square metre
• Concrete roof tiles cost around $35 per metre. The tile width is 329mm, so they cost around $110 per square metre. This price is for good quality concrete tiles that come with a 50-year warranty. Cheaper concrete tiles are available, but may not have as long a warranty period

These prices are approximate and may vary in different locations. The prices are for the tiles only and do not include installation. Asphalt shingles are a more inexpensive option and can be DIY installed on some types of roofs. Timber shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles but less expensive than roofing tiles.

If you want solar roofing tiles, read The future of the solar panel is cheaper and integrated into your roof. The article mentions three companies that sell solar roof tiles today. Solar roof tiles are more expensive than other types of roof tiles, but the whole roof does not need to be tiled with them.

How much does tile roofing installation cost?

The installation of tile roofing depends on the type of roof. A simple job is less expensive than a more complex job. The angle of the roof will also affect the cost and whether it's a single storey or two-storey house. If the job can be dangerous, the installers will take fall protection measures. This will add to the installation cost.

In general, it costs between $80 and $120 per square metre to have a tiled roof installed. $80m2 is a fairly simple single storey roof. It could cost more than $120m2 for a complex roof with a steep pitch. As a rule, installers charge around $2 to $5 more for every 5 degrees the pitch increases over 35 degrees. A roof with a 65-degree pitch will cost considerably more than a 25 to 35-degree pitch.

Installers take other factors into account before they give a final quote:

• Hips require extra work
• Ridges also require extra work
• Valleys will also add to the cost

These, in addition to fall protection measures, the pitch of the roof and access difficulty will all add to the cost of installing a new roof.

The cost of replacing roof tiles doesn't include the cost of removing the old roof. Using a roofing contractor will probably be less expensive than having the roof removed by another party. In general, they will charge around $10 per square metre to remove and dispose of an old roof.

If you replace roof tiles on a lighter roof, such as a metal roof, you may need to have the roof reinforced. This will add to the cost and the length of time it takes to install the roof.

If you have an old asbestos roof, the cost of removing the roof will be higher and you will probably have to hire an asbestos removal service to remove and dispose of the asbestos tiles. They will also remove any loose asbestos from the roof, leaving it asbestos-free for the new roofers.

Quotes for Replacing Roof Tiles

The cost of installation does not include the cost of removing the old roof. A roofing contractor will probably be less expensive than having the roof removed by another party. In general, they will charge around $10 per square metre to remove and dispose of an old roof.

If you are replacing a lighter roof (such as a metal roof) with roof tiles, you may need to have the roof reinforced. This will add to the cost and the length of time it takes to install the roof.

If you have an old asbestos roof, the cost of removing the roof will be higher and you will probably have to hire an asbestos removal service to remove and dispose of the asbestos tiles. They will also remove any loose asbestos from the roof, leaving it asbestos-free for the new roofers. Our article, Understanding asbestos removal when re-roofing explains the process and cost of removing an asbestos roof.

Because of the complexity of a roof, the only way to get an accurate quote is to describe the roof in as much detail as possible when getting an online quote. Include:

• The current roofing material
• The steepness of the roof
• Hips, valleys and ridge
• The height of the roof
• Access problems

An online quote will be more accurate if you can provide roofers with as many details as possible. When they come to inspect the property, the quote may be higher or lower, but if you describe the roof in detail, you won't be disappointed by a much higher quote.

Roofers may also supply the tiles to you. This can save you money because they buy at discount prices and often pass some of the discounts on to their customers. Ask for materials and labour quotes and compare several roofing specialists in your area.

It may not be a good idea to settle for the lowest quote you receive. Look for an established business with a good reputation in your area. Roofers have to be licensed in many states and anyone who works on the roof must be insured. A low quote may come from an uninsured amateur, so make sure you know the roofer is licensed and insured. Also, ask how long they have worked in your area and ask for references. A tiled roof will last a long time, but only if it is installed by an expert.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.