How much does roof tiling cost? [2024]

Roof tiling can be a major home improvement, but how much does roof tiling cost? There isn't a simple answer, as the costs of roof tiles vary and so do installation costs. One roof can cost far less than another roof of the same size, because the pitch and complexity of a roof design will affect the cost, as will the cost of roof tiles. To estimate costs for your project, please refer to our roof cost calculator.

Read this guide to find out more about:

• Factors affecting roof tiling cost
• Cost of concrete roofing tiles
• Cost of terracotta roofing tiles
• Cost of slate roofing tiles
• Cost of solar roofing tiles
• Calculating the size of a roof
• Getting quotes from roof tilers
• Roof tiles vs. metal roofing
• Roof replacement costs

Factors affecting roof tiling cost

The average roof tiling cost in Australia ranges from $85–$155 per square metre, or $35–$140 per hour. The overall cost depends on several factors, including:

• The type of roof tiles you choose
• The weight of the tiles per square metre
• Roofer rates in your area
• The size of your roof
• The pitch of your roof and any access issues

In general, expect to pay around:

• $45–$65 per square metre for concrete tiles
• $80–$110 per square metre for terracotta tiles
• $200–$500 per square metre for slate tiles
• $230–$320 per square metre for solar roof tiles

Find out more about the different types of roof tiles and how to calculate your roof tiling cost below.

Cost of concrete roofing tiles

Concrete roof tiles are the least expensive type of roof tiles, while still being attractive and long lasting. In general, concrete roof tiles cost between $45 and $65 per square metre.

A house that's 100 metres square will have a roof of approximately 112 square metres, so the roof tiling cost will be between $5040 and $7280. A roof with a steeper pitch or complex shape will require more tiles.

Cost of terracotta roofing tiles

Terracotta roof tiles are more expensive than concrete roof tiles. On average, they cost $80 to $110 per square metre.

Using the 112 square metre cost, the overall roof tiling cost should be between $8960 and $12,320 or almost double the cost of concrete roofing tiles.

Cost of slate roofing tiles

Slate is one of the most expensive roofing tiles you can buy, costing between $200 and $500 per square metre. The difference in price has to do with the quality of the slate.

A 112 square metre slate roof can cost between $22,400 and $56,000, which is likely to be unaffordable for most homeowners. Installation costs will also be higher for a slate roof.

On the positive side, slate roofing has the advantage of being long lasting. Slate roofs have been known to last for centuries and slate comes in a variety of colours.

Cost of solar roofing tiles

Solar panel tiles for roofs are now available in Australia from a number of suppliers, including:

• Bristile
• Monier
• Nulock
• Tesla
• Tractile

Solar roof tiles can be designed to look like slate or terracotta and come in a range of colours. Cheap solar roof tiling costs from $230 per square metre, with the total cost of the project ranging from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on the panel manufacturer and style.

Unlike other roof materials, you don't have to cover an entire roof with solar roof tiles. They are best used in areas where the sun strikes the roof and can produce electricity. Only about 375 tiles are needed to produce 5 kilowatts of power, so your solar roof tiles could pay for themselves over time because of the savings on electricity.

Solar roofing tiles come with long warranties, from 25 years to unlimited warranties in the case of Tesla roof tiles. Some are made from toughened glass and can be impervious to breakage. They only need to be washed down occasionally to retain their ability to absorb the sun's rays.

Calculating the size of a roof

One important thing to keep in mind when estimating roof tiling cost is the area of your roof, which isn't the same as the area of your house. This is because the roof pitch can make a difference to the number of tiles needed to cover a roof. A steeper pitch takes up a larger area than a gentle pitch, and if there are several different pitches, it could cost more.

For example, a home of 100 square metres will need approximately 112 square metres of roof tiles. If it has a steeper pitch or a more complex shape, more tiles will be needed.

The best way to determine how many square metres of tiles you need is to look at a drawing of your house and measure the roof area. If you don't have drawings of your house, a roofing contractor can accurately tell you how many square metres of tiles you need based on their previous experience.

Getting quotes from roof tilers

When you're comparing quotes from roof tilers or roofing installers in your area, price should be just one consideration. You should also check whether the roofer is licensed and insured. They should also be able to give you references from previous clients and be able to give you a written quote.

If all things are equal, you can choose a lower quote for roof tiling cost, but only if you've inspected a tiler's previous work and you're happy that they are the right person for the job.

Roof tiles vs. metal roofing

One decision you may be facing is whether you should choose roof tiles or metal roofing. Metal roofing is relatively easy to maintain, but it lacks some of the beauty of roof tiling because metal roofing comes in flat profiles, while roof tiles can be curved or flat.

Roof tiling costs more to lay than metal roofing. On average, the cost of laying roof tiles is between $85 and $155 per square metre, while metal roofing costs between $50 and $70 per square metre. However, roof tiles have several advantages over metal roofs, namely:

• Weather resistant warranties of up to 50 years
• Excellent acoustic insulation
• More thermal insulation than metal roofing
• Can be integrated with solar roofing tiles

Roof replacement costs

Another decision you may be facing is whether to retile or replace a roof.

If you're replacing a roof, the costs will be higher because the roofers will have to remove the old roof first. If you're replacing a metal roof with a tile roof, the costs may be higher still, because they will have to reinforce the roof and make the roof able to be tiled.

The cost of roof replacement will depend on several factors:

• The size of the roof
• The pitch of the roof
• Structural work
• Complex roofs

Replacing the roof may cost between:

• $9200 and $13,000 for a concrete roof
• $18,400 and $38,000 for terracotta tiles
• $64,000 and $160,000 for slate tiles

These costs will include replacing an old roof and the price differences reflect the complexity of the job. A lower price will be a relatively straightforward job, while a higher price may mean structural work is needed or a roof has a steep pitch or complex design.

When choosing a roofing replacement specialist, ask the same questions you would ask a roof installer and insist on an itemised quote so you know exactly what you'll be paying for. They may also charge for removing old roofing materials and taking them to the tip. Expect to get a firm quote after a roof replacement service inspects your roof.

Read more: How much does roof replacement cost?

Whether you're purchasing a new roof for a new home or replacing a roof, roof tiling is worth considering. It can be a beautiful addition to a home and can increase its value.

Concrete tiling is the least expensive option, but also consider terracotta, slate and solar roof tiles. A combination of tiles including solar roof tiles can save you money in the long run and may be a good home improvement investment.

*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.