7 Way to Protect Yourself Against Storm Chaser’s Roofing Scams (Don’t Get Scammed!)
By Faith Wakefield /
Average Concrete Roof Cost: $8,000–$20,000
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A concrete roof is made of thick, concrete tiles that are custom-fit for your home. Concrete roofing comes in many styles and colors, so don’t let the misconception that concrete is unattractive scare you away.
In reality, a concrete roof is a durable, cost-effective alternative to clay tiling that can impressively withstand harsh weather conditions.
If you’re ready to jump into your roofing project, select one of our top roofing providers below to get connected with a roofing professional and get a free, no-obligation quote.
The average cost of a 1,700-square-foot concrete roof installation is between $8,000 and $20,000. This is a final cost estimate that factors in both material and installation costs.
The average material cost for concrete tile roofing is between $2 and $10 per square foot. Keep in mind that your roof’s size, slope and pitch will largely determine the co
st of your new roof installation.
Every roofing project is unique. That’s why most roofing companies will send a representative to your home to complete an inspection before giving you a personalized quote.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get an idea of how much a new concrete roof will cost you. Use the following calculations to estimate the material cost for your concrete roof:
$2 x size of your roof in square feet = Low-end cost of a concrete roof
$10 x size of your roof in square feet = High-end cost of a concrete roof
Remember that this estimate does not include labor costs or additional charges like disposal of your old roof and travel time. To get a more accurate estimate, call a professional for a free, personalized quote. You can select one of our top providers below to get started.
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Before you begin your roofing project, you should be aware of the many factors that go into the final price of a new roof.
In most cases, labor and material costs will be your largest expenses. If you’re considering a concrete roof, here’s what you should know about pricing factors:
The material price for concrete roofs is between $2 and $10 per square foot. More detailed concrete roofing styles can cost more than this.
In general, concrete roofs are cheaper than clay roofs. If you are considering a clay roof, but have a tighter budget, a concrete roof may be a great alternative.
Considering a roof installation is very labor intensive, you can expect 50% or more of your total project cost to be for labor. This means you should expect labor to add at least $1,500 to the cost of your concrete roof materials.
Tile roof installation costs will vary depending on your location, but the national average cost of hiring a roofer is $75 an hour.
Concrete tiles are heavy. That means that your roof may need extra reinforcement before your contractor can install the new tiles. This will incur additional labor costs, so make sure you discuss your options with a professional first.
Before your new concrete tile roof can be installed, your old roof must be removed and disposed of. Discuss with your roofing contractor to establish who is responsible for discarding the old roof. Most roofing companies will do this for an additional charge.
You should also call your local solid waste management or recycling center to see if your old roof can be recycled. Most roofing types, including concrete, asphalt, metal and clay can be recycled, so make sure to check and see what facilities exist near you.
Roofing materials are generally priced by the square foot or by roofing square (100 sq ft). Of course, the larger your roof, the more you will pay for both materials and labor.
However, roof features like chimneys, skylight windows, multiple tiers, ventilation systems and more will make your roof installation more complex, adding to labor time and costs. If your roof has many valleys, facets or angles, your roofer will need to use more safety equipment and take more care during the installation. This also drives up costs.
If you’d like to be connected with one of our top-recommended roofing companies, select one of our preferred providers below to get started with a free, no-obligation quote.
Is a concrete roof right for you? Concrete roofs are durable, but their weight and “unattractive” appearance turn some homeowners away.
Check out this video to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of concrete roofs and concrete roof tiles:
The typical lifespan of a concrete roof is 50 years or more. Concrete roofs are very durable against the elements and can withstand hail, snow pileups, rain, wind and fire. However, they can crack or break under pressure, so avoid standing on your concrete roof whenever possible.
Concrete roofs are great for climates that experience high winds. Concrete and clay roof tiles are not at risk of blowing off during a storm like asphalt shingles or wood shake.
Concrete roofs are low maintenance, but routine maintenance can still help you avoid unnecessary repairs and extend the life of your roof. For starters, you should hire a contractor to trim tree branches hanging over or around your roof. This can prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters and on your roof (if you still have debris accumulating, you can install gutter guards to minimize buildup in your gutters).
You should also clean your concrete roof each year to avoid algae or moss development and hire a professional to inspect your roof annually. If you keep these simple maintenance habits, you can avoid larger repairs down the road and catch issues early.
In short, yes, concrete roofs are an environmentally friendly roofing option. These are the top three reasons why:
Any roofing system can be an environmentally friendly option when you install solar panels on your home. If you’re already getting a new roof, it may be the perfect time to install solar panels too.
If you’d like to learn more about installing a concrete roof, we can put you in touch with a certified roofing professional who can give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Installing a new roof isn’t cheap, but the good news is that you don’t have to pay for the total cost upfront. Here are the most popular options for financing your new roof:
A new roof, including concrete roofs, can increase the value of your home. On average, homeowners can reclaim 70% or more of the cost of their new roof through increased home value.4
If you’re ready to get started with your roofing project, select one of our recommended providers below to explore your options with a roofing professional and get a free, personalized estimate.
Common repairs for concrete roofs include fixing broken or chipped tiles, patching leaks and reinforcing the roof to support the weight of the tiles.
The average roof repair cost for concrete tiles is between $350 and $450, but this can vary greatly depending on the size and extent of your repair.
Concrete roofs can be painted. Homeowners often paint concrete roofs for aesthetic reasons, particularly to have the concrete roof more closely resemble clay or terracotta roofing. But there are other reasons to paint your concrete roof as well.
Paint (when applied properly) can also serve as a great protective barrier between your roof and the elements that cause wear and tear. Light-colored paint can also help with the reflectivity of your roof, increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
Repainting a roof typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 when performed by a roofing professional, but it is possible to DIY as well.
You should only paint your roof yourself if you feel completely comfortable climbing onto your roof and have the right tools. Painting your roof can be dangerous, so always take precautions and do your research first.
To paint your concrete roof, powerwash and clean your roof. Once the roof is completely dry, you’ll want to prime the concrete tiles with an exterior primer. When painting, make sure that you have paint that is suitable for outdoor concrete. Always follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure proper application.
You’ll want to avoid high-pressure washing of your concrete roof. Rather, a low-pressure washing or a soft-wash roof cleaning will sufficiently clean a concrete roof without causing damage to the tiles.
It costs an average of $400 to have your roof cleaned by a professional. It is possible to clean your roof yourself, but only do this if you feel comfortable climbing onto your roof with a ladder.
If you’re hoping to achieve a similar roofing look to clay or Spanish tiles without the high price point, a concrete roof may be a great option for you. A concrete tile roof costs less than terracotta or clay, and tile manufacturers still offer a variety of designs like shingles or Spanish-style tiles.
Concrete roofs are generally cost-effective, but your project cost can easily skyrocket if your roof framing needs to be reinforced to support the weight. In this case, you should consult with a roofing professional and structural engineer to decide if a concrete roof is worth the cost.
Concrete roofs are a good investment because, despite being slightly more expensive, they last longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Concrete roofs are also typically less expensive to install than metal roofs.
It is possible to install solar panels on a concrete roof. That being said, your solar panel installer may have to remove some of your tiles and replace them with a solar panel mount during the installation process. This is because concrete tiles can be more fragile than a standard asphalt roof.
With proper maintenance, a concrete roof typically lasts between 50 and 100 years.