Terracotta roof is made from natural clay fired in a kiln, making the tile strong and weather-resistant. The average cost to install a terracotta roof ranges from $9 to $23 per square foot, including both materials and labor.
The average roof size in the U.S. is 1,700 square feet. So, most homeowners pay between $15,300 and $39,100 for a complete terracotta roof installation. If you’re building a new home, the cost of reinforcing the roof are often included. However, for existing homes, you may need to add support, as terracotta tiles are pretty heavy.
The costs in this pricing guide are based on nationwide averages, including small and large cities. The price you pay will vary depending on several factors, such as the roof’s complexity and size.
Cost by Location
Terracotta roof installation costs vary depending on your location. Labor costs tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, so homeowners in metro and urban areas can expect to pay more than those in rural regions.
The total installation cost can also vary based on local climate. In hurricane-prone areas, for example, additional structural reinforcements may be required, which increase the overall price. In hot or coastal regions, terracotta is a popular and readily available option. If terracotta tiles aren’t readily available in your area, expect to pay extra for shipping as well.
The following are average costs for terracotta roof installation in various locations around the United States:
| Location | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $8.90 – $22.60 |
| New York, NY | $10.70 – $24.60 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $8.00 – $21.60 |
| Atlanta, GA | $8.20 – $21.90 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $8.60 – $22.30 |
| Chicago, IL | $9.80 – $23.60 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $8.70 – $22.40 |
| Seattle, WA | $10.00 – $23.90 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Los Angeles, CA | $9.60 – $23.40 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $8.10 – $21.80 |
Cost by Size
To determine the cost of a terracotta roof for your house, you’ll need to consider the surface area of your roof. The average price for a standard-size terracotta roof nationwide ranges from $9 to $23 per square foot. The average cost of materials is $4 to $11 per square foot, while labor costs an additional $5 to $12 per square foot.
If you’re unsure of your roof’s dimensions, you can estimate its square footage using this formula: Home square footage x 1.5 = Roof square footage
The table below provides a general guide for what you can expect to pay for a terracotta roof based on roof size. These prices are for materials and labor only and do not include the cost of removal or disposal of your old roof.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Average Cost(Including Materials and Labor) |
| 1,200 | $10,800 – $27,600 |
| 1,500 | $13,500 – $34,500 |
| 2,000 | $18,000 – $46,000 |
| 2,500 | $22,500 – $57,500 |
| 3,000 | $27,000 – $69,000 |
| 3,500 | $31,500 – $80,500 |
Cost of Labor
The labor cost for terracotta roof installation can vary depending on the roof’s size and complexity. A professional roofer charges between $5 and $12 per square foot to install terracotta roofing. The price of labor will be lower if you’re only replacing the tiles on an existing roof.
Roofs with a steep pitch or intricate layouts, such as those with chimneys, skylights, valleys, or dormers, require more time, cuts, and care, which can drive up labor costs. You should also expect to pay more for any unique tile features or decorative designs.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
See the most common factors that will affect the overall cost of installing a terracotta roof.
Handmade vs. Manufactured
There are two primary methods of production for terracotta roof tiles: Manufactured and Handmade.
Handmade terracotta tiles are made by shaping the clay individually instead of using a machine to extrude and cut it, which results in a higher price tag. In contrast, manufactured terracotta tiles will be on the lower end of the price range.
Style
The price of installing a terracotta roof can vary depending on the style and fastening system you choose. Simple roof styles, such as mission tile, will be less expensive than more complex designs. Certain terracotta styles, such as Spanish tiles, require special installation techniques, which can impact the final cost.
Here are the most common types of terracotta roof tiles:
- Spanish tiles
- Mission tiles
- French tiles
- Riviera tiles
Underlayment
Terracotta roofing systems should always be installed over an underlayment to protect the roof deck and extend the roof’s lifespan. You can expect to pay between $1.40 and $2.30 per square foot for a standard roof underlayment. Synthetic underlayments are more expensive, but they’re also lighter and easier to install.
Old Roof Removal
If your home already has an existing roof, whether it’s another material or an old terracotta roof, you’ll need to have it removed before installing a new one. On average, professional roof removal costs between $1 and $4 per square foot.
Reinforcement
Terracotta roof tiles are heavier than most other roofing materials, so you may need to reinforce your roof before installation. The cost of structural reinforcement will vary depending on the size and pitch of your roof, as well as the type of reinforcement required.
Typically, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for the materials and labor. If you’re installing a terracotta roof on a new home, your builder may include the reinforcement cost in the overall price.
Permit
Some locations require a permit to install a new terracotta roof. Before starting your project, check with your local government or homeowner’s association (HOA) to determine if a permit is required. If a permit is required, expect to pay between $200 and $450.
Color
If you want to add color to your terracotta tiles, it can cost an extra $0.50 to $5 per square foot, depending on the design. There are plenty of styles to choose from, but more detailed patterns, like swirls or waves, usually cost more.
New Roof Installation vs. Roof Replacement
Installing a new roof costs more than replacing an old one because, with a whole new roof, you have to include the cost of installing extra support, such as roof trusses and sheathing. The price will be lower if you only need to replace the tiles, not the entire roof structure.
FAQ
No, you can’t install a terracotta roof yourself. Terracotta tiles are hefty, and their installation requires special training and proper equipment. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is always the best option.
For a clay terracotta roof, the required slope is 2½:12 inches. If the slope is between 2½:12 and 4:12, you will need to double your underlayment. Do not use clay tiles if the roof’s slope is greater than 4:12.
Terracotta roofs can last for over 100 years with proper maintenance.
Terracotta roofs are very energy efficient. They absorb and reflect heat, which helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can help you save money on your energy bills.
Keep Your Roof Strong and Sturdy
Many prefer terracotta roofing to traditional roofs since it’s both long-lasting and attractive. While the initial investment may be higher than other roofing options, it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. If you’re considering a terracotta roof, hiring a professional is always a good idea.
Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled roofing services and leave the rest to us.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Rahul Sattineni contributed to this article.
Read More:
- How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
- How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does Roof Leak Repair Cost?
Main Image: Closeup of Terracota roof of a house. Image Credit: Anthony Tong Lee / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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