Clay Tiles vs Concrete Tiles: Which Roof Is Right for You?

Tile roofs are among the most durable and beautiful options on the market. They can last 50 to 100 years with proper care. But here’s the question most homeowners face: should you go with clay tiles or concrete tiles?

Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses.Today we’ll compare clay roof tiles and concrete roof tiles side by side. 

What Are Clay Roof Tiles?

Clay tiles have been around for thousands of years. The Romans used them. So did ancient Chinese builders. There’s a reason this material has stood the test of time.

Clay roof tiles are made from natural clay that’s molded into shape and baked in a kiln at high temperatures. The heat hardens the clay and locks in the color. This is why clay tiles don’t fade over time. The color runs all the way through the material.

Clay tiles come in several styles:

•  Barrel tiles (Mission tiles) – The classic curved “S” shape

•  Flat tiles – Smooth, modern look

•  Interlocking tiles – Designed to fit together for better weather protection

•  French tiles – Low profile with subtle curves

What Are Concrete Roof Tiles?

Concrete tiles are the newer kid on the block. They’ve been around since the early 1900s but became popular after World War II when builders needed affordable, durable roofing materials.

Concrete roof tiles are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. The mixture is poured into molds and cured under controlled heat and pressure. Iron oxide is added to create different colors.

One big advantage of concrete? It can mimic almost any roofing style. Manufacturers make concrete tiles that look like clay, slate, wood shake, and even stone. This gives you more design flexibility at a lower price point.

Concrete tiles come in three main profiles:

•  Flat profile – Clean, contemporary appearance

•  Low profile – Subtle curves, less than one inch rise

•  High profile – Deep curves that mimic traditional barrel tile roofing

Clay vs Concrete Roofing: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s break down the key differences between these two tile roofing options.

Tile Roof Lifespan

This is where clay tiles shine. A well-maintained clay tile roof can last 100 years or more. Some clay roofs in Europe have been protecting buildings for centuries.

Concrete tiles are no slouch either. They typically last 30 to 50 years. That’s still longer than most roofing materials. But they don’t match clay’s incredible longevity.

Tile Roofing Cost

Here’s where concrete takes the lead. Concrete roof tiles cost about $3 to $5 per square foot for materials. Clay tiles run $5 to $10 per square foot. That’s roughly double the price.

For a full tile roof installation on a 2,000 square foot roof, you might pay:

•  Concrete tiles: $15,000 to $25,000 installed

• Clay tiles: $25,000 to $50,000 installed

Keep in mind that clay’s longer lifespan can offset the higher upfront cost over time. If clay lasts twice as long, you might only pay for one roof instead of two.

Roof Tile Weight

This matters more than most people realize. Tile roofs are heavy. Your home’s structure needs to support that weight safely.

Concrete tiles weigh about 40% more than clay tiles. A concrete tile roof weighs around 820 to 1,100 pounds per 100 square feet. Clay tiles weigh roughly 600 to 650 pounds per 100 square feet.

Color and Style Options

Clay tiles come in natural earth tones. Think terra cotta oranges, warm reds, and sandy browns. The colors are baked in during manufacturing, so they won’t fade or peel. Ever. Your roof will look the same in 50 years as it does today.

Concrete tiles offer more color variety. You can get them in almost any shade imaginable. However, the color is applied to the surface. Over time, it may fade from sun exposure. You might notice color changes after 10 to 15 years.

Weather and Frost Resistance

Both materials handle sun, rain, and wind just fine. The difference shows up in extreme conditions.

Water absorption rate matters in cold climates. When water gets into a tile and freezes, it expands. This can crack the tile. Clay tiles absorb only about 6% of moisture. Concrete tiles absorb around 13%.

This means clay tiles perform better in freeze-thaw cycles. They’re also less likely to develop mold, mildew, or moss because they don’t hold as much moisture.

Energy Efficiency

Clay tiles have higher thermal mass than concrete. This means they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. In hot climates, this helps keep your home cooler and reduces air conditioning costs.

Both tile types create a natural air gap between the tile and roof deck. This ventilation helps regulate temperature and can lower your energy bills compared to flat roofing materials.

Tile Roof Maintenance

Both tile types are low maintenance. You don’t need to paint them or treat them regularly. An occasional cleaning to remove debris and moss is usually enough.

Concrete tiles may need more attention over time. Their higher water absorption can lead to moss growth in damp climates. The surface color may also need refreshing after a couple of decades.

One important note: walking on tile roofs can crack them. Always hire professionals for tile roof maintenance and inspections. 

Quick Comparison Chart

Factor	Clay Tiles	Concrete Tiles
Lifespan	75-100+ years	30-50 years
Cost (per sq ft)	$5-$10	$3-$5
Weight	600-650 lbs/100 sq ft	820-1,100 lbs/100 sq ft
Water Absorption	~6%	~13%
Color Fade	Never fades	May fade over time
Color Options	Natural earth tones	Wide variety
Best For	Long-term investment, authenticity	Budget-conscious, versatility

Which Tile Roof Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your priorities, budget, and plans for the home.

Choose clay tiles if:

•  You want a roof that lasts a lifetime (literally)

•  You love the authentic look of Spanish tile roofing or Mediterranean roof tiles

•  Color permanence matters to you

•  You plan to stay in your home for decades

• Your budget allows for a premium roofing investment

Choose concrete tiles if:

•  You want the tile look at a lower price

•  You need more color and style options

•  You want a durable roof that still outperforms asphalt shingles

•  You’re comfortable with potential color touch-ups down the road

• You prefer a roof that handles impact better

Tile Roof Installation: What to Expect

Tile roof installation isn’t a DIY project. Both clay and concrete tiles require experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of working with these materials.

Here’s what a typical tile roof installation involves:

1. Structural Assessment

Before anything else, your contractor should evaluate whether your roof can handle the weight. This is especially important when replacing lighter materials like asphalt or wood shakes.

2. Underlayment Installation

A high-quality waterproof underlayment goes down first. This provides a backup barrier against moisture.

3. Battens and Layout

Horizontal battens are installed across the roof. These provide attachment points for the tiles and create airflow beneath them.

4. Tile Placement

Tiles are carefully placed row by row, starting from the bottom and working up. Each tile overlaps the one below it to shed water effectively.

5. Flashing and Finishing

Metal flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, and roof edges. Ridge caps complete the look and seal the peak of the roof.

A standard tile roof installation takes about one to two weeks, depending on roof size and complexity.

Need Help Choosing the Right Tile Roof?

At CAN Roof Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Boston-area homeowners choose and install beautiful tile roofs. Whether you’re drawn to classic Spanish tile roofing or modern concrete alternatives, our team can guide you to the right decision.

We’re a 5-star rated roofing company with certifications from GAF and CertainTeed. Our experienced crew handles tile roof installations with the care and precision these premium materials deserve.

Conclusion

Both clay tiles and concrete tiles make excellent roofing choices. They’re durable, beautiful, and add real value to your home.

Clay wins on longevity, weight, and color permanence. Concrete wins on upfront cost and design flexibility. Neither is “better” across the board. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.

Get a free consultation from CAN Roof Construction. We’ll assess your current roof, discuss your goals, and help you decide whether clay or concrete tiles are right for your home.

Call us today at (857) 415-7727 for your FREE roof inspection.