If you've ever called a roofing company and asked how much a tile roof costs, they probably gave you a vague answer. Maybe they gave you a huge range of costs, or perhaps they told you they could not even give an estimate without seeing the roof. There's a good reason for this. The cost of a tile roof can vary wildly. Some tile roofs cost twice as much as others. Here's a look at the key factors that generally affect the cost of a tile roof replacement.

Roof Size

The larger the roof, the more a replacement will cost. Not only do large roofs require more tiles, but they take longer for roofers to replace. The more hours of labor that go into your roof, the more you'll pay.

Roof Layout

Is your roof pretty basic with one peak and two sloped sides, or does it have a few different peaks that come together? The more complex the layout, the more your roofers will have to charge. Tile has to be oriented in just the right way to ensure both slopes come together in the right way. This takes time and talent, which your roofers charge for.

Roofers also charge more to tile very high-pitched roofs since it's harder for them to work when standing on such a slanted surface.

Tile Type

There are several common types of roofing tiles on the market. Concrete tile tends to be the most affordable, and it comes in a range of styles. Terra cotta tile comes at a higher cost, but it has a very distinct look that some people are willing to pay for. Different brands come at different costs, too. If you give your roofer an idea of your budget, they can often recommend a tile brand and type that fits.

Other Work

Sometimes, it's not as simple as having your roofer strip off the old tiles and put new ones down. Your roof may need some work on the underlayment, which could be cracked or deteriorating. Or, you might need to have some flashing replaced in a roof valley. These extra tasks add to the labor and material costs.

While it might sound nice to know the average cost of a tile roof, this number isn't actually too useful. What you really want to know is how much your tile roof will cost, and the best way to find that out is to schedule an estimate with a roofing company. They'll consider the factors above, and perhaps a few others.

For more information, contact a roofing contractor near you.