There has been a growing need for a cheaper and lighter alternative to conventional tiles that are too heavy and expensive. As a result, plastic and other synthetic tiles have grown in popularity in recent years.
Plastic tiles have proved to be a great alternative despite doubts about their durability. But what is the cost of installing them, exactly? In this article, we answer this question in depth and much more. Let’s dive right in.
Plastic Roof Tiles Costs
Plastic tile roofs cost $4 to $6 per sq. ft, including labor. The installation costs are lower compared to conventional options since the tiles are easier to install. You should expect to pay between $10,000 and $16,470 for labor.
The following table compares the cost of plastic tiles and other alternatives.
Type of Tile | Cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
Plastic | $4 to $6 |
Slate | $10 to $30 |
Concrete | $9 to $18 |
Terracotta | $10 to $25 |
Metal | $10 to $14 |
Clay | $8 to $25 |
Plastic Roof Tiles Replacement Cost
If you are replacing an already existing roof, you will need to cough up a little more. That’s because you have to include the cost of tearing down the old structure and disposal fees.
Tearing down the failing roof will cost you between $0.50 and $1. Disposal fees will vary from state to state. However, you should expect to spend at least $0.50 to $1.
DIY vs Professional Installment
If you are a qualified installer who has installed roofing tiles before, going the DIY route could save you a lot in labor costs. However, we advise against making this a DIY project if you don’t possess the right skills. Sure, the savings on labor are tempting.
But you risk losing more if you get it wrong.
For one, improper installation could lead to structural failures such as leaks that will be costly to fix. Also, it would cause the manufacturer to deny your warranty claim should there be any defects after installation.
Underlayment Costs
Underlayment is a crucial component of the roof that you cannot afford to ignore. Therefore, you should factor in the cost of installing it. You should expect to fork out between $2 and $3, depending on the type of material.
What is the Cost of Repairing a Plastic Tile Roof?
Tile repair costs will vary depending on the nature and extent of the damage. On average, you should expect to pay $1,673. Synthetic options are cheaper to repair, and they should cost you around $450 on average.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Plastic Roof Tiles
The prices outlined above may vary depending on a variety of factors. They include the following:
Location
The cost of installing a plastic tile roof will differ from one location to another. For one, labor costs will vary depending on where you live. Moreover, the amount spent obtaining permits and licenses will be different in every state.
Additionally, different regions will not experience the same climatic conditions. So, repair costs will vary depending on how extreme the weather conditions are. For instance, you should expect to make frequent repairs if you live in an icy region.
Accessibility
An easily accessible roof will make it easier for the contractors to do their job. But if they can’t access it with ease, the installation will take more time than expected. The installers will no doubt raise the cost to compensate for the lost time.
Tree branches and power lines are some of the things that could obstruct roof access. The landscaping around the house could also be an obstruction. Additionally, the project could drag out if the distance from the building to the location of the materials is too long.
Roof Penetrations
Penetrations on the roof are potential leakage spots. Therefore, they require flashing to remain waterproof. That will result in added costs.
Examples of penetrations include plumbing vents, chimneys, skylights, and bathroom vents. Sizeable penetrations take longer to flash and will raise the installation costs significantly.
Roof Size
The size of the roof will affect the cost in two ways. First, it will influence the amount of materials needed since manufacturers sell tiles in square footage. You can estimate how much you will pay for the materials by estimating the size of your roof.
Secondly, contractors will charge according to the size of the roof since this will have a bearing on the installation time.
Style of the Roof
The style of the roof will also determine how long the installation process will take. If it is complex, the project will take longer, thus increasing labor costs.
For instance, it will take longer to install tiles if there are facets at multiple angles and many hips and valleys. Also, it is more dangerous to work on a tall roof or steep slope. Installers will undoubtedly charge higher for taking the risk.
Contractor’s Operating Cost
Each contractor spends money to keep the business afloat. They need to pay for advertising and promotions, training, fuel, insurance, taxes, and much more.
All these expenses are what constitute operation costs. They vary depending on the contractor. And that’s why no two installers will charge the same.
Conclusion
Conventional tiles like clay, concrete, and slate can be quite expensive to buy and install. Fortunately, plastic tiles are an inexpensive option that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
We hope this article has answered your questions on the cost of installing plastic roof tiles. When budgeting, remember to factor in additional expenses such as the price of underlayment, disposal fees, and transportation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequent questions we get from consumers.
How long do plastic tile roofs last?
Plastic tiles have not been around for long, and it’s hard to say how long they will last with certainty. However, the projected lifespan is 30 to 50 years. Some manufacturers will even offer 50-year warranties on their tiles.
Are plastic roof tiles expensive?
Plastic roof tiles are relatively cheaper than conventional options such as slate and clay. However, they are still more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Are plastic roof tiles durable?
Plastic tiles are durable and can withstand harsh weather. However, they are flexible and thus prone to warping and cracking during winter. Moreover, they can disintegrate over time due to prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Are plastic roof tiles eco-friendly?
Plastic tiles come from recycled materials. They are also recyclable once they reach the end of their usable life.