Roof tiles have come a long way over the years. Clay, slate, and concrete have been the materials of choice for many years. However, technology has paved the way for cheaper and lighter alternatives like rubber.
But how expensive is a rubber roof? Is it cost-effective in the long run? In this guide, we tell you how much you will pay for a fully installed tile roof. We also compare it to other options in the market to help you make an informed choice.
Rubber Roof Tiles Cost
The total cost of installing a rubber tile roof includes the price of materials and labor costs. You should expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot. That is significantly cheaper than traditional options like slate or even metal.
The following table compares the cost of installing different roof tiles.
Tile Types | Cost per square foot |
---|---|
Rubber | $3 to $5 |
Clay | $8 to $25 |
Concrete | $9 to $18 |
Slate | $10 to $30 |
Metal | $10 to $14 |
Is A Rubber Roof Cheaper Than Shingles?
Installing rubber roof tiles is undoubtedly cheaper than other tile options. However, it is still more than the cost of installing shingles.
A rubber tile roof will cost two or three times the price of asphalt shingles. While it will cost you $300 to $500 per square to have one installed, an asphalt roof costs $100 per square or less.
Additional Costs of Rubber Roof Tiles
Apart from materials and rubber, you have to factor in extra expenses when installing any roof. Some of the additional costs include the following.
DIY vs Hiring a professional
Some homeowners may consider installing the tiles by themselves. While this may save you a lot in installation costs, it can be risky if you don’t get it right. Faulty installation can cause leakages or damages that may be costly to repair. Also, you risk damaging the tiles in the process.
We always recommend hiring a professional installer to handle the installation for you. However, you should ensure the contractor has installed roof tiles before. Ask for testimonials from happy customers or proof of previous projects.
Cost of Underlayment

A rubber tile roof is a water-shedding system and hence not completely waterproof. Therefore, installing an underlayment is necessary to prevent water from penetrating through into the house.
Installing an underlayment will cost you between $2 and $3 per square foot. Sometimes you will need an extra layer depending on the roof pitch. So, the cost could double.
The minimum slope required for a rubber tile roof is 2.5:12. Any roof with a pitch below 4:12 requires a double-layered underlayment. However, a single layer will do for a higher pitch.
Replacement Cost
You will pay extra if you are replacing an old roof with a rubber tile option. That’s because you have to include the cost of removing the existing structure.
If you are tearing down a tile roof, you will pay between $0.75 and $1 per square foot. Removing shingles is cheaper at $0.50 to $0.80.
Additionally, you will pay more to dispose of these materials. Disposal fees will vary from state to state. However, you should expect to pay at least $0.5 to $1.
Cost of Maintaining Rubber Roof Tiles
The cost of repairing rubber roof tiles will vary depending on the extent of the damage. The most common repairs involve replacing some damaged tiles. On average, you should expect to pay $450 for such.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Rubber Roof Tiles
How much you pay to buy and install rubber roof tiles will depend on various factors. They include:
Factor 1: Roof Design

The design of the roof will affect the cost of materials and labor. For instance, it will take more time to install tiles on a steep slope. It is also riskier. Installers will charge more for the extra labor and for taking the risk.
If your roof has a chimney or other items, you will need to buy more flashings. These don’t come cheap. Therefore, they will increase the cost of buying materials significantly.
Factor 2: Accessibility
Power lines and tree branches can obstruct roof access. That will make the work of the installers more challenging. And they are likely to charge more for that.
A fence around the house could also make it harder to access the roof. Additionally, the installation process will take longer if the distance from the home to where the materials are is long.
Factor 3: Location
The cost of labor will vary depending on the location. Also, the price of rubber roof tiles will differ from one region to another.
Moreover, different areas will not experience the same climatic conditions. Naturally, extreme weather will lead to more damages. That means more frequent repairs, which results in added costs.
Factor 4: Size of the Roof

Manufacturers sell rubber roof tiles in square footage. It, therefore, goes without saying that the larger the roof, the more it will cost you to buy and install rubber roof tiles. You can estimate how much a rubber tile roof will cost by calculating the area of your roof.
Factor 5: The Contractor
No two contractors will charge the same. That’s because they have different operating expenses. For instance, they don’t have the same size labor force.
You might feel tempted to hire the contractor who charges the least. That may not be the right thing to do. Always look for experience first before comparing costs.
Where to Buy Rubber Roof Tiles
The quality of the tiles will depend on the manufacturer. Poorly manufactured tiles will get damaged easily and may not last as long as expected. So, it is advisable to buy from a trusted manufacturer. Euroshield® Roofing is a good example.
Conclusion
Rubber roof tiles are a great alternative to heavier and costly options such as clay and slate. However, you need to plan your budget accordingly. We hope you now know how much it costs to buy, install, and maintain rubber tile roofs.
Remember, the costs above will vary depending on the factors we highlighted. If you want exact prices for your region or state, consider asking for a quote from the manufacturers and contractors in your area.