Tile Roofing in St. Louis

What Tile Roofing Is

Tile roofing brings a look nothing else can match — and a lifespan to go with it. Made from fired clay (ceramic) or molded concrete, tile has been protecting buildings for centuries and remains a top choice for homeowners who want a distinctive, premium roof that can outlast the rest of the house. On the right home in Town and Country, Chesterfield, or any of the estate-style neighborhoods across West County, a tile roof is a statement and an investment.

Clay tile is fired ceramic, prized for color that won't fade and an extremely long life, though it sits at the higher end on price. Concrete tile is more affordable, comes in a wide range of shapes and colors, and is slightly heavier. Both are exceptionally durable and fire-resistant. The trade-off that defines tile is weight, which makes a proper structural evaluation part of every project.

Pros of tile roofing

• Very long lifespan — commonly 50 years or more, often outlasting the home's other systems.
• Distinctive, premium look that boosts curb appeal and resale value.
• Fire-resistant and impervious to rot and insects.
• Color that lasts — especially clay, which holds its color for decades.
• Individually replaceable — a cracked tile can be swapped without redoing the roof.

Cons to be aware of

• Heavy. Tile weighs far more than shingle or metal, so the structure must support it.
• Higher up-front cost and a specialized installation.
• Brittle underfoot — tiles can crack from very large hail or careless foot traffic.
• Underlayment beneath the tile usually needs attention before the tile itself does.

Lifespan

Tile is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available — clay and concrete tile roofs commonly last 50 years or more, and well-maintained tile can go longer still. In practice, the waterproof underlayment beneath the tile typically wears out sooner than the tile, which is why periodic roof inspections are so valuable on a tile roof. For a side-by-side look at how tile stacks up against shingle and metal, see our guide on how long a roof really lasts.

Cost range

Tile is a premium roofing material, so it costs more up front than asphalt shingle and varies widely with the tile type, the size and pitch of your roof, and any structural work that's needed. Because so much depends on your specific home, we don't quote a tile roof sight unseen — your free inspection comes with a clear, written estimate, and we work to stay on time and on budget. If budget is the priority, compare tile with asphalt shingle (roughly $5,000–$10,000 as a general range) or long-lasting metal roofing (roughly $8,000–$25,000 as a general range).

Best for

Tile is the right choice for homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind, decades-long roof and have (or can add) the structure to support it — particularly Mediterranean, Spanish, or Southwestern-style homes and upscale properties in areas like Des Peres and Wildwood. If you're still deciding, our guide to choosing a roofing material walks through how to weigh look, longevity, weight, and budget.

How we install tile roofs

• 1. Free inspection & structural review. We assess the roof and the framing, confirm the structure can carry tile, and present tile and color options in a written quote.
• 2. Tear-off & deck prep. We remove old roofing, repair any bad decking, and prepare a sound surface.
• 3. Underlayment & tile. A high-quality waterproof underlayment, then clay or concrete tile set with proper battens, flashing, and ventilation.
• 4. Cleanup & walk-through. We haul off debris, clear the site, and walk the finished roof with you.

How tile roofing handles St. Louis weather

West St. Louis County sees Missouri's full storm season — hail, straight-line and high winds, and heavy rain in spring and summer — plus winter freeze-thaw cycles. Tile handles heat, sun, and rain beautifully and is fire-resistant, but our freeze-thaw winters and occasional large hail mean the right product and a careful install matter. We use freeze-thaw-rated tile and proper underlayment, and because individual tiles can be replaced, hail repairs are straightforward. If a storm cracks tiles, our roof repair crew can swap them, our storm damage restoration team handles bigger events, and when it's time for a new roof our roof replacement crew manages the whole project. Read more on spotting hail damage on St. Louis roofs.