Concrete Roof Tiles in Florida: Cost, Types, and Longevity (2026)

Concrete roof tiles are the most popular tile roofing material in Pinellas County and throughout the Tampa Bay region. Drive through any neighborhood in Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, or Seminole and you will see thousands of homes topped with concrete tile in various profiles and colors. There is good reason for that popularity: concrete tile offers exceptional durability, strong hurricane performance, and a beautiful finished look at a cost that sits comfortably between asphalt shingles and premium clay tile.

At $8 to $15 per square foot installed, concrete tile is significantly more affordable than clay roof tiles while sharing many of the same benefits: a 50+ year lifespan, Class A fire rating, 150+ mph wind resistance when properly installed, and the classic tile aesthetic that defines Florida architecture. For homeowners who want a tile roof without the premium price of clay, concrete tile is the clear choice.

This guide covers everything Pinellas County homeowners need to know about concrete roof tiles: the different profiles and how they look, the cost breakdown, the brands that dominate the Florida market, the honest truth about color fading, maintenance requirements, and how concrete tile compares to other roofing materials. Whether you are replacing an aging shingle roof or choosing materials for new construction, this page will help you make an informed decision.

What Are Concrete Roof Tiles?

Concrete roof tiles are manufactured from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and iron oxide pigments. The mixture is pressed or extruded into molds that create specific tile profiles, then cured under controlled conditions to achieve maximum strength. The finished product is a dense, heavy, durable tile that can withstand decades of Florida weather.

Modern concrete tile manufacturing is highly refined. Companies like Eagle Roofing Products operate state-of-the-art facilities in Florida, producing millions of tiles annually that meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements. The manufacturing process allows for a much wider range of profiles, colors, and textures than natural clay, which is one reason concrete tile has become the dominant tile material in the Pinellas County market.

Concrete tiles are not the same as cement roof tiles or fiber cement panels, though the terms are sometimes confused. True concrete roof tiles are thick, heavy, solid products designed specifically for sloped roof applications. They are engineered to interlock, shed water efficiently, and resist the wind loads specified by the Florida Building Code.

Concrete Tile Profiles: Finding Your Style

One of the biggest advantages of concrete tile over clay is the wider range of available profiles. Each profile creates a different visual effect on the roof, and the choice affects everything from the home's curb appeal to the tile's water-shedding performance. Here are the four main profiles you will encounter when shopping for concrete tile in Pinellas County.

Flat Tile (Slate Profile)

Flat concrete tiles create a clean, sleek, modern appearance that mimics natural slate or smooth stone. These tiles lie nearly flat against the roof deck with minimal dimension, producing crisp shadow lines and a contemporary feel. Flat tiles are increasingly popular on new construction in Pinellas County, especially on homes with modern, transitional, or coastal architectural styles.

From a performance standpoint, flat tiles have excellent wind resistance because their low profile creates less lift surface for wind to grab. They also tend to collect less debris than high-profile tiles. However, flat tiles rely more heavily on proper underlayment for waterproofing because they do not create the natural air channels that curved profiles provide.

Low-Profile Tile

Low-profile concrete tiles are a middle ground between flat tiles and traditional barrel tiles. They feature a gentle curve or stepped design that adds subtle dimension to the roof without the dramatic hills and valleys of high-profile tiles. This profile is extremely popular in Pinellas County's suburban neighborhoods because it works with virtually any architectural style and provides a refined, upscale look.

Low-profile tiles are often the most cost-effective concrete tile option because they install efficiently and require slightly less material per square than high-profile tiles. They also offer good water management and ventilation benefits from their modest curves.

High-Profile Tile (Barrel Tile)

High-profile concrete tiles replicate the look of traditional barrel or mission clay tiles. They feature pronounced curves that create bold, rolling patterns across the roof. This profile is the go-to choice for Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Tuscan-inspired homes throughout Pinellas County. If you want the classic Florida tile roof look at a lower price than genuine clay, high-profile concrete tile is your best option.

The deep channels created by high-profile tiles provide excellent water runoff and significant airflow beneath the tile, which helps reduce heat transfer to the attic. The tradeoff is that these tiles are typically the heaviest concrete profile and require the most material per square foot of roof coverage.

S-Tile

S-tiles feature an alternating concave-convex curve that creates a classic wave pattern. This is the single most common concrete tile profile in Pinellas County and across Florida as a whole. If you look at a tile roof in Seminole, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, or Tarpon Springs, there is a good chance you are looking at concrete S-tile.

S-tiles are popular because they offer an attractive, traditional tile appearance at a competitive price. They interlock effectively for good wind resistance, shed water efficiently, and are available in an enormous range of colors from every major manufacturer. For most Pinellas County homeowners, S-tile represents the sweet spot of aesthetics, performance, and value.

Concrete Roof Tile Cost in Pinellas County (2026)

One of concrete tile's strongest selling points is its value proposition. It delivers tile roof durability and aesthetics at a price point that is accessible to a much wider range of homeowners. Here is a detailed cost breakdown for the Pinellas County market. For a comprehensive price comparison across all tile types, visit our tile roof cost guide.

These prices reflect the Pinellas County market as of early 2026. Actual costs will vary based on roof complexity, access, pitch, and the specific tile selected. Always get at least three detailed quotes from licensed, insured roofing contractors with tile installation experience.

Concrete Tile Brands: Eagle, Boral, and MonierLifetile

Three manufacturers dominate the concrete roof tile market in Pinellas County and throughout Florida. Each offers a range of profiles, colors, and price points that cover virtually every homeowner's needs.

Eagle Roofing Products

Eagle is the most widely specified concrete tile brand in the Pinellas County market. Based in Florida with manufacturing facilities in the state, Eagle offers an extensive product line that includes flat, low-profile, S-tile, and high-profile options in dozens of colors. Their tiles carry Florida Product Approvals and are engineered for Florida's wind zones. Eagle's Capistrano, Malibu, and Bel Air lines are particularly popular in the Tampa Bay region.

Eagle offers both color-through and slurry-coated finish options. Their color-through tiles, where pigment is mixed throughout the concrete, carry a premium but resist fading far better than surface-coated options. For Pinellas County's sun exposure, color-through Eagle tiles are the recommended choice.

Boral Roofing

Boral is a major international building products company that produces both concrete and clay roof tiles. Their concrete tile line for the Florida market includes traditional barrel, S-tile, flat, and specialty profiles. Boral is known for quality control and consistency, and their products are widely available through roofing supply distributors in Pinellas County.

Boral's Barcelona 900 line, which replicates the look of hand-made Spanish barrel tile, is particularly popular on upscale Pinellas County homes. They also offer a range of blended and multi-color options that add visual depth to the roof surface.

MonierLifetile

MonierLifetile (now part of the Boral family) is another well-established concrete tile brand with a strong presence in the Florida market. Their product line includes the popular Estate and Plantation series, which offer premium aesthetics at a competitive price. MonierLifetile products carry Florida Product Approvals and are available through most roofing distributors in Pinellas County.

When choosing between brands, the most important factors are profile availability in your preferred style, color options that match your home, local availability and lead times, and contractor familiarity with the product. All three brands produce high-quality tiles that meet Florida Building Code requirements. Your roofing contractor likely has a preferred brand and can explain the specific advantages for your project.

Color-Through vs. Slurry-Coated: Understanding the Fading Issue

Color fading is the most common complaint about concrete roof tiles, especially in Florida where UV exposure is intense year-round. Understanding the two coloring methods is essential before you choose a concrete tile for your Pinellas County home.

Slurry-Coated Tiles

Slurry-coated tiles have a thin layer of colored cement paste applied to the surface during manufacturing. This coating sits on top of the gray concrete body. Over time, Florida's intense sun, rain, and humidity break down this surface layer, causing the color to fade, become patchy, or wear away entirely to reveal the gray concrete underneath.

In Pinellas County's climate, slurry-coated tiles typically begin showing noticeable fading within 8 to 15 years. South-facing and west-facing roof surfaces fade fastest because they receive the most direct sunlight. The fading is not uniform, which can create a mottled, worn appearance that many homeowners find unattractive.

Slurry-coated tiles are less expensive than color-through tiles, which is why they remain popular. But the long-term aesthetic compromise is significant, and some homeowners end up paying to have their faded tiles painted or sealed, which adds ongoing maintenance costs.

Color-Through Tiles

Color-through tiles have pigment mixed throughout the entire concrete body during manufacturing. This means the color extends all the way through the tile, not just on the surface. While color-through tiles still experience some surface weathering over time, the effect is much more subtle and uniform because the underlying concrete is the same color.

Color-through tiles cost approximately 10 to 20 percent more than slurry-coated tiles, but this premium is well worth it for Pinellas County homes. A color-through tile that was installed 20 years ago will still look presentable and uniform, while a slurry-coated tile of the same age may look significantly worn.

Our recommendation for Pinellas County homeowners: always specify color-through concrete tiles. The small additional cost upfront saves you from the frustration and expense of dealing with color fading down the road. If budget is extremely tight and you must choose slurry-coated tiles, select a color that is close to the natural gray of the concrete so that any fading is less noticeable.

Lifespan and Durability: What to Expect Over 50+ Years

Concrete roof tiles are built to last. With proper installation and maintenance, a concrete tile roof in Pinellas County can easily last 50 years, and many last 75 years or longer. The tiles themselves are extremely durable and resistant to fire, insects, and rot. Unlike asphalt shingles, which degrade steadily from the moment they are installed, concrete tiles maintain their structural integrity for decades.

However, like all tile roofing systems, the underlayment beneath the tiles has a shorter lifespan. In Florida's hot, humid climate, even the best underlayment materials break down over time and need replacement every 20 to 25 years. This "re-tile" process involves removing the tiles, replacing the underlayment, and reinstalling the tiles. It costs significantly less than a full roof replacement because the tiles are reused.

The 50+ year lifespan of concrete tiles compares favorably to other roofing materials available in Pinellas County. For perspective, refer to our comprehensive best roofing material for Florida guide to see how concrete tile stacks up against every other option.

As the table shows, concrete tile offers one of the lowest cost-per-year figures of any roofing material. When you consider the long-term economics, concrete tile is actually one of the most affordable roofing choices for Pinellas County homeowners, despite its higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingles.

Weight: The Heaviest Roofing Option

Concrete tiles are the heaviest common roofing material. At 900 to 1,200 pounds per roofing square (100 square feet), they outweigh clay tiles (850-1,100 lbs), asphalt shingles (200-350 lbs), and metal roofing (100-150 lbs). This weight has both advantages and implications.

On the positive side, the mass of concrete tiles helps anchor the roof during high winds. The sheer weight makes it harder for wind to lift and displace the tiles, which is a significant advantage during Pinellas County's hurricane season. The thermal mass also helps moderate temperature swings, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system.

The implication is that your roof structure must be engineered to carry the load. Most Pinellas County homes built after the mid-1980s with concrete block construction were designed for tile weight. Older wood-frame homes, especially those originally roofed with asphalt shingles, may need structural reinforcement before concrete tile can be installed. A structural engineer's assessment ($300-$600 in Pinellas County) will determine if reinforcement is needed.

Florida Building Code Compliance

Every concrete tile installation in Pinellas County must comply with the Florida Building Code, which is one of the most stringent building codes in the nation for wind resistance. Here are the key code requirements that affect concrete tile roofing projects.

All concrete tiles used in Pinellas County must carry a valid Florida Product Approval (FPA) number. This approval confirms that the tile has been tested and meets FBC requirements for wind resistance, water shedding, and structural performance. Your contractor should provide the FPA number for the specific tile being installed, and it will be verified during the permit and inspection process.

The Florida Building Code specifies how tiles must be attached to the roof deck based on the wind zone, roof slope, and tile location (field, eave, hip, ridge). In most of Pinellas County, which falls within the 150 mph design wind speed zone, every tile must be mechanically attached with approved fasteners. The code also allows or requires the use of foam adhesive for additional wind resistance, depending on the specific installation conditions.

Underlayment requirements are also specified by code. Florida requires a minimum of one layer of ASTM D226 Type II (No. 30) felt, though many contractors and code officials recommend self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment for superior waterproofing. The underlayment serves as a secondary water barrier that protects the roof deck even if wind-driven rain gets beneath the tiles during a storm.

All roofing work in Pinellas County requires a building permit. The permit application must include product specifications, the installation method, and engineering documentation showing the roof structure can support the tile weight. Inspections are conducted during and after installation to verify code compliance.

Hurricane Performance: How Concrete Tiles Handle Storms

Pinellas County sits in one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the country. The Gulf Coast's warm waters and the county's exposed barrier islands mean that every homeowner needs a roof that can withstand severe weather. Concrete tiles, when properly installed to current Florida Building Code standards, deliver strong hurricane performance.

The combination of mechanical fasteners, foam adhesive, and the tile's own weight creates a roofing system that resists wind uplift forces at speeds of 150 mph or more. The key phrase is "properly installed." The vast majority of concrete tile failures during hurricanes are caused by improper installation, not by any deficiency in the tiles themselves. Common installation errors that lead to failure include insufficient or improperly placed fasteners, missing or poorly applied foam adhesive, inadequate hip and ridge attachment, and using tiles without proper Florida Product Approvals for the wind zone.

When evaluating contractors for your Pinellas County concrete tile project, verify that they understand and follow the specific tile manufacturer's installation instructions, which are tied to the Florida Product Approval. A contractor who cuts corners on installation is putting your home at risk during the next storm.

Maintenance Requirements for Concrete Tile Roofs

Concrete tile roofs are considered low-maintenance, but they do require regular attention to perform at their best in Pinellas County's demanding climate. Here is a practical maintenance guide.

Annual Inspection

Have a qualified roofer inspect your concrete tile roof once a year, preferably before hurricane season in May or June. The inspection should cover tile condition (cracked, broken, or displaced tiles), mortar and flashing condition, debris in valleys and gutters, ridge and hip cap integrity, and attic inspection for signs of leaks or moisture. Individual broken tiles should be replaced promptly to prevent water intrusion. Most roofing companies in Pinellas County charge $150 to $300 for an annual inspection and can replace a few broken tiles during the same visit.

Cleaning and Algae Treatment

Concrete tiles are slightly porous and can support algae, moss, and lichen growth, especially on north-facing surfaces and areas shaded by trees. In Pinellas County's humid climate, most concrete tile roofs develop some biological growth within 5 to 10 years. While this growth does not damage the tiles structurally, it affects the roof's appearance and can trap moisture.

Professional soft washing with appropriate cleaning solutions is the safe way to clean concrete tiles. Avoid high-pressure power washing, which can strip the surface coating from slurry-coated tiles and force water beneath the tiles. Many Pinellas County homeowners have their tile roofs cleaned every 3 to 5 years.

Underlayment Replacement (20-25 Year Cycle)

As mentioned earlier, the underlayment beneath your concrete tiles will need replacement every 20 to 25 years. This is a standard part of tile roof ownership in Florida and is not a sign of a problem. Plan for this expense ($8,000-$15,000 for a typical Pinellas County home) and budget accordingly. It is far less expensive than a complete reroof and extends the life of your existing tiles indefinitely.

Concrete Tile vs. Other Roofing Materials

How does concrete tile compare to the other roofing materials available in Pinellas County? Here is a quick comparison to help you narrow your options. For a deep dive into every material, visit our main Pinellas County roofing guide.

Concrete tile vs. asphalt shingles: Concrete tile costs roughly twice as much as architectural shingles but lasts two to three times longer. Concrete tile also offers superior wind resistance, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, concrete tile is the better investment.

Concrete tile vs. clay tile: Clay tile costs 30 to 60 percent more than concrete but lasts 25 to 50 years longer and never fades. If budget allows, clay is the premium choice. If budget is a factor, concrete delivers 90 percent of the performance at a lower price. See our clay tile guide for a full comparison.

Concrete tile vs. metal roofing: Metal roofing, particularly standing seam, is lighter, more wind-resistant, and offers a different aesthetic. Metal is an excellent choice for Florida but does not provide the traditional tile look that many Pinellas County homeowners want. For those who want a tile appearance with metal performance, consider stone-coated steel roofing. For metal pricing details, check our metal roof cost guide.

Energy Efficiency of Concrete Tile in Florida

Concrete tiles provide meaningful energy efficiency benefits for Pinellas County homes. The thermal mass of the tiles absorbs heat slowly and releases it gradually, smoothing out the temperature swings that make air conditioning systems work harder. The air gap created beneath most tile profiles (especially S-tile and barrel) acts as a natural insulation layer, reducing heat transfer to the attic.

Several concrete tile manufacturers now offer products that meet Energy Star and Cool Roof Rating Council standards. These tiles feature lighter colors or specialized surface coatings that reflect more solar energy. In Pinellas County's climate, where air conditioning is the dominant energy expense, a reflective concrete tile roof can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 20 percent compared to dark asphalt shingles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Concrete roof tiles deliver an exceptional combination of durability, beauty, and value for Pinellas County homeowners. With a 50+ year lifespan, hurricane-grade wind resistance, and the classic tile aesthetic that defines Florida architecture, concrete tile is a smart investment that pays for itself over time. The key is choosing color-through tiles from a reputable brand, hiring an experienced contractor who follows Florida Building Code to the letter, and maintaining the roof with annual inspections and timely underlayment replacement.

For more information on tile roofing options, explore our complete Florida tile roof guide, which covers every tile type, or visit our tile roof cost guide for detailed pricing comparisons across all tile materials in the Pinellas County market.