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Thinking about upgrading your roof to something more beautiful, durable, and sustainable? Then you’ve likely come across Brava roof tile products — and for good reason. These premium synthetic roofing tiles offer the charm of cedar shakes, slate, or Spanish barrel tile, with the reliability of modern innovation.
This guide breaks down what you’ll actually pay, how Brava compares to other options, and what makes it a smart investment for homeowners in Illinois. People sometimes assume Brava’s roofing services are overpriced — let’s clear that up with the real numbers and facts.
Understanding Brava Roof Tiles: What Makes Them Premium?
Before diving into costs, it's important to understand why Brava tiles command premium pricing in the roofing market. These roof tiles stand out from conventional roofing materials like asphalt shingles thanks to several key features:
- Authentic appearance: Looks like real slate, cedar, or Spanish tile, with natural textures and bold, dimensional profiles.
- Extreme durability: Brava tiles hold a Class 4 impact rating, Class A/C fire resistance, and can weather winds up to 211 MPH.
- Lightweight: Easier to install than traditional roofing tiles — no structural upgrades needed.
- Eco-friendly: Made from recycled materials, they’re a top-tier choice for green building initiatives.
- Low maintenance: No cracking, fading, splitting, or mold. Zero upkeep required!
Brava tiles blend the beauty of old-world craftsmanship with modern durability and efficiency, making them one of the smartest roofing investments out there. And once you see them up close, you'll understand why no other roofing material comes close.
Cost Breakdown by Tile Type
Each Brava tile profile has its own look and performance benefits, and the price varies with it. Here’s a closer look at the average material and installation costs.
Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing
Brava’s Cedar Shake tiles are designed to give your home the classic look of hand-cut cedar without the usual upkeep. Each piece is molded in different widths — 5", 7", and 12" — to build in depth and texture that looks just like real wood. The details are sharp, the lines are bold, and once it’s installed, it’s almost impossible to tell it’s not natural shake.
Color options include Natural Cedar, Aged Cedar, and Weathered — all built to last without the fading, rotting, or warping that comes with real wood. These shingles keep their appearance for decades, even in tough weather.
Because of the added detail and variation in tile sizes, manufacturing takes more time and precision, which is reflected in the price. Expect material costs to run between $14 and $17 per square foot, with installation around $19 to $20 per square foot.
Composite Slate Roof Tile
Brava's Slate profile offers the distinguished appearance of natural quarried slate without the extreme weight and installation challenges. With a 1" profile, these composite slate roofing tiles create beautiful color exposure and shadow lines that perfectly capture the elegance of natural slate. Their lightweight design eliminates the need for costly structural reinforcement often required for traditional slate installations.
The synthetic slate roofing is available in classic colors like Arendale, Atlantic, and Onyx, with material costs ranging from $7-11 per square foot. When factoring in installation, expect to pay $11-18 per square foot.
Composite Spanish Barrel Tile
Looking for that warm, Mediterranean-style roof without the extra hassle? Brava’s Spanish Barrel tile nails the traditional clay tile look, minus the weight, cracks, and constant upkeep. These synthetic tiles have the rounded shape and rich texture of old-world roofing, but they’re easier to install and hold up better over time.
Material costs typically range from $7-12 per square foot, with installed costs between $12-20 per square foot. This represents the significant value of Spanish tile roofing compared to traditional clay roof tiles, which often require costly structural reinforcement and experience higher breakage rates during installation.
Cost Factors That Impact Brava Roofing's Final Price in Illinois
While baseline pricing provides a useful starting point, several key factors influence the final cost of your Brava roof installation.
Color and Finish Options
Brava offers an extensive palette of colors across all profiles, from natural earth tones to custom color blends. Standard colors like Natural Cedar and Weathered for the Cedar Shake profile are included in the base price. However, premium blend options and legacy colors like New Cedar, Sierra, or White typically add 10-15% to the material cost.
Many homeowners also go for "Cool Roof" finishes, which reflect sunlight and meet energy-efficiency standards like California’s Title 24. These UV-resistant colors usually add 15% to 20% to the price but can help with long-term cooling costs in hotter climates.
Roof Size
The size of your roof directly impacts total project cost, though larger installations may benefit from some economies of scale.
That said, if your roof is especially large or complex, your installer may need extra help or equipment, which can drive the cost up slightly despite the scale.
Installation Costs
In Illinois, installation labor typically runs between $4 and $8 per square foot. If you need to remove an existing roof, that adds another $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on what’s currently up there and how many layers need to come off.
As composite roofing materials require precise application to ensure longevity and performance, it’s highly recommended to work with certified professionals. Brava maintains a network of preferred installers like GME, trained specifically to meet their product standards and ensure warranty coverage is fully protected.
Roof Complexity & Specialized Components
The complexity of your roof’s design can significantly influence the final installation cost. Detailed architecture requires more labor, materials, and time to install properly.
- Challenging roof designs like steep slopes, lots of peaks, and narrow valleys slow things down and require added safety steps.
- Architectural features such as skylights, chimneys, vents, and dormers all need customized flashing and waterproofing to stay protected.
- Specialty components like hip and ridge caps, starter strips, and valley flashings are key to finishing the roof properly and preventing leaks.
For complex roofs, these can add 15-30% to the base installation price due to the additional labor and materials required to ensure proper waterproofing and aesthetic finishing.
Underlayment Costs
Brava tiles are built to last, but they still need a solid base. That’s where underlayment comes in. To make sure your roof performs at its best, Brava projects require premium synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shield in vulnerable areas.
These materials add around $1 to $2 per square foot to the total project cost, but they’re a smart investment. They prevent leaks, stop ice dams from forming, and give your new roof the support it needs to last for decades.
Regional Factors
Local conditions in Illinois play a big part in final pricing. While national averages are useful for ballpark estimates, your actual cost will reflect regional realities.
- Climate demands: Illinois gets freezing winters and muggy summers. Your roof needs to handle all of it without breaking down.
- Code requirements: Local building codes may call for specific impact or wind ratings, depending on your city or county.
- Shipping costs: Getting materials to the Midwest costs differently than coastal regions, and that can affect pricing.
- Labor rates: The going rate for experienced roofers in Chicagoland affects how much of your budget goes toward installation.
Is Brava Worth the Investment? Value Considerations.
Brava may cost more upfront than basic options like asphalt, but the long-term benefits are hard to ignore.
- A 50-year warranty means long-term protection and fewer replacements.
- Lightweight design reduces stress on your home’s structure.
- No maintenance saves time and money year after year.
- Recycled materials may qualify you for green incentives and tax perks.
- Sharp, clean curb appeal boosts home value and appearance.
Bottom line? Brava offers the perfect blend of beauty, performance, and durability. For homeowners who value a roofing solution that lasts, protects, and enhances their home, Brava is an investment that pays off in both function and form.
Brava vs. Other Premium Roofing Materials
The official Brava roofing cost comparison makes one thing clear: long-term value matters. With a proven 50-year lifespan and low maintenance needs, Brava outlasts most roofing options. Greater Midwest Exteriors has installed these systems across Illinois, helping clients understand what they’re paying for — and why Brava is worth every dollar.
While natural slate may match or exceed Brava's lifespan, it comes with significantly higher installation costs and structural requirements. Traditional cedar shakes offer authentic beauty but require regular maintenance and replacement every 15-25 years, potentially tripling their lifetime cost compared to Brava's Cedar Shake profile. Explore how the life expectancy of various roofing materials directly influences long-term value in Brava’s roof lifespan guide — a must-read for homeowners planning a smart, lasting investment.
Invest Smart, Roof Confidently
Picking the right roof means thinking beyond the price tag. Brava tiles are a smart, long-term investment built for lasting strength, low maintenance, and standout curb appeal that truly upgrades your home.
At Greater Midwest Exteriors, we've helped countless Illinois homeowners elevate their homes with premium Brava roof tiles. Our expert team provides detailed consultations to help you select the perfect profile and color for your architectural style while working within your budget parameters.
Hear directly from the CEO of the Greater Midwest Exteriors as he explains why Brava is the top choice for quality-driven contractors and how it benefits homeowners just like you:
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request your personalized Brava roofing quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk on a Brava tile roof?
Yes, you can walk on a Brava roof — carefully. Unlike natural slate or clay tiles that break easily, Brava’s Class 4 impact rating makes it tough enough to handle light foot traffic. That means easier inspections and maintenance when needed. Still, it’s smart to limit walking unless necessary to preserve your roof’s long-term condition.
What are Brava roof tiles made of?
Brava tiles are made from a custom blend of recycled polymers and sustainable materials. They’re designed to look like real wood, slate, or clay — without the weight or fragility. These composite tiles won’t rot, crack, or split, which helps reduce your overall roofing costs over time and avoids the problems that come with natural products.
Where to buy Brava roof tile?
The best way to purchase Brava roof tiles is through certified installers like Greater Midwest Exteriors, who ensure proper specification and installation that maintains your warranty coverage. While DIY installation on your existing roof might seem like a cost-saving option, Brava products require specialized skills and techniques to handle their advanced composite design.
How long do Brava roofs last?
With correct installation, Brava roofs last 50 years or more. That kind of longevity means fewer replacements and major savings over time. While the upfront cost is higher than basic materials, the long-term value is unbeatable — you get decades of protection, performance, and peace of mind with no constant repairs or replacements.
