Every homeowner must decide what material will be used for the roofing on their house, and each of those decisions is equally as important as the last. After all, the roof protects your family, your belongings, and your investment. When it comes to the tile roof vs shingle roof debate, both options have strong cases to make. Understanding the differences in durability, appearances and maintenance will ease this decision. This guide will help you compare both options and decide which one to move forward with.
What Is a Tile Roof?
Tile roofing is one option available in a majority of architectural designs and styles, spanning from the Mediterranean roof designs to Modern. Tile roofing is distinguished and has a long life expectancy, while shingle roofing does not. It’s no wonder a lot of homeowners invest in roofing with tiles; they can be relied on to stand up to the extreme elements (heat, wind, and moisture) and are beautiful to look at!
Asphalt shingle roofing is the most often used roofing material in North America, making it a very trusted and understandable choice for homeowners in all climates and budgets.
Tile Roofing Pros and Cons
Before committing to tile roofs, you should know the benefits and challenges.
Pros:
● Longevity: clay and concrete tiles can last 50+ years
● UV, wind, and fire resistant
● Once tile roofs are set, they are relatively easy to maintain
● They are an investment in the attractiveness of your home and the curb appeal
● Good in hot and humid weather
Cons:
● Tiles are heavy and make roofs heavier and may require more structural supports
● Installation is more challenging
● If your clay tiles crack, they are hard to replace and can be a challenge in finding a match
● They have a more limited color and style variance compared to shingles
What Is a Shingle Roof?
Asphalt shingles roofs are super common, chosen by millions due to their ease of installation. They can be flexible in matching your home’s aesthetics, and as they are readily available, repairs are easy.
Shingle Roof Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of getting an asphalt shingle roof.
Pros:
- Easier to find and install
- Lightweight, so you don’t have to change the structure of the house
- You can mix and match your choice of colors, textures, and styles
- If there’s a problem, you can replace or repair parts of the roof
- Matches any style of house
Cons:
- Lasts only 20 to 30 years
- More vulnerable to wind and storms
- Can grow moss or algae
- Less energy efficient in hot climates compared to tiles
Tile Roof vs Shingle Roof: Lifespan and Maintenance
Two of the biggest factors to consider in the tile roof vs shingle roof debate are how long the roof lasts and how much upkeep it needs. Tile roofing pros and cons consistently highlight longevity as the strongest argument for going with tile. If a tile roof is installed correctly, it can last two to three shingle roof replacements.
When looking at the tile roof vs shingle roof costs, homeowners have to think about how much it costs to maintain the roof over time, how often the roof will need to be repaired, and the overall value of the roof. Tiles don’t need to be maintained that often, and when they do, you have to be careful when working on the roof so you don’t crack a tile.
While tile roofs do last much longer and require less frequent upkeep, any maintenance that is done needs to be done very carefully so as not to break any of the tiles. Shingles, however, require much more frequent upkeep and maintenance to check for granule loss, damage, curling edges, or missing shingles, which is more common with storm damage. While repairing shingles is fairly easy, the overall frequency of the repairs dwarfs that of tiles.
Shingle Roof vs Tile Roof: Which Performs Better in Harsh Weather?
Homeowners in areas prone to storms need to factor in the weather protection capabilities of the roof when making the tile vs shingle choice. While shingles don’t perform well in extreme weather, specifically high winds and high heat, clay and concrete tiles will outperform most shingles. Many of these tiles will sustain winds of over 150 mph; hence, the popularity of tiles in roofing in areas where hurricanes will be.
In saying that, the shingles of today are better than shingles in the past. An asphalt shingles roof will perform very well in extreme weather and be much more cost-effective than tiles, along with providing hail protection, high winds, and impact protection.
At Brava Tile Roofing Service, we have the best-in-the-market synthetic tile roofs. This is perfect for you if you want the durability of the options we have as well as the classic look of a tile roof!
Which Roof Is Right for Your Home?
Choosing between a shingle or tile roof depends on location, home design, and roofing plans. The following points may help you decide:
- Choose tile roofing if you want roofing that is heat resistant, lasts a long time, and looks great.
- Choose an asphalt shingles roof if you need a low-maintenance solution with flexible styling options
- Before choosing a tile, consider your home structure.
- Consider local weather and how roofing materials perform.
- Long-term tile is a great investment because it lasts a long time.
Durable Roofing Solutions for Modern Homes starts with choosing the right material from the beginning. If you like the traditional tile look or the practicality of asphalt, you are covered because the right roofing contractor protects your investment from the first day.
Making the Final Decision
The tile roof vs shingle roof comparison is a personal decision. People love both for a reason. Tile roofing is great for all weather and lasts a long time. Shingle roofing is practical because of its flexibility and low maintenance.
Sunbelt Roofing gathers information from homeowners in Louisiana and Mississippi to discuss their needs to help them make a sustainable choice for their property’s roofing needs. Our team can walk you through tile roofing pros and cons and shingle roof pros and cons side-by-side so you can make a fully informed decision. Call us today for a free roofing evaluation and to get our expert recommendations for your best options.
Conclusion
There is no right answer for every homeowner for a tile roof vs shingle roof. Shingle roofs offer better convenience and versatility compared to tile roofs, while tile roofs have a considerable edge on both durability and lifespan. Regardless of what material you choose, the installation of your new roof is just as important. With Sunbelt Roofing, you will not only get the best quality craftsmanship in the area of your choice, but tile roofs and shingle roofs will have the strength to withstand roofs for many years. Before you undertake a new roof, make sure you get the right team to determine the right choice for your home. Reach out to us for your selection.