Roof Tiles vs. Shingles: Which Roof Should You Choose for Your Home?

Have you been thinking about renovating your old roof? Will a new roof solve the leakage problems? What material are you thinking about choosing? What are the most viable options for your home? How should you pick the right choice?

There are so many questions you must tackle before you can hire a professional roofer to mend or revamp your roofing. Or, you can ask an expert for advice on roofing choices based on your location, roof type, budget, and needs.

Roof Tiles vs Shingles – Which Roof Should You Choose for Your Home?

Roof Tiles vs Shingles: Which Roof Should You Choose?

Today, the two most common roofing options include tiles and shingles. Both are viable for the Australian weather, but they have a different lifespan, installation costs, maintenance requirements, and looks. So which one should you pick for your home?

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What Is Tile Roofing?

Tile roofing is common almost all around the world. It has been around for centuries, and it predates the modern asphalt shingles by quite a few decades. Some Spanish architecture-inspired US homes have tile roofing that has seen the rise and fall of Ronal Regan. Expert roofers used a slate and terra cotta to carve these tiles.

These natural materials enabled the rather heavy tiles to withstand strong winds, hail, snow, and storms. The weight and dimensions of the tiles give them comparatively good endurance. The modern homes are sturdy enough to support the tile roofing. Most tile manufacturers and roofers provide a 50-year guarantee period for them. Sometimes, they last for a century without the need for replacement.

What Is Shingle Roofing?

Shingles are standard in all North American states, and they are catching up in Australia as well. Asphalt roof shingles are small and rectangular. Their installation makes the resulting roof waterproof. Their setup is easy, and they can withstand at least two decades of rainfall and sun without chipping, cracking, and shrinking. Right now, technology has enabled roofers to choose and install a variety of shingles. They can differ in shapes, sizes, and colors.

Moreover, they have excellent reflective properties. They can reduce the temperature indoors by quite a few degrees. It is an advantage in the hotter climates. With regular cleaning and maintenance, they can last for more than 30-years.

Now, both the types of roofing have great pros. Some of their properties are comparable. Then other properties make one seem better than the other. So, here we are, helping you weigh the pros and cons of the two types of roofing options, to make the correct choice –

1. Pricing

Shingles are the winner when the competition is pricing. Shingles are not only cheaper; their installation cost is also less expensive as compared to tiles. Tile roofs can cost twice as much as a shingle roof. Although tiles are more expensive than shingles, they outlive shingles by at least twenty years. The upfront cost of installation deters homeowners and causes them to choose shingles over tiles.

2. Weight

Shingles are petite, whereas the tiles are heavy and large. The mass of the tiles demands a sturdy structure of the house. It is understandable that heavier roof will withstand stronger winds. However, ensuring a robust construction of the walls supporting the tiled roof is imperative. If your home is modern, and lightweight, your roof needs to be light as well. You should go with asphalt fiberglass shingles to preserve the integrity of the architecture.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Shingles are low maintenance options. They require the occasional spring cleaning to get rid of accumulating moss and grime. The moss can cause moisture damage and even facilitate the growth of mold in the inner insulation material. Without proper maintenance, the cheaper asphalt tiles can shrink and create an entryway for water during rains.

Tiles might be costly, but they also have several maintenance demands. Tile roofing is susceptible to moisture accumulation and penetration. Without proper maintenance, your roof may require frequent repairs and renovations irrespective of the cost of the initial installation.

4. Styling and Materials

Typically clay or concrete is the material of choice for tile roofs. In Australia, tile roofs are popular since the durable material makes these roof options viable for the hotter climate. Asphalt shingle roofs are right behind tiles in popularity.

The improved technology has enabled the creation of energy star certified asphalt material shingles. Shingles not only accentuate early Victorian, Georgian, and Spanish colonial architecture, it also elevates the modern minimal designs. The plethora of design options enable all architectural styles to attain their true personalities along with longevity.

5. Safety

Concrete tiles are non-flammable and so are terracotta tiles. Shingles are fire-retardant. In most cases, the best shingle producers include several fire-retardant substances with these tiles. Both the roofing material choices are safe for all homes. However, always check if your roofing company of choice uses tiles and shingles with Class A or Class B ratings. The quality of your roofing material may influence the fire insurance premium of your home.

Weighing just the cost, maintenance and appearance, it is easy to see that asphalt shingles can outperform the tile roofs on any day. Tiles are costly, so if you are looking for a budget makeover of your roof, you should stick to your asphalt shingle options.

Both fiberglass asphalt and organic asphalt shingles are significantly cheaper than tiles. Since terracotta and concrete tiles are heavy, they are more durable than shingles. So, if money is not a concern, you should always opt for tiles for your house. Tiles offer strong wind resistance and snow tolerance.

Moreover, they are suitable for areas that withstand high weather fluctuations. It is safe to say that both roof shingles and tiles are Eco-friendly options. They do not pose a threat to the environment. They can reduce energy consumption. Moreover, you can choose to reuse and recycle them even after decades of use.

Choosing the right material determines the durability of a roof to a great extent, but the experience and expertise of the roofers will affect the quality of your roof as well. So, choose wisely and make sure you get the service you are paying for!

Author Bio

Trudy is a Business Tech Analyst. He is very responsible towards his job. He loves to share his knowledge and experience with his friends and colleagues.