Tile Roofs vs. Shingle Roofs: What’s the Difference
Roofing materials are an essential component if you want to build a new house or refurbish your current one. Two roofing material types you can take into consideration are asphalt shingles and tiles.
These are the two most popular types of materials on the market. Installing roofing is a big investment for any homeowner, and it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. This is why you’re going to want to do your homework. Here are some differences between these two types to help you decide which to pick.
The most important difference you should know right away is that shingle roofs are less expensive.
Shingle roofs
Shingle roofs are made up of many overlapping small slates of shingles that provide protection from the natural elements. The individual shingles can be made from different materials, such as slate, fiberglass, asphalt, wood, shake, or copper. Most shingle roofs now use a combination of fiberglass and asphalt due to its durability.
Shingle installation is easy and straightforward. It’s also easily maintained since the overlap between the shingles helps to keep debris and water out. The average lifespan of this kind of roof is between fifteen and thirty years.
This is why shingle roofs are significantly less expensive than tile roofs.
Tile roofs
These roofs are similar to shingles but different in several key ways. First, the tiles are typically made of concrete or clay, rather than fiberglass. These tiles are sealed to the roof, which improves the roof’s durability and protection. This is especially significant in areas where hurricanes can be a big issue.
Another difference is the styles that these roofs come in. You can do almost anything you can imagine with a tile roof, from a Mediterranean style to a classic Southwest look. The installation process is a little more complicated than a shingle roof, and if you choose a special style, the costs can be much higher from the beginning.
These roofs can last for thirty to forty years.
Tile roofs vs. shingle roofs
Now that you know the basics of tile and shingle roofing, the question that remains is, “Which one is better?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. Each type of roof has its own set of benefits and issues.
Tile roofs are going to cost more in the beginning, but they also last, on average, twice as long as shingles. Shingle roofs offer a quicker and simpler installation process, while tile takes a bit longer to set up. However, they hold their value better than shingle roofs.
Another important difference is the amount of weight these roofs can support. Tile roofs are heavier than shingles. If you think your house can’t support a heavy roof, then you’re going to want to choose shingles.
Whichever material you select, you need to make sure it’s installed and coated correctly.
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