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Tile Roofs vs. Shingle Roofs: What's the Difference

Author: Helen

Apr. 29, 2024

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Tile Roofs vs. Shingle Roofs: What's the Difference

Learning Center » Roofing

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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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Are you thinking about a home improvement project? Feel free to contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.

Roof Tiles Vs Roof Shingles

Roof Tiles Vs Roof Shingles

Roof Tiles Vs Roof Shingles. Is There a New Roofing Material Contender?

It’s a challenge being a homeowner. Over the years, you get to know a lot of things you never knew, or even thought you needed to know. Renovations and odd maintenance jobs were your dad’s responsibility, or only a call away to a tradie. But, there are a couple of things you need to know these days. One of them is about roofing. If you live in your home long enough, it’s going to need a roof repair or roof replacement. For the aesthetics, your roof needs to look good, keeping up appearances, you might say, as well as the obvious job of keeping you protected from the worst elements of Mother Nature.

What Matters Most in A Roofing Material?

Before you get started by ripping off the old roof and installing a new one, you should know just what you are getting into. Do you need contractors? When will you start and when will you finish the job? How is the installation going to be done? What materials are you going to use? What different roof types are there these days? Clay tiles, colorbond, or something completely different like asphalt shingles? The process of replacing or repairing your roof can be a real pain, but with a little planning and some positive research, you can end up with a successful roofing project and a new look home.

When choosing roofing materials, homeowners have a number of different options available. A couple of the more popular choices are roof tiles and roof shingles. Ultimately, the final decision comes down to personal preferences as to whether you opt for shingles or tile roofing, but it’s a good idea to be aware of the differences. Here are a few things to consider as a homeowner about the roofing that will best fit your requirements.

The most obvious difference between the two products is the material from which they are made. Currently, in Australia, the more popular choice between the two is clay or concrete tiles. Shingles, though, are a great alternative if you are looking at something a bit different. The other popular roofing material is metal – colorbond zincalume.

Some people tend to think that the climate might have a bit to do with the roofing material and roof type you choose, but technology advances in the manufacturing process has made most materials fairly similar in that respect. Does a warm moderate climate lend itself to a clay tile preference? It’s better to consider the pros and cons associated with roof tiles vs roof shingles. Let’s take a basic look at the two types of roofing shingles and roof tiles to help make a decision:

Roofing Tiles Pros and Cons

Roofing Tiles – These are made from concrete or clay (terracotta), and in Australia, before colorbond, was a home favourite, maybe because the country is in a warmer climate. The terracotta tiles gave houses that Spanish hacienda look about them. A roofing tile used in warmer climates was always thought to not attract heat too much. The roof space, that area between the roofing tile and the internal ceiling, is where all summer heat is generated and where all heat goes to when you are heating a house in winter. The secret there is, of course insulation. Do tiles last longer than asphalt shingles? Probably. But they do crack, they are not easy to walk on if you want to do something on the roof, and frankly, nearly everybody has them. Maybe they are suffering from over exposure. Tiles are also more expensive than shingles, both in materials and labour to install.

Asphalt Shingles Pros and Cons

Asphalt Shingles – There are many options available if you choose shingles. The styles and colours available might make a final selection hard. They cost less so when you have a tight budget, they might be a better option and easier on your finances if the tiles came in a bit expensive. Because of the flat lines in laying them, they will stand up to some really windy weather. Installation is easier and asphalt shingles are lighter. A benefit with installation is the plywood sheeting that basically forms a ‘faux-roof’ to support the shingles. Australians aren’t into attics a lot, but this aspect of installation is worth consideration. A covered, weatherproof area between the ceiling and the roof is easily transformed into a storage or attic area.

Homes Look Better With Shingles

The big plus with roof shingles is the look you are going to get. Stand out on the street and look at your asphalt shingle roof. Then shift your gaze left and right and behind you. Your house stands out as a ‘one of’ in a neighbourhood filled with colorbond and tiles. Just how good your home will look will be a point of discussion with friends, neighbours and visitors.

If we were to mention a negative it’s simply that asphalt shingle roofing is not well known in Australia and there are not a lot of roofing contractors who are working with shingles. Lack of knowledge in this case is not a big impediment to trying them. Over 40 million homes in the USA have asphalt shingle roofs. The manufacturer of the best asphalt shingles, GAF, has been around since Noah was a boy, and that says heaps for the quality and durability of the product. GAF roof shingles can be professionally installed by All American Roofing. Give us a call to check out the product and for the best advice available if you are looking for a change.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit how to remove moss from asphalt shingles.

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