Benefits of Tile vs Shingle Roofs
It’s time for a roof replacement, and as part of your home improvement project, you’re considering the many roofing options out there. Two of the most popular ones are tile and shingle roofs. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Find out what they are and which one is right for your roofing project.
Shingle Roofs
A shingle roof is made of a series of flat rectangles laid in an overlapping pattern. Older shingle roofs were made of wood, stone, and even asbestos. Nowadays, you’ll find that most remodelers recommend three-tab fiber cement or asphalt roof shingles. NEWPRO’s shingle system offers protection against our harsh Northeast winters.
Tile Roofs
Like roof shingles, tiles go on your roof in an overlapping pattern. Unlike shingles, they are often curved, adding visual interest to your roofline. Tile roofs come in many different types of materials. Traditional options include cedar shake, clay, and slate. Homeowners sometimes prefer newer materials like composites, metal roof tiles, or even solar tiles. These options provide a balance between durability and curb appeal.
Now that you know the main differences between tile and shingle, it’s time to figure out which type of roofing material is right for your new roof. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
Cost
Replacing a roof is a big expense, so you want to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. There are up-front costs like installation and materials, but you also need to consider how soon you’ll need to replace your roof and how well it insulates your house. The numbers below are average costs. Contact us today to get a quote that is specific to your home.
Roof Installation and Materials
When it comes to cost, shingles have a distinct advantage over tile. The materials are cheaper, and the installation process is easier, making it the cost-effective choice. Expect your tile roof to cost about double what you would pay for a shingle roof of equivalent square footage. Of course, every house is different, so call us and we’ll provide you with an estimate.
Longevity
When considering cost, life expectancy is a factor that can’t be overlooked. An asphalt shingle roof has a shorter lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If you choose modern materials, like composite or fiber cement, you could get as many as 30 years out of your roof.
In comparison, the lifespan of tile roofs is much longer. Some materials, like slate, could last upwards of 100 years. In most cases, you can expect to get between 25 and 100 years out of your tile roof.
Energy Efficiency
Energy costs aren’t getting any lower, and the quality of your roof can significantly impact your bills over its lifetime. Considering how well your roof insulates your house is a big financial consideration.
Tile roofs are much better at keeping your home insulated. Here’s why:
- Individually installed tiles increase ventilation in your attic, which is a key factor in reducing cooling costs. Shingles are laid one over the other, reducing airflow.
- Tiles are thicker and more dense than shingles, meaning that they have more thermal mass. As a result, there is less transfer between the roof side and the attic side of each tile. Composite and fiber cement shingles are thicker than asphalt, so they are a more energy-efficient choice.
- Other factors can impact the energy efficiency of your roof, regardless of the material. Choosing a lighter color is an easy way to reduce cooling costs because it reduces heat absorption.
Roof Maintenance
Regular inspections are crucial in keeping your home protected, both on tile and shingle roofs. Cracked or broken tiles and shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of your roof and keep moisture and pests out. The longer you wait, the bigger the remediation, so timeliness is crucial.
In our no-nonsense warranty policy, we assume full responsibility for any issues with the roof installation process. Get a free quote today, and one of our representatives will go over warranty details.
Protection From the Northeast Winters
People who live in the Northeast know that, beyond cost and maintenance, the most important factor in choosing a roofing system is how well it will hold up in the winter. And what roof is most resistant to harsh weather conditions?
Ice Dams and the Freeze-and-Thaw Cycle
If you’re worried about water damage from ice dams, tile roofs are a preferable choice over shingles. Since each tile is installed individually, there is better airflow in the attic. This prevents heat from getting trapped up there, reducing thaw on your roof. Plus, tiles are denser than shingles, reducing heat transfer from the attic to the roof.
That said, not every type of tile is suited to our winters. Clay and concrete tiles are prone to cracking in extreme cold. If you choose to go with tile, contact us to go over the options that work best for you.
A shingle roof will also protect you if properly maintained and with good insulation. Due to their thickness, composite and fiber cement shingles are a better choice.
High Winds and Storms
There are benefits to both shingle and tile roofs when it comes to resistance to storms.
Tile roofs are more likely to remain intact in high winds. This is because tiles are individually installed, reducing wind stress. Tile roofs can withstand winds up to 150 mph. However, tiles are more likely to break under impact.
While they can’t withstand high winds as well as tile roofs, shingle roofs are more resistant to impact damage. If you live in a wooded area, shingles might be the choice for you. If you’re uncertain, give NEWPRO a call for an expert opinion.
