Our roof provides shelter and protection from intense climates and other external elements. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you have a sturdy roofing system that can last for years as a homeowner. Although roofing materials such as tiles and shingles might not have much of a difference for homeowners, that’s where most of us are wrong.
You might be wondering why you choose tiles or shingles as a roofing matter. Other homeowners would instead let their roofing contractor choose for them since they don’t realize its differences. With that, it is important for people, especially homeowners, to be aware of this.
If you’re one of those people who find it hard to choose between tiles or shingles roofs, then today’s your lucky day. This article will show you the difference between tiles and shingles roofs that can help you decide which one to get. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of these things to avoid roofing problems in the future.
Do not hesitate to ask!
When it comes to roof construction, most homeowners rely on their contractors to make the right decision. Unfortunately, not all homeowners ask the difference between other types of roofs, such as tiles and shingles. So with that, it is something you should not follow.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with roofing materials, it is essential to ask if you’re curious. Questions such as “what’s the difference between tiles and shingle roofs?” or “which one is more appropriate for my home?” are just some of the things you might need to answer.
But don’t worry—we are here to help you identify the differences between the two roof types. So, sit back and relax as we will walk you through what are tiles and shingles roofs. By the end of this reading, you will decide on what roof type to get that is worth the money you are paying for.
Roof Tiles
Roof tiles are one of the most popular roofing materials there is in the market. A lot of houses have tile roofs because they are sturdy and standard. This roof type is made mostly of ceramic, clay, or concrete.
A lot of old houses and properties in almost any country have tile roofs. This type of roofing material has been around for years; hence, many people still trust its sturdiness. Tile roofs are installed in layers from the bottom and secured to the roof deck using nails.
Advantages of tile roofs
Since tile roofs have been around for years, it means that they can indeed last for a long time. Many old houses and properties have a tile roof, and it is guaranteed to last for years. Thus, it is an excellent roofing material for both residential and commercial buildings.
Not only that, but tile roofs can also withstand intense weather. If you live in a location where hailstorms and winter are worse, a tile roof will protect you all the way. According to experts, tile roofs can withstand giant hailstones that are as big as 2 inches.
Aside from guaranteed protection against intense climates, tile roofs are also fireproof and wind-resistant. The tiles are made of Class-A fire rating because it is mainly made of clay and concrete materials. It can also withstand winds up to 150+ mph.
Tile roofs are also eco-friendly and reusable too. Since it is made of clay and concrete, some homeowners will reuse the broken ones and mold them into a new tile roof. Getting a tile roof as a roofing material can even help save Mother Earth!
Lastly, compared to other roof materials, a tile roof offers low, long-term costs. It is among the cheapest, long-lasting roof materials to get for a roofing system. Since it can last for years, you won’t have to spend money on constant repairs or renovation.
Disadvantages of tile roofs
Now that you know the advantages of tile roofs, let’s not forget to be fair and weigh things over. There are also disadvantages to using tile roofs, and one of them is it can come expensive when you install it for the first time. The average cost per square foot of tile roof can cost up to $1000.
Also, tile roofs can be a bit heavy to install and brittle to use. Therefore, the person who will install it should be extra careful when doing the work.
Shingle Roofs
Now that we have discussed what a tile roof is let’s head on and tackle shingle roofs.
Shingles is another roofing material that modern people now mostly use for their homes and properties. Compared to tile roofs, shingles work to keep water off the top. It can either be flat or curved too and are overlapped during installation.
Shingle roof also comes in different materials. It can either be made of wood, slate, rubber, metal, clay, or asphalt. The most common type of shingles in the US is made of asphalt material. Asphalt shingles are known for their affordability and durability that can last up to 20 years.
Advantages of Shingles
You can enjoy a lot of good things when you use shingles as a roofing material. The best advantage of it all is its lifespan. Although many might think that asphalt shingles are not durable, it indeed has a great shelf life. Over the years, with the help of technological advancements, shingles are now sturdier compared to other roofing materials.
Also, installing shingles is a lot easier than installing other roof materials such as tiles. You can easily fit or replace a shingle whenever you need to. Regardless of how big the project is, shingles are quicker to install, among other types.
When it comes to durability, shingles are not something to miss out on. Since it can last up to 20 years, it already shows how durable this roofing material is. In addition, you can find a lot of shingles in the market that have an SSA fire rating and are resistant to harmful UV rays.
Lastly, shingles are cost-effective, which are excellent for those who need to stay within a budget. If you are looking for a roofing material that is easy to install, can last for years, and has the capacity to protect you from external elements, shingles are the material to choose. Shingles come off cheap compared to other roof materials, but it guarantees higher performance than the others.
Disadvantages of Shingles
On the other hand, shingles might not be for everyone as well. Although it is cost-effective, shingles also have some downsides that you need to know.
First, depending on the type of shingles you choose (asphalt, rubber, metal, etc.), the effectiveness of the shingles will depend on the location. For example, if you live in places that have high altitudes, asphalt shingles might not be an excellent option to go for.
The reason behind this is asphalt shingles are mostly made from petroleum and paper. Therefore, it might not be as fire resistant compared to other roof materials too. Also, shingle roofs might be sensitive to intense weather, such as strong winds and rains.
Conclusion:
To sum it all up, tile and shingle roofs—although both are excellent choices of roof materials—have distinctions that homeowners should be aware of. When choosing a roofing material, it is always best to assess factors such as your location, budget, and roofing needs. It will all boil down to the fact that you need a sturdy roof material to protect you and your family.
If you need roof consultations, we at Epic Home Upgrades can help you deal with your roof problems. Whether you need help with roof replacement, installation, repairs, or inquiries, our contractors and professional roofers are here to the rescue. Contact us today for more information.
