Why is Shingle Tile Better?

Shingles and tiles are two of the most popular roof materials. Both are durable and have plenty of curb appeal, but they are different in appearance and performance. This guide compares shingle and tile roofs to help you determine the best type of roof for your home and budget.

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What Is the Difference Between Shingle and Tile?

The main difference between tile and shingle roofs is the material. Shingle roofs are primarily made from asphalt or a composite material, while tile roofs typically use more elegant, natural materials such as slate or terracotta. This results in different installation costs, lifespans, appearances, and more. Below is a breakdown of these key differences. 

Cost

Cost is a key factor for many homeowners when deciding between tile and shingle roofs. See the average costs for each option below.

Shingle Roof Cost

Shingles are significantly less expensive than tile. Shingle roofs cost an average of $4,200– $7,900 for a 1,500 square foot roof, including labor and materials.* However, it’s normal for the price to range as low as $3,000 or as high as $15,000, depending on roof size and other factors. 

You can expect a new asphalt shingle roof to cost roughly $4 per square foot. If you’re replacing an existing roof, add at least $0.75 per square foot to cover removal costs.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost for an asphalt shingle roof by house size. Choosing a more expensive type of shingle, such as composite, metal, or wood shingles, would increase the cost.

Tile Roof Cost

A tile roof costs significantly more than a shingle roof, with an average of between $15,000 and $35,000 for a 1,500 square foot roof. You could pay anywhere between $7 and $41 per square foot for a tile roof. Professional tile roof installation on a 2,000-square-foot home could cost well over $60,000.

See how much a tile roof costs for various home sizes below.

*Cost figures are based on contractor estimates used by Angi and Fixr.

Maintenance

Maintaining a tile roof is a lot less taxing and expensive than a shingle roof. This is partly because the material is so durable. The maintenance process for both roof types is similar: You should schedule an annual roof inspection to check for broken or missing shingles or tiles.

Never use a pressure washer on either type of roof. If you have a clay tile roof, avoid walking on it, as this could break the tiles. If you find a broken tile or shingle, replace it as soon as possible to avoid more widespread roof damage.

Durability and Lifespan

A well-maintained tile roof has a much longer lifespan than a shingle roof. Depending on the material, tile roofs last between 25 and 100 years. Metal and slate tiles last the longest, with slate potentially lasting more than a century. 

Basic three-tab asphalt shingles only last 15–20 years. Architectural and composite shingles last a bit longer—up to 30 years—because they’re thicker and use more durable materials, including fiberglass, asphalt, and recycled paper.

Climate

Both shingle and tile roofs work in all types of climates. However, you won’t find as many tile roofs in the northern United States because clay tiles may not stand up to freezing conditions well. Newer composite and metal tile roofs can handle any climate, so look for these materials if your home experiences a freeze-and-thaw cycle. 

Asphalt performs well in all climates, making it a popular option across the country. Unfortunately, dry, sweltering climates shorten the lifespan of both roof types. Ceramic tile or concrete roofs perform better in these climates. 

Installation Process

The installation process for shingle and tile roofs varies by material. Shingles are easy to install: tabs overlap and are nailed down and sealed. Roofers typically place underlayment beneath shingles. Underlayment is a layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) that lies between the shingles and roof deck, providing a second layer of protection from rain, snow, and wind. Without this, your roof will be more prone to water damage and may require more frequent repairs.

Tile roofs are slightly more challenging to install. Tiles weigh more than shingles and often require additional support and reinforcement. Tile roofs also require underlayment, but the installation process is slower and more involved than shingle roofs. For example, a terracotta tile roof must be cemented into place one tile at a time. This process often takes several days to complete, depending on the roof size, whereas asphalt shingle roof installation can often be completed in one day.

Return on Investment

Any new roof increases your home’s resale value. However, a tile roof’s quality and curb appeal provides a slightly higher return on investment (ROI) than a shingle roof. You’ll have an even lower ROI if you choose to lay new asphalt shingles over old ones to cut up-front costs.

Shingle Roofing

Shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the United States because they’re affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance. Shingles vary in materials and thickness, with the most popular options being composite and asphalt shingles. Each shingle is a small rectangular sheet made of flexible material installed in overlapping rows to keep out water and environmental hazards.

Pros

• Affordable
• Straightforward to install
• Easy to customize with various colors and styles

Cons

• Shorter lifespan than other roof types
• Requires more maintenance than other roofs
• Less energy efficient and insulating than other roof types

Tile Roofing

Though tile roofs are similar to shingle roofs in design, they use higher-quality materials such as clay, slate, or concrete. Roofing tiles hang in overlapping parallel rows to form a watertight seal. Tiles are more visually appealing, environmentally friendly, and durable than asphalt shingles. Tile roofs can easily last over 100 years, and many manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty. 

Pros

• Long lifespan–up to 100 years
• Resistant to rot and insect damage
• More energy-efficient than asphalt shingles

Cons

• May require installing additional roof support
• Higher up-front cost than other roof types
• Not suitable for all roof slopes and climates

Other Roof Types

If neither a traditional shingle nor tile roof fits your needs, consider the following alternative roofing options:

• Built-up roofing (BUR) ($1.37–$3.91 per square foot): Built-up roofing, or BUR, is used primarily for flat roofs. The roof is made from multiple layers of asphalt, ply sheets, aggregate, and other materials. It protects from ultraviolet (UV) damage and has excellent waterproofing.
• Cedar shakes ($5–$13.90 per square foot): Wooden shingles are similar to the other shingles mentioned in this guide, but wooden roofs can also be made from wooden shakes. A shake is hand-split on one side, creating a more rustic look, and they’re better in certain weather conditions, such as high winds. Cedar shakes are one of the most common wooden roofing materials.
• Green roofing ($10–$35 per square foot): Green roofing is relatively new to the United States, but it’s growing in popularity. Green roofs use plants and other local foliage to create a high-value and unique roof. These roofs increase your home’s energy efficiency. The money you’ll save on energy costs can offset the high up-front investment.
• Metal roofing ($4–$30 per square foot): Metal roofs have a higher price than shingle and tile roofs but have a life expectancy of 30–50 years, making them an excellent investment. They’re known to decrease energy bills, in turn increasing ROI. These roofs come in many styles and materials. All options are durable, easy to maintain, and fire—and weather-resistant.
• Solar roofing ($20–$25 per square foot): Solar roofing is an excellent option for homeowners who are converting to solar power but want to maintain their home’s aesthetics. This roofing mimics traditional roofing but generates energy like traditional solar panels. If interested, you’ll want to work with a top solar company rather than a professional roofing company.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Roof Type

Curb appeal matters when shopping for a new roof, but it’s not the only factor. Your roof contributes to almost everything that makes your home livable. Consider the following factors to determine the right roofing material for your home and lifestyle: 

• Budget: Assess your finances to set a realistic budget. Different roofing materials can vary significantly in price, and you’ll want to account for labor, permits, and unexpected changes or repairs.
• Climate: Pay attention to typical weather patterns in your area. Different materials have different levels of weather resistance, so find out how each roof type reacts to the elements and determine which options are best suited to your local climate.
• Energy efficiency: Though more expensive up-front, energy-efficient roofs can save you money long-term. The ability of your roof to reflect heat can also make or break your indoor comfort, so research each option’s thermal properties.
• Slope: Your roof must be able to drain water. Asphalt shingles are the most popular option, but only because most American residential roofs have a steep slope. If some of your roof’s slopes are low, use a specialized product that’s more leak-resistant when exposed to pooling water.
• Weight: The material’s weight can affect your project’s timeline and labor cost. If you choose a heavier material than the one currently covering your home, structural adjustments might be necessary to ensure your home can support the added weight.

Our Conclusion

Ultimately, the best roofing material depends on your priorities. Shingles offer affordability and ease of installation, while tiles boast superior durability and aesthetic appeal, often at a higher cost. Weighing your budget, desired lifespan, and stylistic preferences will guide you towards the perfect roof for your home.

Once you know which roof type you want, contact multiple local roofing contractors for free estimates and comparison. Enter your ZIP code in our tool below to jumpstart the quote process.

FAQ About Shingle Roofs vs. Tile Roofs

When updating your roof, you face many choices, from materials to styles.

Roofing is not just about aesthetics. It’s about durability, longevity, and functionality.

Two popular options that often come into consideration are roof tiles and shingles. While both have merits, roof tiles require more structural support than shingles.

We will explore why roof tiles demand additional attention, answering common questions you may have as you contemplate a roofing upgrade.

Roofing material is measured per square (10’x10′, covering an area of 100 square feet) because it provides a standardized unit of measurement that simplifies the estimation and pricing of roofing projects.

This method allows straightforward calculations of material quantities needed for a given roof size, streamlining the roofing industry’s practices and ensuring accuracy in material orders and cost assessments.

So the question is, how much does roofing material weigh per square?

This information allows you to assess whether your existing or new roof’s structure can support the chosen material. Here’s a rough estimate of the weight for common roofing materials:

Yes.

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Tiles can be too heavy for a roof. Especially if the roof structure is not designed to support their weight. Using tiles that exceed the load-bearing capacity of your roof can lead to structural damage and compromise the safety of your home or business.

It’s essential to consult with a roofing professional or structural engineer to assess whether your roof can handle the weight of the tiles you intend to install. They will consider factors such as

• the type of roofing material,
• the roof’s pitch,
• the framing system,
• and the regional climate conditions.

In cases where the existing roof cannot support the weight of tiles, reinforcement may be necessary. This could involve strengthening the roof’s framework or selecting a lighter roofing material that meets your aesthetic and functional preferences.

Many homeowners wonder if their roof can bear the weight of clay or concrete tiles.

Traditional asphalt/composite roofing shingles weigh roughly 230 pounds per square.
In contrast, most tile roofing options weigh anywhere from 600 to nearly 1,100 pounds per square.

The weight differential is evident, but it’s worth noting that many municipalities permit up to three layers of asphalt/composite roofing shingles. These multiple layers weigh approximately 690 pounds per square.

While this suggests that most roofs can, in theory, support lightweight concrete or clay roofing without any modifications, it’s advisable to consult with a structural engineer for certainty.

Here are two key questions that often arise when homeowners and business owners ponder the weight of their roofing materials:

What’s the Load-Bearing Capacity?

Every roof has a unique load-bearing capacity determined by

• its design,
• age,
• and structural integrity.

Before selecting your roofing material, assess your roof’s ability to withstand the weight.

Is There a Weight Limitation?

Some roofs may come with weight limitations due to their design or age. Understanding these limitations is crucial when choosing your roofing material.

If your roof has weight concerns, what are the lightweight roofing materials available that can still meet your aesthetic and functional requirements?

One excellent example is metal roofing, which offers impressive durability and is considerably lighter than traditional clay or concrete tiles. Metal roofs are available in various styles, including shingles, panels, and shakes, allowing you to achieve the desired look without compromising on structural integrity.

Additionally, metal roofs have the advantage of reflecting heat, which can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, making them an excellent choice for regions with warm climates like Florida.

In cases where your chosen roofing material exceeds your roof’s load-bearing capacity, what are the options for structural reinforcement to ensure a safe and sturdy installation?

One common approach is to add additional support through the installation of more purlins or trusses. This entails increasing the number of horizontal or diagonal beams within the roof’s framework to distribute the weight more evenly.

Alternatively, you can opt for engineered trusses to accommodate heavier roofing materials. These trusses are engineered to provide the necessary support while minimizing the need for extensive structural alterations.

Your dream roof should align with your financial reality.

Different roofing materials come with varying price tags, and it’s essential to set a budget that covers material costs and accounts for labor, permits, and any unforeseen changes or repairs.

Doing so ensures that your roofing project doesn’t become a financial burden but rather a valuable investment in your property’s longevity and appeal.

Your local climate plays a pivotal role in the longevity and performance of your roof.

Florida’s hot and humid climate can significantly impact roofing choices, as it requires materials that can withstand prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and high temperatures.

Additionally, the frequent rain and hurricane risk in Florida necessitate roofing materials that are heat-resistant, highly durable, and capable of withstanding severe weather conditions.

Take note of your area’s typical weather patterns and how different roofing materials react to them. Choosing a roof type that is well-suited to your climate ensures that your investment stands strong against the elements and provides lasting protection for your home.

The weight of your chosen roofing material can influence the project’s timeline and labor costs.

Should you opt for a heavier material than your current roof, structural adjustments might be necessary to ensure your home can support the added weight.

Before deciding, consult with professionals who can assess your roof’s structural integrity and guide you toward a choice that combines durability and safety while staying within your budget.

Choosing the right roofing material is a critical decision that involves considering various factors, including weight restrictions, cost, durability, and aesthetics. While roof tiles offer a timeless and elegant appearance, they require extra support compared to shingles due to their weight.

Understanding the weight of roofing materials, the load-bearing capacity of your roof, and the available options for lightweight roofing materials is essential in making an informed choice. It’s also crucial to consult with roofing professionals or structural engineers to ensure your roofing project is safe and structurally sound.

At All Points Tile and Slate, we specialize in providing high-quality roofing tiles and offer expert guidance to homeowners and business owners looking to upgrade their roofs.

If you have more questions or need further information about your preferred roofing material, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the best choice for your roofing needs, ensuring that your investment stands the test of time. Your dream roof is just a call away! Contact us today to discuss your roofing project and explore your options.

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