Shingle Roof vs. Tile Roof: 5 Key Differences to Consider

The cost of a new roof depends on a lot of specific factors, but homeowners usually pay about $10,000 on average. It’s a big investment, and choosing between types of roofs isn’t always easy.

If you’re debating whether you should get a shingle or tile roof, there are important aspects to consider. Each roofing choice has its own advantages and drawbacks you should weigh before making a decision.

Ready to explore your roofing options?

The following guide will explore shingle roof vs tile roof options so that you can choose with confidence.

Benefits of a Shingle Roof

Most homeowners choose shingle roofs for their affordability. Asphalt shingles are currently the most cost-effective roofing type and that’s a huge benefit.

Not only are shingles affordable, but professional shingle installations cost less as well. They’re one of the easiest types of roofs to install and the process is quick. You won’t have workers at your home long because it only takes a few days to install shingles.

Sometimes it’s hard to find qualified roofing companies that specialize in materials like clay or metal. But you won’t have any issue finding an experienced roofing company that’s familiar with shingles. 

You might have to replace shingles more often than other options, but it won’t cost you much time or money. You can even do a lot of maintenance and minor repairs on your own to help save money.

Disadvantages of a Shingle Roof

Shingles won’t withstand heavy winds as well as other roofing options. Cheaper shingles especially tend to be more helpless against strong winds and often detach from the roof.

If the wind blows your shingles off, it leaves your roof more vulnerable to leaks. If your leaking roof goes unnoticed for too long, it might lead to other expensive home repairs.

Shingles are very lightweight and they don’t hold up well when exposed to big temperature changes. They can easily crack and let moisture seep into your roof.

The cracks form because intense temperatures force shingles to swell and contract. Severe heat on its own causes shingles to crack, so they’re not a good choice for some regions.

Professional roofing installers won’t attempt shingle jobs unless it’s warm outside. Installing shingles in the winter or in freezing temperatures might damage them. So, it’s harder to schedule installations in some parts of the country.

Shingles won’t hurt the curb appeal of your home but they won’t make your home stand out either., asphalt shingles aren’t exactly unique. You could choose wood shingle options to add uniqueness, but you’ll spend more money and get a lot of the same issues.

Benefits of a Tile Roof

If you have a tile roof installed, it might last more than a century with proper care and in the right conditions. Tile roofs hold up well against hazards like hail, extreme winds, and fire.

You never have to worry about tile roofs decaying like would wood roof options. Because many tile roofs last an entire lifetime, you don’t have to spend money replacing them. Most tile manufacturers offer lengthy warranties to cover customers just in case.

Tile roofs consist of natural minerals instead of synthetic materials that don’t break down. You can crush and recycle tiles after they’re removed or replaced.

They have a dense quality that makes them great insulators on your roof. They keep heat from escaping in the winter and repel heat in the summer.

With slate tiles you get a great variety of colors and styles to choose from and match your house. Some tiles even mimic traditional shingles to give you the standard look with advanced protection.

Drawbacks of a Tile Roof

The biggest disadvantage tile roofing has is the higher price. Of course, they last much longer if the upfront cost fits your budget.

You’ll also need to find expert installers with a lot of experience if you choose tile roofing. This added expertise adds more to the already high cost. For example, tile installation requires a unique pattern to prevent moisture from getting through.

The tiles will need to be measured, set in a distinct pattern, and checked so that no moisture gets through. Unlike shingles, you can’t do many repairs or replacements on your own.

If your home can’t support the heavy weight of a tile roof, it might not even be an option. You can add framing and make adjustments to your home but it can get expensive very quickly. 

Tiles have great durability but they can still crack from heavy impacts like foot traffic and falling tree limbs. It’s much more expensive to replace tiles when compared to shingle replacements.

Other Considerations

Don’t forget that different grades of shingles affect the price because it changes the quality. A high-quality shingle might end up costing you as much as other more durable roofing options.

Fortunately, if you spend more money on high-quality shingles, expect them to have a longer warranty than cheaper options. So, review the different types of shingles and see which might fit your budget and living situation best.

If you plan to replace a shingle roof with a tile roof, it might not work out. Make sure to have a skilled engineer take a look and decide if your roof can handle the added weight.

Shingle Roof vs Tile Roof

When it comes to shingle roof vs tile roof options, it comes down to how much you value durability. Tile makes a better long-term choice, but shingles offer more flexibility for tight budgets.

For more information on quality roofing options, you can contact us at Embry’s Roofing for top-tier roofing results for your Indiana or Kentucky home. Our quality customer service and competitive prices have made us an industry leader for over 45 years.