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Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Shingle roofs are more affordable and easier to install.
Tile roofs offer superior durability and a longer life span of 75 years or more.
Choose a shingle or tile roof based on the local climate and your budget and aesthetic preferences.
The main difference between shingle and tile roofs is the material used for the top layer. Shingle roofs use asphalt shingles, or sometimes wood, to protect the roof’s underlying layers, while tile roofs usually use clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs are also significantly heavier, so they require extra support.
“Homeowners should be aware of the significant weight [of tile roofs],” said Chris Hock, owner of Earth Saving Solutions, a home remodeling company in Denver, Colorado. “If you’re considering adding them to your existing home, you’ll need an engineer to confirm that your structure can support the additional load.”
“The differences between asphalt shingles and tiles of all varieties are wide-ranging, from durability in different weather scenarios to costs and maintenance,” said Korey Gregory, superintendent at ASAP Restoration, a home rehab and renovation company in Tempe, Arizona.
Understanding how these roof materials look and perform in different weather conditions is a great first step to figuring out which is right for you.
A new asphalt roof can cost $5,000—$10,000.
A metal roof replacement ranges from $7,000 up to $70,000.
Clay tile and slate roofs can cost between $55,200 and $59,800.
A shingle roof is a type of roof that uses shingles to protect the roof underlayment and sheathing from the elements. Shingle roofs are popular because they are “cost-effective, [come in a] variety of color and style options, [are] easy to install [and are] easy to repair,” said Gregory.
Asphalt shingles are made from fiberglass and asphalt with a mineral top layer for wear resistance and aesthetics. According to the National Park Service, asphalt roof shingles are recyclable, but most shingles end up in a landfill instead, so it’s not the most environmentally friendly roofing material in practice.
There are three main types of asphalt roof shingles:
Tile roofs use clay tiles to protect the home. They last longer than asphalt roofs — 75 years or longer, which is three times as long as asphalt shingles — but are also more expensive, are “heavier and more difficult to install and are fragile until placed in concert with one another,” said Gregory. Tile roofs also often require reinforced roof framing since they’re much heavier than shingle roofs.
While tile roofs come with some downsides, they stand apart from common asphalt shingles. According to Gregory, they’re aesthetically different and appealing and can boost your curb appeal.
Another benefit of tile roofing is that it’s very energy-efficient, according to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. Clay is a great insulator, especially because the tiles get installed with an air gap above the roof deck, so they’re a good option if you live in a warmer climate.
There are four main types of clay tile roofs:
Neither type of roof is always the better choice. Shingle roofs and tile roofs differ in important ways that make one or the other more suitable in different circumstances. “Roof material selection should be carefully considered based on structural requirements, maintenance, insurance factors and environmental impact,” said Hock.
There are a few primary areas where these roof options differ that can help you decide, but ultimately, you should speak with a professional roof installation company to determine which is best.
According to Consumer Reports, shingle roofs cost between $75 and $500 per square, depending on the type of shingle you choose, while tile roofs cost between $500 and $4,500 per square.
“Three-tab [asphalt] shingles are almost always the most cost-effective way of getting a roof covered,” said Gregory. A shingle roof is likely best if you’re on a tight budget.
Asphalt roofs have a “shorter life span [and are] susceptible to degranulation and weathering,” said Gregory. They typically last 15–25 years, so you can expect repairs and roof replacements to be required more frequently than with a tile roof.
However, Gregory said clay roofs come with higher costs in maintenance, because the repairs are more challenging. Cracking and physical damage is also more likely on clay roofs.
“Clay tiles are susceptible to breakage if not handled correctly, which can occur during routine maintenance by painters or handymen,” said Hock.
Regarding cleaning, asphalt roofs will require more time and energy. Mold and mildew don’t grow directly on tile, so you only have to worry about it developing on other parts of your roof, like underlayment layers.
Tile roofs last much longer than shingle roofs, which helps offset their higher initial costs. A standard asphalt shingle roof usually lasts between 15 and 25 years. Clay roofs can last 75 years or longer if well cared for.
Tile roofs are more energy-efficient than asphalt shingle roofs, making them a popular option in hotter climates. According to the Tile Roofing Institute, many clay tile roofs are reflective enough to qualify for Energy Star’s Reflective Roof Products for Consumers rating, which makes them eligible for energy-efficient tax credits.
Tile roofs are also better at insulating your home shingles, which makes it much easier to maintain your home’s temperature at a comfortable level. This roof type includes an air gap under the tiles, improving your home’s insulating value.
Both asphalt shingles and clay tiles can stand up to extreme weather, including heavy rain and high winds. Since clay is more likely to crack from impact, shingle roofs are likely better for homes that are prone to hurricane or tornado activity. However, you should speak with a professional roof installer in your area to get a recommendation based on their experience.
The roof’s wind and hail resistance ratings are more important than the shingle material. Check with your roof manufacturer or installer to ensure your roof has the proper ASTM International ratings for weather in your area.
Tile roofs are much heavier than shingle roofs. Clay tiles weigh 8–10 pounds per square foot, which is two to four times more than asphalt shingles weigh. That makes them more difficult to install since you need to have a reinforced roof to support the extra weight of a tile roof. If you don’t already have a roof capable of supporting tile, your installation costs will increase significantly.
You’ll have to decide where your priorities lie to determine which type of roof is right for you. Shingle roofs are more affordable and easier to install and repair, which makes them great for homeowners on a budget and people who want to attempt a DIY roofing project. The downsides to shingle roofs are that they last about a third as long as clay roofs and aren’t as energy efficient.
Tile roofs are great at insulating your home, which can save you money over time by reducing the burden on your home’s HVAC systems. They also provide a unique curb appeal, resist mold growth and last significantly longer than asphalt shingle roofs.
The primary drawbacks of tile roofs are the cost and the risk of cracking from impact or pressure, which can lead to expensive roof repair. Tile roofs might also require reinforcing your roof to support the additional weight of tile compared to asphalt shingles.
Once you decide what type of roof you think you want, it’s time to call a professional roofer for an inspection and a quote. A roofing contractor will be able to help you decide which type of roofing material is right for you and whether or not your home is suitable for a tile roof. They will also estimate the total cost of a new roof installation and explain what options for other roofing materials you have.
Ask about maintenance requirements, warranty coverage, weather resistance and life span during your inspection visit. You should follow the guidance provided by a local expert since they are familiar with the unique challenges of maintaining roofs in your region.
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