Choosing Between Tile Roofing And Shingles

Roofs are one of the most critical home systems, so it’s wise to make an informed decision when you’re ready to replace your roof, especially if you’re considering a roofing material different from the one you’ve used in the past.

Tile Roofing vs Shingles: Which Is Best For Bay Area Homes?

Tiles and shingles are two of the most popular roofing types used in the Bay Area. The former is most common in older homes, built in the 1960s and 70s when Mediterranean styles were popular. While exceptionally durable and long-lasting, tiles are also more expensive and challenging to maintain. For that reason, many homeowners find themselves at a crossroads when deciding between tile and shingles for their new roof.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each, which can help you narrow your decision. And, of course, working with a highly experienced, local, licensed roofing contractor is always the best way to determine which roofing product is best for your home based on your budget, architecture, and long-term goals.

Pros & Cons Of Tile Roofs

Tiles have been used as a roofing product for thousands of years, which is a testament to their benefits. Tile roofs:

Are very durable and can last longer than almost any other roofing material on the market.
Have excellent insulating properties, which is desirable for whole-home comfort and energy efficiency.
Come in a wide range of colors.
Work well for architectural styles that utilize tile, like Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes.
Are fire-resistant (an ever-increasing focus for homeowners in the Bay Area and California).

Those are some of the many benefits of roofing tile, but there is also a downside to investing in a tile roof. For example:

They are costly compared with asphalt singles. Clay (terracotta) and concrete tiles are some of the most expensive roofing options on the market (in line with slate), which may outprice the average homeowner’s budget. That said, they last for decades upon decades, so you may feel that you’re making a lifetime investment that will pay for itself over the years.
Longer installation. Also playing a role in the expense, clay/concrete roof tiles take longer to install, and these labor charges are reflected in the total installation costs. Also, their heavy weight means more materials spent on the roof deck that supports roofing materials, and these factors also increase routine maintenance, repair, and replacement costs.
Tile roofs are more slippery than asphalt, making it harder to perform DIY roof cleaning and maintenance without risking yourself or the tiles (see next).
Tiles are made of clay, which means they’re prone to cracking, chipping, or breaking when they experience blunt force (like broken branches or fallen trees) or are walked upon incorrectly.
Tiles can become a prime host for roof moss and algae, particularly in damp, shady locations. Regular professional roof cleaning (every few years or so) is essential to minimize moss/algae growth that can quickly erode and weaken roof tiles.
If your roof isn’t sloped enough, tile may not be an option for you.

If you don’t have your heart set on installing clhttps://pcroofingservice.com/the-pros-cons-of-vinyl-roofing/ay or concrete tiles but love the look of tile roofs, we recommend looking into metal or vinyl roofing options. Both have options that replicate tiles, which means you can reap some of the many benefits associated with tiles without many of the cons listed above.

Pros & Cons Of Asphalt Shingles

Despite the rising popularity of metal and vinyl roofing innovations, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular residential roofing choice in the United States. There are several reasons for this:

High-quality asphalt shingles are the most affordable option and can last for 15 to 20 years or more when correctly installed and maintained.
They come in a wide range of colors and different styles, complementing a variety of architectural styles.
Easy to clean and maintain.
They can be purchased with reflective coatings to minimize solar heat gain and increase energy efficiency during the warmer months.
It is lighter-weight and doesn’t require additional structural support.

NOTE: Not all asphalt shingles are fire-resistant. If that’s a priority for your home, let your roofing contractor know you’re interested in asphalt shingles with fire-resistant features. Choosing fire-resistant roofing materials may also save you money on homeowner’s insurance premiums.

There are some cons to asphalt shingles when compared with tiles, such as:

A shorter life expectancy. If your budget allows for tile, your contractor can help you weigh first-time and lifetime costs. You may find it’s worth the money to go for tile as you’ll probably need to replace a shingle roof in 15 to 20 years.
New roofs with asphalt shingles add curb appeal, but they don’t have the ROI or resale value of a tile roof.
Being more prone to cracking, breaking, or lifting in high winds situations. While they are easier and cheaper to replace, they need to be repaired/replaced more often than tiles.
Reduced insulation properties. If your roof gets lots of direct sunshine, we recommend investing in reflective roof coating and extra attic insulation to reduce solar heat gain and energy spending.

Pacific Coast Roofing Helps Bay Area Homeowners Choose Between Tile & Shingles

Would you like to learn more about the differences between tile and asphalt roofing materials? Every home is different, and we’re here to help. Schedule an onsite consultation with Pacific Coast Roofing. Our detailed estimates are always free, and we’re happy to help you determine which roofing materials make the most sense for your needs.

Eva Tucker

2022-11-11

After a storm, I asked Pacific coast roofing service to inspect our roof for any damage or leak. Brian was very responsive and provided an honest evaluation of the roof. My roof required minimal work, which was provided by their company. I highly recommend them to anyone here in El Sobrante who needs their roof to be inspected/repaired.

P Herron

2022-11-04

I reviewed Pacific Coast a few years ago when they installed our new roof. They did excellent work then and still do. We had a disastrous exterior fire in September most likely due to PG&E equipment. Our local fire department chopped a hole in our roof to make sure there was no heat or flames inside the house. We weren’t on the schedule but Brian promised to work us in and get the job done before the winter rains. He kept his promise sending his carpenter to replace the charred fascia and roofers to patch the hole. I will always enthusiastically recommend Pacific Coast Roofing without reservation!

Hariett Davis

2022-10-29

I tried two previous times to get my roof repaired with other companies without success. Pacific Coast Roofing was able to work very fast with my insurance and the inspector to get the roof repair approved. Scheduling the work was easy and fast after. The crew came in promptly as scheduled and worked quickly and thoroughly. They made sure all my requests were met.

Jonathan Morton

2022-10-11

The experience with Pacific Coast Roofing was nothing less than exceptional! We worked with Brian who was perfectly attentive throughout the entire process. He came out personally to check and they made temporary repairs until we could have the entire roof replaced. The crew performing the replacement was extremely fast. Very professional experience at a very reasonable price. We highly recommend them! Thank you, Brian and team!

Adriana Hammond

2022-09-27

We hired Pacific Coast Roofing to handle a large job with a mix of flat and shingled roofing on an old building. Brian was incredible. He worked around our schedule and finished in a timely manner. Very happy with the finished product. They were upfront with their pricing and kept in touch when additional repairs were needed. I would highly recommend this company for any roofing needs.

Bruce Gill

2022-09-14

Pacific Coast Roofing and Brian were great. They were very communicative and they even helped me file the insurance claim. In addition, Brian was present during the whole process of repairs. I love the roof they installed on my house and would recommend them to others. The install crew was timely, professional and did a great job of cleaning up afterwards. Overall, I had a 5/5 experience and will definitely go back to them for future repairs, if needed.

Sylvia Dominguez

2022-08-23

I cannot express enough how wonderful Brian and Pacific Coast Roofing were to work with. They offered exceptional service in the installation and repairs while coordinating with our insurance company for the claim following a storm. Brian went above and beyond for any queries or problems we had. If you're looking for a roofing contractor in El Sobrante, I'd strongly recommend them, esp. Brian.

Davian Cook

2022-07-23

I cannot say enough about the dedication that Brian put in to inspect our roof. He had several adversities to make his appointment with us, but he still made the effort to go out of his way just to help us. He exceeded our expectations. He was very personable and polite. His knowledge about the industry is superb and his personality is remarkable.

Catherine Smith

2022-07-11

Brian of Pacific Coast Roofing was positively wonderful to work with and he made sure everything was completed to perfection every step of the way. He helped me choose the best roofing material, shingle color, gutter color, provided subcontractors to paint and repair the interior damage, replace chimney caps, and everything that needed to be done to restore my home in excellent condition after suffering damage. I would recommend them to anyone. They exude integrity and honesty in their dealings, both with the homeowner and insurance company. They made an otherwise frustrating situation into a positive experience, and I know they will stand by the work they performed.

steve taugner

2022-06-07

I rarely leave reviews but I have nothing but good things to say about Brian and this company. If there is anything negative at all its you cant reach them by phone. The work looks great and they were prompt, courteous and did a good clean up. I will use them again.