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.
