Asphalt Shingle Roofing vs. Tile Roofing – What’s Better?

Whether you are building your dream home or refurbishing your current home, roofing materials are a critical component you will want to get right. Considering the average home requires a complete roof overhaul after every 20-50 years, you want to undertake this monumental task on the upper side of that limit. Two roofing materials you can consider are asphalt shingles and tiles. Here are some differences between the two to help you decide which to pick.

These are two of the most popular types of roofing materials on the market, and they both come with positives and negatives. Installing roofing is a serious investment for any homeowner, and it’s definitely not one to be taken lightly. Because of this, you’re going to want to do your homework and avoid headaches: Here are some differences between asphalt shingle roofing and tile roofing to help you decide which to pick.

Materials

As the name suggests, asphalt roof shingles are made from asphalt. Asphalt is a bituminous substance favored in making shingles due to its waterproof and heat-reflecting properties. Tile roofing, on the other hand, is primarily made from terracotta or slate, which are heavy and durable. Compared side by side, the materials of each type of roofing have pros and cons making the final choice a matter of preference for what each has to offer.

Aesthetics

Besides materials, beauty is the next important thing you may be considering. In the case of asphalt shingles, you can find a wide array of so-called designer shingles that complement the house both in color and style.

Roof tiles do not have this level of versatility. In most cases, roofing tiles give off an ornate aura and work more towards giving a simple and elegant look. If you are looking for versatility, asphalt shingles are the way to go. For a more traditional look, go with roofing tiles instead.

Durability

On this metric, roofing tiles win hands down. With a lifespan of up to 100 years compared to 25 years for asphalt shingles, roofing tiles do indeed stand the test of time. While this alone cannot be the ultimate reason you pick tiles, it is a strong persuasion to lean in that direction, especially if the rest of the factors align. One thing that, however, gives asphalt shingles a slight upper hand is the ease of repair and replacement compared to roofing tiles.

But, you can expect to get some serious longevity out of your roof – we’re talking at least 100 years! It doesn’t get much tougher than natural stone, and this will help ease the burden of their cost. They may cost more if maintenance is required, but, luckily, tiled roofing rarely falters. As far as some of the pros of slate roofing tile goes, this is an overwhelming plus in tile roofing’s favor.

Environmental Impact

Living sustainably and saving the planet is often a key factor when building a home. Coupled with energy considerations, picking sustainable building materials can also make the house greener. Asphalt shingles lose out here because the materials used to make them are derived from petroleum.

Roofing tiles win because they are made from terracotta, slate, concrete or clay, all sustainable materials. There are, however, modern tiles made from plastic, which may not meet your needs of building a greener house.

Price

On the pricing front, the difference between the two becomes neutralized over time. Asphalt shingles, while cheap, last for a quarter of the time roofing tiles do. On the other hand, roofing tiles can cost as much as four times the cost of shingles.

Over a hundred-year period, these prices cancel each other out. If you are concerned about high upfront costs, you may benefit from going with roofing shingles. However, if you are okay with high initial costs that amortize over time, then roofing tiles are the way to go.

Picking one or the other will depend on which direction you go regarding the factors above. As in most cases, each will have different weighting; the ultimate choice will depend on what you consider most important of the five factors above.