Roofing

Shingle vs. tile roofs: What’s the difference?

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Key points
  • 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 a shingle roof and a tile roof is simple: Shingle roofs use asphalt, wood or slate shingles, while tile roofs feature clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs generally are heavier, so they require extra underlying support.

“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 determining which is right for you.

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Roofing Shingles black and gray color, roof tile texture.
Asphalt Shingles

A new asphalt roof cost $5,400–$12,200 on average.

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Roof construction concept, Roofer using air or pneumatic nail gun to install a new roof metal sheet.
Metal Roofing

A metal roof replacement ranges from $10,900 to $25,800 on average.

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Worker repairing a tile roof
Clay Tile and Slate Roofing

Clay tile and slate roofs can cost between $24,100 and $37,300 on average.

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What is an asphalt shingle roof?

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.

Pros
Most cost-effective roof type in most cases
Many styles and colors to choose from
Easy to install and repair
Cons
Shorter life span than tiles, usually up to 25 years
Less durable in extreme weather
Most waste ends up in landfills

What are the types of shingle roofs?

There are three main types of asphalt roof shingles:

  • Three-tab shingles: Three-tab shingles lie flat on the roof and offer little dimension and visual intrigue. However, they don’t stand up to extreme weather as well as the other options. “In Colorado, three-tab shingles are obsolete, and architectural shingles are now the standard due to their wind rating suitability, affordability and availability,” said Hock.
  • Architectural shingles: “Architectural shingles offer a potentially higher degree of durability, weather resistance, and life span than normal three-tab options,” said Gregory. The shingles are also staggered, providing a more interesting and three-dimensional appearance.
  • Luxury shingles: “For those seeking a premium look, presidential shingles offer a luxurious appearance and durability,” said Hock. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors and last the longest of the three options, although they are the most expensive. ”These shingles can also be made to last longer than other options while mimicking the appearance of wood, slate, metal, or even ceramic tiles without the cost,” according to Gregory.

What is a clay tile roof?

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.

Pros
Life span of up to 75 years or more
Great curb appeal
Energy efficient
Cons
Higher upfront cost
Often requires reinforced roof framing
More difficult to install and repair broken tiles

What are the types of tile roofs?

There are four main types of clay tile roofs:

  • Mission tile roof: These tiles are barrel-shaped and create “a classic and timeless appearance that reminds most people of traditional Mediterranean or Spanish architecture,” said Gregory. The pattern created is wave-like and adds dimension to your roof.
  • Spanish tile roof: Spanish roof tiles look similar to mission tiles, but each tile is shaped like an S. “This pattern creates a classic and elegant look that many have come to associate with the southwestern states,” said Gregory.
  • French tile roof: French clay roof tiles sit mostly flat on your roof, but still add dimension with a slight curvature.
  • Flat tile roof: Flat tile roofs sit totally flat, with the only dimension coming from tiles overlapping.

Is a shingle roof or tile roof better?

Neither type of roof is always the better choice. Shingle roofs and tile roofs differ in important ways, making one more suitable in different circumstances. “Roof material selection should be carefully considered based on structural requirements, maintenance, insurance factors and environmental impact,” said Chris Hock, owner of Earth Saving Solutions, a home remodeling company in Denver, Colorado.

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.

New roof cost by material type

Installation averages apply to a 2,000-square-foot roof

MaterialAsphaltMetalWoodClaySlate
Average Cost$8,927$17,522$21,769$29,417$29,564
Source: RSMeans

Upfront cost

According to the construction cost database RSMeans, a 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof costs an average of $8,927, though the exact cost will depend on the shingle type. A 2,000-square-foot clay tile roof averages $29,417 per RSMeans data.

“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.

Maintenance

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.

Longevity

Tile roofs last much longer than shingle roofs, which helps offset their higher initial roof installation 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.

Efficiency

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.

Weather resistance

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.

Weight

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.

How do you choose between a shingle and tile roof?

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.

What’s next?

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.

Cost information, unless otherwise noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian,™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

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