When it's time for a new roof, you have a great opportunity to significantly improve the value and function of your home. For example, upgrading from traditional three-tab shingles to dimensional shingles or tile shingles can transform your roof, resulting in increased curb appeal, a longer lifespan, and better protection from snow, wind, and rain. Our team of dedicated roofing specialists has years of experience installing shingle roofs on homes around western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. Take a closer look at the differences between the two options so you can choose your preferred roofing material.
Differences Between Shingle and Tile Roofing
Shingles are layers of asphalt or composite material. They're available in a wide range of colors and styles, either as flat three-tab shingles or layered dimensional shingles. Three-tab shingles are flat and uniform with a single tab shape and size, whereas layered dimensional shingles are typically made of multiple layers of different materials, with tabs that come in different shapes and sizes – this creates a more textured and natural appearance, while also enhancing durability. Tile roofing is made from terracotta clay, slate, or concrete tiles that give your home a natural stone look. Both are great roof choices, but each type offers different advantages.
Durability and Lifespan
Typically, asphalt and composite shingle roofs have a good lifespan and can last around 14 years with repairs and maintenance. Dimensional shingles have an even better lifespan and can last an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Over its lifespan, an asphalt or dimensional shingle roof may eventually start to peel up, have missing shingles, or break down, but they have very good durability for their lifespan. Generally, asphalt roofing doesn't require ongoing maintenance.
Tile roofs have an estimated lifespan of 50 years to a maximum of around 150 years for clay and 200 years for slate. These tiles can withstand both wind and heavy snowfall. Individual tiles may break during heavy storms but can be replaced with minimal disruption to surrounding tiles.
Cost Considerations
The cost of your new roof will vary based on the materials' price and the amount of labor required. As a general rule, shingle roofs have a much lower cost than tile or metal roofs. The shingle materials are commonly available and lightweight, making them more affordable. Because shingle roofs are so popular, the labor costs are also lower than those of other materials. While the overall costs are lower, there is a chance that you’ll need to replace shingle roofs more often than tile roofs due to the lower average lifespan of shingle compared to tile roofs.
Tile roofs can cost three times as much as shingle roofs, depending on the material. Concrete tiles are heavy and require more labor. Specialty slate, especially harder slate options, is more expensive than other tile materials. This means tile roofs will have a higher initial cost, and upgrading your roof may cost more than your insurance company can cover.
It's also important to consider the overall size and complexity of your home's roof, as that will significantly impact your budget.
Maintenance Requirements
Shingle roofs require visual inspections to make sure the shingles haven't taken on damage. While regular maintenance is typically not necessary, it's best to visually assess the roof every season for torn or peeling shingles, granules around the edge of your foundation, and wavy sections of the roof.
Tile roofs typically require even less maintenance, but you should still visually inspect them once a year for cracked or missing tiles. It is also recommended that you wash a tile roof once a year to remove buildup.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact of Shingle and Tile Roofing
Tile roofs can be more energy efficient than shingle roofs because they typically provide more insulation. For some homes, this could be useful during particularly cold conditions, which can occasionally occur in regions like our western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut communities, because they help homes retain heat during the winter. However, asphalt roofs also provide good energy efficiency, especially if you select a light color to reflect away heat or a dark color to absorb heat.
Both roofing types also have environmental advantages. Shingles are lighter and can be transported more efficiently, while tile roofs last longer and won't generate as much replacement waste since they don’t need to be replaced as often.
Contact Us Today for Your Roofing Needs
Ready to replace your home's roof? Visit our website roofing page and talk to our team at Beaulieu Home Improvement today about the unique benefits of a shingle roof for your property, or schedule an appointment for a pricing evaluation.
