Should You Use Tile or Shingles for Your New Roof?

Purchasing a new roof can be both an exciting and stressful time. Whether you are installing a new roof due to damage, installing a new roof because the previous roof was at the end of its lifespan, or if you are installing a new roof before selling your home, these emotions are the same and you probably have many questions. One of these questions revolves around whether to pick tile or shingle roofing. There are pros and cons to each roofing style and making a decision will depend on what you are looking for.

Asphalt shingle roofing is very common, so most likely it will be a good fit in your neighborhood. It is lightweight, durable, and will last about 20 years if well-maintained. This is a good choice for roofing because it does a good job at protecting your home and it is relatively inexpensive. However, they are not great for the environment and they do not last as long as other styles of roofing.

Tile roofing is considered a luxury roofing material. These tiles are made of clay, so they are natural and are environmentally-friendly. They can last for more than 50 years, are extremely durable, and perform natural ventilation, which will help keep down your energy costs. The major con of this roof is the cost, which is much higher than most other roofing materials. Additionally, they are heavy, so you must make sure your home can handle the weight.

Problems with Asphalt Shingle Roofs

There are many reasons why asphalt roofs are so common among homeowners. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are also very durable, look great, and have a decent lifespan. Asphalt roofs will, however, encounter some problems over the course of their lives.

Asphalt shingles can crack and tear. Big swings in temperature can cause the shingles to crack open, which creates an entry point for water and moisture. While these cracks can sometimes be very visible, many times they are difficult to spot. A professional roof inspection will allow you to spot and repair these cracks.

Asphalt roofs can lose granules relatively easily. Granules are there to protect the shingles from the sun and the elements. Once the shingles lose granules, the roof can become damaged and leak much more easily.

Asphalt shingles are also known for blowing off during storms with high winds. If shingles blow off, the felt and decking are completely unprotected and can be saturated in water. This can lead to costly damage. After a severe storm, perform a quick check of your roof to make sure your shingles are still in place.

Lastly, mold and moss can grow on asphalt roofs. Not only can this cause damage to your home and roof, but it can lead to health problems. If your roof begins changing color, call a professional to inspect the mold/moss and have it removed.

How Much to Install a Tile Roof

Tile roofs are a high-end roofing option. Compared to asphalt shingle roofs, they are much more durable, can last 30+ years longer, have a more unique look, and are more environmentally-friendly. These roofs certainly are the cream-of-the-crop in the roofing industry. Since they are high-end, how much do they cost to install?

Clay tile roofs provide many benefits that other roofs cannot provide. They are designed so there is a gap under the shingle. This creates natural ventilation on your roof that will aid in lowering energy costs. In addition, they are made from clay, which is a natural material. This results in a very environmentally-friendly material that can be completely recycled, and it does not harm the environment. They also can last for over 50 years, they hold their color well, and they can withstand high winds and large hail.

All these features do come with a relatively large price tag, however. Clay tile roofs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 to install. In comparison, asphalt shingle roofs can easily be installed for $3,000 to $4,000.

Where do I Buy Tiles to Match My Roof?

Your roof’s life is a journey and you may encounter some unpleasant things along the way. Damage can come in many forms, but no matter the form, you will probably have to make some repairs at some point. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find tiles that will match your roof.

Fortunately, the natural state of tiles means they hold their color better than other forms of roofing. This makes it easier to find matching shingles, which is important when working with expensive tiles. The best way to track down matching tiles is to call the contractor that installed the roof. They may have the exact tiles you need sitting around.

If you are unable to reach the initial contractor, contact another roofer in your area. They should be able to bring other tiles to your home to match the color to the tile on your roof.

Taking the route of finding a reputable roofer is your best bet at finding a color match. A roofer will know what you need and will know how to help.

What About Solar Roofs

Many homeowners have begun switching to solar energy, at least in part, to save money on energy costs. While small panels can be used to power appliances or parts of the home, large panels can be fitted to power an entire home. While effective, these panels are not the most aesthetically pleasing. This is where the solar roof comes into play. What exactly is a solar roof and what is its purpose?

Solar roofs have been popularized by companies like Tesla and Solar City. Their solar roofs are roofs in which solar panels are built into the shingles. They work like any other solar panel, but they are designed to look exactly like shingle roofs. Furthermore, the energy collected by the roof is moved to a battery pack that is installed on the home so the energy can be stored and used later.

Today’s solar roofs look like high-end asphalt shingle, slate, and clay tile roofs. These roofs are very environmentally-friendly and they pay off in the long-run. They certainly are costly and are a large investment, but they will save you money down the road. If you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, a solar roof is a great option.

If you have any further questions regarding tiles or shingles, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.