Significant Differences Between Roof Tiles And Roof Shingles

Industry Outlook Team | Wednesday, 01 June 2022

It is hard to believe that the two most popular types of roofing material can be different. However, first, you can look at what they have in common. Both tiles and shingles can be made of asphalt, protect your home from the elements, and are relatively inexpensive to install. With those basic similarities out of the way, it is time to take a closer look at these two materials; and focus on their major differences:

Size
Tiles are generally much larger than shingles, making them more attractive for commercial roofs and roofs with many slopes. Shapes vary, but typically tile is used for flat roofs and shingles on a sloped roof. On average, tile is about a one-half inch smaller in every direction than a shingle. (So a typical 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch roof tile would measure between 3/8 and 9/16 inches on longest sides). However, the actual size depends on the manufacturer's specifications, and the actual size can be less than the ones shown on the product packaging. To give you an idea of how size affects the exact price, a square foot of shingle will cost between 10 and 20 percent less than a square foot of tile.

Color
Tiles roofs are available in various colors to match any need or preference. While they come in an infinite number of shades, they are all still relatively muted colors that blend well with surrounding nature.

Shapes vary, but most are made of flat, rectangular shapes. (The most common shape is a diamond). As revealed at Technonicol website page, while some roofing shingles have been made to look like wood shakes or straw, they are generally reserved for specialty applications such as weatherproof steel roofs.

While the colors are available in many shades and tones, it is essential to note that natural stone colors are limited; and siding on tile roofs is more challenging to install than those on shingles.

Life Span And Durability
Roof tiles are more durable than shingles, partly because they are larger and heavier; and partly because they can be made of different materials, usually clay or concrete. Shingles typically consist of synthetic materials such as asphalt, fiberglass, and plastic. While shingles can withstand high winds, wind and hail damage may be more serious in areas such as a city or a high-rise building. That can be an essential consideration when you have kids running around the yard, pets that like to scratch at things, or a stocked pond with hungry fish.

One of the mo st significant benefits for customers is that tile roofs can be redone in case of damage, whereas shingles are usually considered one-time material. It is important to note that while tile roofs can be brought back to life with some repairs and replacement, they do not last like natural stone.

Decay And Damage Resistance
It is difficult for some insects to damage the tile, and shingles are vulnerable to damage from bugs and creepy-crawlies. You can purchase insecticides for the entire house, but you will still have to deal with carpenter ants, termites, aphids, and moths. Shingles are particularly affected by extremes in temperature, and with some tile roofs, you do not have to worry about that. Installing a tile roof is much more expensive because of the size of the materials.

Shingles are lighter in weight than tiles, but their disadvantage is their vulnerability to the elements. Tile roofs are popular because they last for decades, and most homeowners do not have to deal with roof leaks or roof replacements during those years. It is essential to know that tiles can crack and break due to exposure to heat or cold, hailstones, strong winds, falling objects, and heavy snow loads (+30 pounds per square foot).

Noise
Shingles are much noisier than tile. Tile roofs are more likely to make a noise when it rains because they are heavier, and they have a texture on the surface that helps water move away from the foundations of your home. That texture makes them more resilient against hail, but it can also cause problems, mainly when walking on those tiles becomes difficult, and you need a ladder to complete simple tasks such as washing windows or painting.

Shingles have fewer maintenance costs, but they are also less resistant to water damage and may be more susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat and cold. The weight of a tile roof is heavier than the weight of shingle, and it is essential to note that when tiles are covered with snow, they do not glide as easily.

Good For The Environment
Tile roofs are considered more environmentally friendly than shingles because they do not release as much heat into the atmosphere. For example, when a metal roof is covered with asphalt, it can make up about three percent of the heat that reaches the atmosphere. In contrast, a shingle roof will add only 0.3 percent to the amount of heat that reaches the atmosphere. That makes a difference in energy efficiency: Tile roofs require less energy and save you money on electricity bills.

Further, tile roofs require less chemical and heavy metal content because they are made of cement and mineral aggregates rather than asphalt; and there are no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in natural stone. In contrast, asphalt shingles contain 1-2% VOCs, and this level can contribute to the destruction of plants, soil, and air quality when it is released into the atmosphere.

Economic
The cost of installing a tile roof will probably be higher than installing shingles, but the tile roof will last longer and maybe easier to maintain. Therefore, even though it is more expensive initially, you can expect to save money over time in lower maintenance costs and energy bills.

Shingles have their place in the market, but your home's roof needs to meet certain needs to justify its expense. Roof tiles often have a raised pattern or design, whereas roof shingles can be plain or come in many different colors. Also, roof tiles cover an entire rooftop, whereas the shingles are typically used for roofs with gable ends, sloping sides, or porches. In the end, tile roofs can last as long as 50 years or longer, and their benefits outweigh the cost involved in their installation.