Tile vs. Shingle: Which Roof Type is Best for My Arizona Home?

Tile and shingle are both popular roofing choices for Arizona homes. They are among the most affordable roofing choices, they are durable, and they look fantastic. You have a lot of flexibility in design with both shingle and tile, allowing you to create the look you want for your home.

When you are researching your options, you may have a hard time making a choice. Both shingle and tile are such good options – how do you know which is right for your Arizona home? Here’s a closer look at how these two roofing types compare:

Shingle Roofing

There are many advantages to shingle roofing. Some of them include:

• Low cost. Shingle roofing costs the least of any other roofing type. If you have a tight budget, shingle roofing is probably the best choice for you.
• Flexibility. Shingle can be used on just about any roofing type (though not recommended for flat roofs), and it comes in a variety of colors and designs. You have a lot of flexibility to get the roof you want with shingle.
• Easy installation. A large part of your roofing cost is the installation. One reason for shingle’s lower cost is that it is relatively easy to install. That means that you will have a large selection of roofers who can do the job, and the installation won’t take very long.
• Durability. Shingle isn’t the longest-lasting roofing type, but it is durable. You can also walk on it when inspecting the roof without worrying about breaking it.

Though shingle has a lot of benefits and advantages, it also has some disadvantages that you need to consider. Some of the disadvantages of shingle include:

• Lower relative lifespan. Shingle can last around 25 years, which is a relatively long time. However, it has a shorter lifespan than every other roofing type. You can lengthen the life of your shingle roof by hiring a professional roofer to install it and maintain it.
• Prone to discoloration. Shingle can become discolored easily. The intense, Arizona sun will bleach areas of a shingle roof. When the monsoon seasons rolls in, the rains can cause mold to form, which will leave dark stains on the roof.
• Lower energy efficiency. Shingle is not as energy efficient as other roofing types. In fact, shingle will make it harder for your property to cool down because it doesn’t “breathe” as much as other roofing types. Air gets trapped, so your home becomes a heat box during the summer, and your energy bills will soar sky high while you crank the air conditioning to try to keep cool.

Shingle has a lot to offer. You just need to consider both the pros and the cons before deciding whether it is right for your property.

Tile Roofing

Tile is the other most popular roofing type in Arizona, and it has a lot to offer. Some of the benefits of tile roofing include:

• Beautiful look. Tile is perfect for a Southwest landscape, as its natural look suits that Southwest design aesthetic. Tile comes in an array of earthen tones, and it has a beautiful look. Putting on your home will instantly elevate its profile.
• Longer lifespan. Tile can last up to 50 years. You will get double the lifespan of shingle.
• Energy efficient. Tile is energy efficient. It resists heat and it allows for greater air flor in the home, which means the space will stay cooler in the summer. That’s a great benefit for Arizona homes, where the temperatures stay high for much of the year.
• Heat resistance. Brushfires can happen in the Southwest just because the temperatures are so high. Tile is naturally heat resistant, so it is not likely to warp or burn under the punishing sun.

Tile can make your home look beautiful and save you a lot of money on roof replacement and energy bills over the years. However, it does have some disadvantages to consider. These include:

• Fragility. Tile is easy to break. If a branch falls on your roof during one of Arizona’s many monsoons, you could have a lot of broken tiles and other roof damage.
• Heaviness. Tile is very heavy. It can’t be installed on every roof. Even if your roof can take it, you may need to invest in additional supports to accommodate the tile.
• Cost. Tile is much more expensive than shingle. The prices just go up and up, depending on the type of tile you choose. You will need a much bigger budget if you choose tile for your home.
• Increased maintenance. Tile offers more movement of air and water, and it needs to be placed over a felt underlayment to ensure that your roof does not suffer water damage. The underlayment is likely to need replacement before the tile, which will result in some big maintenance costs.

Tile is a great choice for many Arizona homes. You just need to be sure you are considering all the issues when you make your final choice.

Both tile and shingle can offer an attractive and durable roof for your home. Consult with an experienced roof installer to talk through these pros and cons and to figure out how they apply to your home.

Arizona Native Roofing offers roof installation and repair for both shingle and tile. Our experienced roofing contractors can help you choose the right roofing type for your property. They will use the highest quality materials and the best workmanship to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible. Call us today to talk with one of our roofers and get a free estimate for your home.

Written By:
Jason Swim – Owner