Tile vs. Shingle

Are you building your home from scratch? Maybe you’re thinking about replacing your current home’s roof? We know there are a few options to consider in the whole process… but we don’t want you to spend too much time worrying about the specifics! We went ahead and explained a bit about the life expectancy for both tile and shingle roofs, and why you would want either one!

Tile Roofing

How long is a lifetime? Many lifetime tile roofs are guaranteed for 50 years, but depending on what type of climate you live in, the weather near you, or even naturally occurring events such as hurricanes or hail, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut down. When dealing with tile roofs, there are two main parts; the clay or concrete tiles and the underlayment and flashings. Often times, the underlayment is done with lower quality materials, affecting the total life expectancy of the roof.

The best thing you could do to get real longevity out of your roof is to make sure that your roofer uses the highest quality materials available to them. Standard roof underlayment has a life expectancy of about 25 years, though houses in the desert may have a few less due to extreme temperature conditions. On the contrary, coastal houses have been found to have underlayments lasting around 30 years. The threat of deterioration due to weather will always be there, but at least you can rest knowing that your roof was made to a higher standard and will last.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing, similar to tile roofing, has a long life expectancy but changes greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose. Simpler, and cheaper, shingles can last from 15-20 years, but if you choose to use more modern synthetic alternatives, you can usually get about 25-30 years out of them.

Depending on the weather conditions and climate that your home is exposed to, the shingles can show signs of age faster than this. Excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, and even just the shape or orientation of your roof can still affect how long your shingles will actually last. But just remember, whether you’re constructing your home or just replacing your roof, make sure to choose the best quality materials available. It may end up being a little bit more costly but the guarantee that comes along with it is absolutely priceless.

Other Factors

• Roof Color: Darker roofs absorb more heat, not only making your house a bit hotter (effectively bringing up your utility bill), but shortening the lifespan of your roof altogether.
• Roof Slope Angle: A higher roof pitch will last longer. Flatter roofs may be cheaper upfront, but in the long run, they may require more maintenance, repair, or replacement.
• Roof Surface Orientation: Depending on which direction your roof faces, it may end up receiving more or less sunlight. A roof slope that receives less direct sunlight will end up lasting longer and needing less maintenance and repair.
• Quality of Materials: Remember, it may cost a bit more upfront but the higher quality of materials you use in your roof, the longer it will last. Try and think long-term when you’re making your choices and consider where you’ll be in the future.
• Plant Life: Any trees or other various vegetation on or near your roof may affect its life expectancy. Try trimming back the trees closest to your home so they debris doesn’t accumulate over time. If you’re feeling confident enough, it doesn’t hurt to get up on top of your house and sweep off the leafy debris collecting there.
• Climate and Extreme Weather: Regardless of how long your roof is rated to last, different weather patterns and climate types will have an effect on its life expectancy. There isn’t much to do to prevent this from happening; the most you can do is make sure that your roof is installed properly and with the highest quality materials available.

We Want to Hear From You

We’re sure you’ve been putting a lot of thought into what kind of roof you’ll end up with; we want to help you make that choice. Call us today at 561-220-9998 or contact us online.