Here in Texas, tile roofs have protected homes for centuries. Tile as a roofing material dates back millennia. The very first tile roof in the world was believed to have been built around 10,000 B.C., and the first tile roof in Texas is said to have been in the 18th century. Tile was likely used in roofing long before, but the first widespread use of tile roofing in Texas’ recorded history appears on the early Spanish missions.
Tile roofs are beautiful. They are functional. And, let’s face it: They invoke a sense of history and the Texan spirit.
Tile roofs can keep homes cooler in the harsh Texas summer heat due to their outstanding thermal properties, and they are a beloved choice for aesthetic appeal.
Factors to Consider: Cost of Tile Roof vs Shingles
So, if you live in Texas, as we do, you may feel the pull of the tile roof, rich with history and our state’s heritage. But there is a reason why more homeowners purchase asphalt shingled roofs rather than tile, though. The cost of a tile roof vs shingles can be between three and five times more; Making the cost of tile roof vs shingles a key factor when deciding which roofing material is right for your home.
Shingles are easier to work with, and they are faster to install. All roofers have experience with asphalt shingles, but only some roofing companies install tile roofs. Plus, if your home was built with an asphalt shingled roof in mind, the weight of the tile roof may require structural reinforcement, adding a substantial investment to your initial costs.
What Is the Cheapest Type of Tile Roof to Install?
Concrete tiles are the most affordable type of tile roofing material. Although concrete tile is usually the cheapest, when considering the cost of tile roof vs shingles, you should also consider that it doesn’t last as long as clay tiles. Concrete tiles can last up to 60 years, typically twice as long as an asphalt shingle, but a roof made from clay tiles can last over 80 years! If you purchase a clay tile roof replacement and stay in your home for the rest of your life, you may never need to replace your roof again.
Concrete roofing tiles come in a variety of designs, including some that look like clay tiles or slate tiles.
Asphalt Shingle Roof vs Tile Roof: Durability
Tile roofs are known for their long lifespan and low maintenance needs. Modern clay and concrete tiles hold up well in severe weather and can resist hailstones larger than a golf ball. In strong winds or tornado conditions, tile roofs often perform better than asphalt shingles. They resist mold during humid summers and are naturally fireproof.
Impact resistant asphalt shingles are a strong option for homeowners who want better protection during Dallas hailstorms. However, even high-quality asphalt shingles cannot match the long-term durability of a tile roof.
If your home was originally designed for an asphalt shingle roof, upgrading to Class 4 impact resistant asphalt shingles with reflective features can still give you dependable durability without changing your roof structure. These shingles perform well when installed correctly and are often a practical choice for many homes.
For homeowners who prefer the look of tile, modern asphalt shingles are also available in designs that imitate tile roofing. This allows you to get a similar appearance with a system that fits the structural needs of an asphalt shingle roof.
Asphalt Shingle Roof vs Tile Roof: Need Help Deciding?
Before you stress over the cost of a tile roof or an asphalt shingled roof, especially when comparing the cost of a tile roof vs shingles, sit down with us.
At New View Roofing, we can come out to your home and provide you with a free roof inspection and a free consultation. We can check to see if your home is even strong enough to withstand the weight of a genuine tiled roof. And if it’s not, we can discuss the structural supports you would need in order to be able to hold that weight.
It’s possible that the costs of preparing to install a tile roof may be a total deal breaker for you. You may decide right there that you’d prefer to purchase an asphalt shingled roof rather than deal with the complexities and costs of upgrading the structural supports needed for a tile roof.
If you are interested in a roof replacement, whether that’s a tile roof, an asphalt roof or another type of roof, you can count on us to deliver superior workmanship and professionalism. We are a veteran-owned, family-operated, local roofing company with decades of roofing and home remodeling experience.
Customers consistently leave us 5-star Google reviews because we provide quality roof installations and repair promptly and leave no mess behind. If you live in our service area, we’d love to work with you too.