Are you planning to construct a new building? Choosing between a tile roof and shingle roof is one of the trickiest decisions you make. Since both options offer unique advantages, making a direct choice can be confusing. This blog will help you understand the key decision factors and provide a complete comparison of tile roof vs. shingle roof options, helping you to select the right roofing material for your needs.
What is a Tile Roof?
These are the oldest roofing types, typically made of clay, terracotta and slate. This roofing type has been time-tested for centuries. These eco-friendly roofs are both durable and aesthetically appealing, with a natural, earthy look on the roofs. Therefore, most of the architectural styles use tile roofs, including the Kerala Nalukettu House and the Karnataka Guttu Mane. Common types of roof tiles include clay tiles, slate tiles and concrete tiles.
What is a Shingle Roof?
Roofing shingles are a commonly used building material for residential roofs with slopes of 12° or more. These shingles are commonly made of asphalt, wood, or metal. It is often used for complex or intricate roof designs. Shingle roofs are made up of overlapping, flat, rectangular pieces of elements. Because of their ease of installation and maintenance, roof shingles are one of the most common types of roofing systems used in residential buildings. Common types of shingles include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, and composite shingles.
Pros and Cons of Tile Roofs
Advantages of Tile Roofs
- Long lifespan: Compared to shingle roofs, tile roofs can last longer.
- High Durability: Tile roofing offers considerable durability with water resistance and strong performance under changing environmental conditions.
- Premium Appearance: With its earthy shades and shape, it gives a classy appearance.
- Fire Resistance: The maximum type of tile roof offers exceptional fire resistance.
- Reduces Utility Bills: Clay tile or terracotta tile roofs are self-insulating, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by reducing heat transfer from outside, especially in hot climates. And warmer in winter, which enhances energy efficiency and reduces reliance on air conditioning.
Disadvantages of Tile Roofs
- Higher Upfront Cost: The initial costs of tile roofs are quite higher than those of shingle roofs, generally ranging from ₹40 to over ₹1000 per square foot in India.
- Heavy Weight: Tiles weigh more than shingles, making them more challenging to install and requiring additional care to transport and handle without breaking.
- Costly Repairs: Repairing tile roofs can be expensive for both minor and major repairs, requiring specialised labour, matching tiles, and sometimes extensive structural work.
Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofs
Advantages of Shingle Roofs
- Lower Initial Cost: Compared to tile roofing, shingle roofing is considerably more affordable, costing around ₹30 to ₹350 per square foot in India, depending on the type of shingle and location.
- Lightweight: Since shingles are lightweight, they are easy to handle without requiring extra care like tiles. This also reduces concerns about the roof’s load-bearing capacity.
- Easy and Quick Installation: Shingles are easy to install; they require only overlapping tabs, nailing them down, and sealing with an underlayment beneath the shingles.
- Wide Availability: Shingles are easily available across India with minimal manufacturing time compared to tiles. Their delivery and installation timelines are generally shorter, within a few days to a week.
Disadvantages of Shingle Roofs
- Shorter Lifespan: Shingles have a shorter lifespan than tiles, generally lasting around 15 to 20 years. If they are continually exposed to strong winds and extreme weather, their lifespan can be reduced even further.
- Higher Maintenance Frequency: Requires more maintenance than other roofs, typically needing professional inspections at least once or twice a year.
- Less Resistance to Extreme Weather: Major types of shingles are vulnerable to damage from UV exposure, wind, and moisture, making them a higher-maintenance option for homeowners
Tile vs Shingle Roof: Key Differences
The following table indicates the major differences between a tile roof and a shingle roof:
Tile Roof vs. Shingle Roof: Which is Better for Homes?
Before making a decision, consider the following checklist for tile vs. shingle roofing:
Local Climate Consideration: Understand the regular weather patterns in the building’s location region. If the weather conditions are harsh, like heavy rain or high heat, go directly for tile roofing. If the weather conditions are normal to moderate, you can choose a shingle roof.
Budget Plan: Consider your budget for both the short and long term. If the roof is needed only for a short duration (about 10–15 years), choose a shingle roof. If you want a roof that lasts for generations, make an upfront investment in tile roofing, which also reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Structural Suitability for Buildings: Tile roofs are best suited for traditional buildings with sloped roof structures, especially in heritage homes, and modern homes where heavy, durable materials and aesthetics are preferred. In contrast, shingle roofs are commonly used in modern buildings with pitched roofs, including residential and commercial structures, where lightweight and easy-to-install roofing is needed.
Urban vs Rural Application: Tile roofs are suitable for both rural and urban region buildings. Shingle roofs work well for urban structures where the climate conditions are moderate.
Conclusion
If you are constructing a new building and comparing tile vs. shingle roofing, start by checking your building’s architectural style, budget, and local climatic conditions. If you go for the budget-friendly option for a short span of time, install shingles. However, if you want to build a strong roof and live in harsh weather conditions safely, tile roofs are the most appropriate choice. Consider taking professional consultation from a construction company like Brick & Bolt before finalising the roofing material. With 10,000+ completed projects, they can provide well-informed recommendations.
FAQs: Tile Roof vs Shingle Roof
Are shingles the same as tiles?
No, they are different roofing options used to cover roofs. Shingles are lighter and more affordable. In contrast, tiles are heavier, more expensive, and last much longer, offering better insulation.
Which roof lasts longer: tile or shingle?
Tile roofs last longer, exceeding 100 years depending on their quality. In comparison, shingles typically last only about 15–20 years.
Which roof is best for a hot climate: tile or shingle?
Tile roofs are best for a hot climate, as they offer a cooling effect.
Is a tile roof worth the higher cost?
Yes. Since the tile manufacturing process takes considerably longer and the tiles offer exceptional durability against heavy rains and hot summers—helping minimise utility costs—they are definitely worth the investment.
Are shingle roofs suitable for hot climates?
Shingle roofs can work in hot climates if you use modern ‘cool roof’ asphalt or synthetic shingles with reflective granules. Traditional asphalt and wood shingles degrade faster in heat. Engineered shingles provide a good balance of cost, durability, and appearance.
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