Whether your current roof needs replacing or you’re weighing design options as you build your dream home, choosing shingles is a big decision. There’s no shortage of options for roofing materials and styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
SANGOBUILD contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
We spoke with Jaime Sessions, Communications Manager of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), for insight into what sets different materials apart and how to make an informed decision.
"There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these considerations."
Most homeowners pay between $5,700 and $16,000 for a new roof. When budgeting, keep in mind that the cost of installation and labor, as well as the cost of the material itself, will impact your bottom line. You’ll also need to account for the total square footage that your new shingles will cover. If you have a large roof area to cover, you might consider opting for cheaper materials.
Slope refers to how steep the angle of your roof is, and is normally measured with two numbers representing the rise, or height of your roof, and the run, representing its length. As an example, a slope of 4:12 indicates that a roof rises four feet and runs 12 feet. Depending on how steep the slope of your roof is, it may not be well suited for heavier roof shingle types, such as slate or clay tiles.
The weights of shingle materials vary widely. That’s why it’s important to know how much weight your home’s structure can safely support before making a decision. Buildings are designated a “dead load” tolerance, or the weight of the roof structure. If the dead load is exceeded, the structure will not be able to support its own weight. The average home has a dead load of around 15 pounds per square foot.
Think about the weather patterns in your area during the material selection process. Extreme winds can tear lighter shingles right off, while heavy snow can add dangerous weight to roofs already weighed down by heavy materials. Also, some roofing materials, such as metal, have sun-reflective or cooling properties that make them useful in hot climates. Slate and clay also stand up very well to heat and fire, and are used in some coastal areas for their resistance to high winds.
No one wants their roof to clash with the rest of their house. When choosing shingles, take a look at the colors available for each material. Standard asphalt shingles and slate tiles tend to come in earthy and neutral blacks and grays, but metal can be painted in a wide variety of shades. As a general guideline, darker, more neutral shingles pair well with white and off-white siding as well as red brick. It may also be worth considering a new paint job for your home to match the new roof.
When browsing roof and siding colors, keep in mind that some homeowner’s associations have rules and regulations on acceptable colors. Check to see if any of these rules apply to your home before choosing a color scheme.
There’s a large variety of types and materials that homeowners and property managers can choose from. To help narrow down your decision, start by deciding what qualities you’re looking for in your new roof. Perhaps saving money is your main concern. Maybe you want a classic look that’ll catch the eye. Or you could be looking for durability above all. Chances are there’s a shingle for you.
Let’s look into 7 popular residential roofing types, paying special attention to the cost per square (a 10x10 square-foot area of material) and the expected lifespan.
One of the most popular roofing materials in the country, asphalt shingles are easy to install, versatile and budget-friendly. They come in several shapes and sizes, including the basic 3-tab shingle, which can be seen on the roofs of homes around the country and is often the most affordable shingle material available. Similar to the basic 3-tab shingles are the slightly more expensive architectural shingles and designer asphalt shingles, which can be crafted into a variety of different shapes and styles, from octagonal panels to overlapping square patterns.
Synthetic roofing materials imitate the look of heavier and more expensive shingles without the weight and cost. They are manufactured in a large variety of sizes and shapes, so there are plenty of options on the market. As you compare brands, make sure to look for a Class A fire rating. An added benefit of rubber and plastic shingles is that some types are highly recyclable.
Shingles made of metal are a smart consideration if you live in a fire-prone area. Plus, these materials are built to last, surpassing wood and asphalt in terms of lifespan. Metal can also be cut in a flat, panel form or smaller, shingle-like shapes. On the other hand, you’ll likely need to pay extra for this especially durable material.
If you’re going for a natural look, wooden roofing materials are an attractive option. Although they are made of similar materials, shakes are normally hand-cut and have a rougher, more rustic appearance than shingles. Wood shingles and shakes are usually treated to resist water damage and rot, but often don’t last as long as other materials and can present a fire hazard if not properly maintained.
"Wood shingles are machine-sawn. Shakes are handmade, and their surfaces are rough. Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all. However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment."
A forward-thinking and trendy roofing option, solar (or photo-voltaic) tiles function as miniature solar panels that double as shingles. Similar in appearance to traditional asphalt materials, solar tiles can be used to generate electricity while also keeping the elements out of your home. Though somewhat higher on the price scale than some options, the cost of solar tiles can be offset by the money you save on your power bill in a more energy-efficient home. Some homeowners may also qualify for a Solar Investment Tax Credit by installing solar energy panels on their houses.
Keep in mind that you can get the benefits of solar power without constructing a roof entirely out of solar tiles. External solar panels can also be installed on top of a roof made from less expensive materials.
The classic and timeless look of flat stone shingles can bring a sense of elegance and strength to any home. They have the added bonuses of durability and fire resistance. The downside is that slate shingles tend to be pricey and heavy. They also usually require installation by a specialist to be fitted properly. In addition to material costs, it may be difficult to find a qualified installation company depending on your location. Careful upkeep is important for slate roofs, including routine gutter cleaning and replacement of any damaged tiles.
You should now have what you need to choose your shingles, estimate their material and installation costs and start planning a whole new look for your home. A trained, professional roofing contractor can help you put this plan into action.
Keep the right tools on hand for your upcoming roofing project. A roll off roofing dumpster, combined with our expertise in the roofing industry, can help you get rid of old shingles quickly and easily.
The main difference between tile and shingle roofs is the material. Shingle roofs are primarily made from asphalt or a composite material, while tile roofs typically use more elegant, natural materials such as slate or terracotta. This results in different installation costs, lifespans, appearances, and more. Below is a breakdown of these key differences.
Are you interested in learning more about Shingle Tile? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Cost is a key factor for many homeowners when deciding between tile and shingle roofs. See the average costs for each option below.
Shingles are significantly less expensive than tile. Shingle roofs cost an average of $4,200– $7,900 for a 1,500 square foot roof, including labor and materials.* However, it’s normal for the price to range as low as $3,000 or as high as $15,000, depending on roof size and other factors.
You can expect a new asphalt shingle roof to cost roughly $4 per square foot. If you’re replacing an existing roof, add at least $0.75 per square foot to cover removal costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the average cost for an asphalt shingle roof by house size. Choosing a more expensive type of shingle, such as composite, metal, or wood shingles, would increase the cost.
A tile roof costs significantly more than a shingle roof, with an average of between $15,000 and $35,000 for a 1,500 square foot roof. You could pay anywhere between $7 and $41 per square foot for a tile roof. Professional tile roof installation on a 2,000-square-foot home could cost well over $60,000.
See how much a tile roof costs for various home sizes below.
*Cost figures are based on contractor estimates used by Angi and Fixr.
Maintaining a tile roof is a lot less taxing and expensive than a shingle roof. This is partly because the material is so durable. The maintenance process for both roof types is similar: You should schedule an annual roof inspection to check for broken or missing shingles or tiles.
Never use a pressure washer on either type of roof. If you have a clay tile roof, avoid walking on it, as this could break the tiles. If you find a broken tile or shingle, replace it as soon as possible to avoid more widespread roof damage.
A well-maintained tile roof has a much longer lifespan than a shingle roof. Depending on the material, tile roofs last between 25 and 100 years. Metal and slate tiles last the longest, with slate potentially lasting more than a century.
Basic three-tab asphalt shingles only last 15–20 years. Architectural and composite shingles last a bit longer—up to 30 years—because they’re thicker and use more durable materials, including fiberglass, asphalt, and recycled paper.
Both shingle and tile roofs work in all types of climates. However, you won’t find as many tile roofs in the northern United States because clay tiles may not stand up to freezing conditions well. Newer composite and metal tile roofs can handle any climate, so look for these materials if your home experiences a freeze-and-thaw cycle.
Asphalt performs well in all climates, making it a popular option across the country. Unfortunately, dry, sweltering climates shorten the lifespan of both roof types. Ceramic tile or concrete roofs perform better in these climates.
The installation process for shingle and tile roofs varies by material. Shingles are easy to install: tabs overlap and are nailed down and sealed. Roofers typically place underlayment beneath shingles. Underlayment is a layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) that lies between the shingles and roof deck, providing a second layer of protection from rain, snow, and wind. Without this, your roof will be more prone to water damage and may require more frequent repairs.
Tile roofs are slightly more challenging to install. Tiles weigh more than shingles and often require additional support and reinforcement. Tile roofs also require underlayment, but the installation process is slower and more involved than shingle roofs. For example, a terracotta tile roof must be cemented into place one tile at a time. This process often takes several days to complete, depending on the roof size, whereas asphalt shingle roof installation can often be completed in one day.
Any new roof increases your home’s resale value. However, a tile roof’s quality and curb appeal provides a slightly higher return on investment (ROI) than a shingle roof. You’ll have an even lower ROI if you choose to lay new asphalt shingles over old ones to cut up-front costs.
Shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the United States because they’re affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance. Shingles vary in materials and thickness, with the most popular options being composite and asphalt shingles. Each shingle is a small rectangular sheet made of flexible material installed in overlapping rows to keep out water and environmental hazards.
Though tile roofs are similar to shingle roofs in design, they use higher-quality materials such as clay, slate, or concrete. Roofing tiles hang in overlapping parallel rows to form a watertight seal. Tiles are more visually appealing, environmentally friendly, and durable than asphalt shingles. Tile roofs can easily last over 100 years, and many manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty.
If neither a traditional shingle nor tile roof fits your needs, consider the following alternative roofing options:
Curb appeal matters when shopping for a new roof, but it’s not the only factor. Your roof contributes to almost everything that makes your home livable. Consider the following factors to determine the right roofing material for your home and lifestyle:
Ultimately, the best roofing material depends on your priorities. Shingles offer affordability and ease of installation, while tiles boast superior durability and aesthetic appeal, often at a higher cost. Weighing your budget, desired lifespan, and stylistic preferences will guide you towards the perfect roof for your home.
Once you know which roof type you want, contact multiple local roofing contractors for free estimates and comparison. Enter your ZIP code in our tool below to jumpstart the quote process.
The company is the world’s best 5.2inch PVC Rain Gutter supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.