Shingles and tiles are two of the most popular roof materials. Both are durable and have plenty of curb appeal, but they are different in appearance and performance. This guide compares shingle and tile roofs to help you determine the best type of roof for your home and budget.
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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.
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 metal roofing sheet supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
If you're not sure which type of roofing material you want, it helps to compare the characteristics and qualities of tile roofs and shingle roofs, especially as they relate to the climate in which you live.
When it comes to shingle roofing versus tile roofing, shingles are the winner based on price alone. Asphalt shingles may set you back between $3.00 and $5.00 per square foot, while shingles cost more, with materials and installation costing between $4.00 and $5.55 per square foot.
However, keep in mind that clay tile roofs last much longer than asphalt shingle roofs. The average life expectancy of a clay shingle roof is 100 years, while the average life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 years.
Different climates have different weather patterns, temperature ranges and seasonal variations that can affect roofing materials. In warmer areas, such as the Southeast, shingles reflect sunlight well, keeping the house cooler and reducing the cooling costs of the home. They also do well in snowy climates, and snowfall slides off easily.
In cold climates, shingles are often the preferred choice. The density and durability of shingle roofs can withstand damage from freezing temperatures, and because of the strength of the shingles, the roof can support snow without damage.
No matter which type of roof you choose, the rest of the structure needs to support its weight. Not every roof can handle shingles, so this is a major consideration when comparing a shingle roof to a tile roof. You can consult with a contractor to determine the actual load-bearing capacity of your home, as weaker or more fragile structures are not always well suited for shingles.
When you are choosing between shingles and tiles, you need to consider cost, your climate, and the load-bearing capacity of your home's overall structure. Both options are perfectly viable, and in some cases it can come down to cost or aesthetic preference.
WHAT'S STONE COATED?
It used to be that there were only a couple of types of metal roofing — corrugated metal, which has certainly improved over time but aesthetically has always been limited in options, or the much more costly copper cladding.
The latest product – stone coated metal roofing. Stone coated steel roofing is combined with the look of tile, shake or shingle or other types to give a strong, durable roof along with fantastic good looks. Whatever the style of your home or property, you will likely be able to find a metal roofing product to match your needs.
What materials do we use for producing 50 years warranty high-quality steel roofing sheets?
First, let's check the structures:
Stone Coated Metal Roof Panel Components
Overglaze – semi-gloss finish; added protection
Stone Granules – color; UV resistance; coverage
Basecoat – adhesion; UV protection; color blended
Acrylic Primer – priming system; enhances adhesion
Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Coating – prevents corrosion; protection
Steel – 0.33mm to 0.55mm thickness; load-bearing; flexible
Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Coating – prevents corrosion; protection
Acrylic Primer – priming system; enhances adhesion
① Stone Chips ( Beautiful look, effective heat / UV resistant, noise reduction, anti-slip and etc features)
② Galvalume Steel Plate ( Eco-friendly and recyclable material, strong, light-weight, anti-corrosion, waterproof)
③ Acrylic Glue ( Premium sealing performance, strong adhesion, anti-algae)