Be Shingle Savvy: The Inside Scoop on Clay Tiles Versus Shingles
When it comes to your roof, making a decision should come down to more than just appearance and cost factors. After all, your roof protects your most valuable assets and keeps your family safe from weather and other dangers. So, let’s take a look at the types of roofing shingles you can choose for your home and their pros and cons.
All About Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are becoming more popular, and there are quite a few reasons for this fact. Of course, they are visually appealing and come in a variety of designs and colors, but did you know that they are also able to boast a lifespan of 100 years or more? Yep, when it comes to clay tiles, the initial cost might seem high, but you certainly have more than enough time to recoup your investment.
In addition to that, clay tiles are versatile, durable (low risk of leaks or weather damage), and they help save on energy bills. They can drastically reduce your heating and cooling bills over time. They are also environmentally friendly, which is growing in importance for many of today’s consumers.
If you think that this sounds too good to be true, you should be aware of the potential downside to using tiles. As you might imagine, a material this long-lasting will be more expensive to install. And, clay tiles should always be installed by professionals due to safety concerns (for instance, the support beams of the house must be inadequate to hold the more substantial weight load of the tiles).
Labor costs can be high and, while a clay tile roof will last for a century or more, the underlayment of the tiles will typically need to be replaced every 20 years. This requires removing the tiles and then replacing them—again, a labor-intensive expense.
Also, it is important to note that clay tiles do have a tendency to absorb moisture and that can lead to mildew, mold, etc. All that means is that proper care and maintenance is an absolute must.
Pros and Cons of Clay Tiles
All in all, clay tiles can turn an average home into a beautiful masterpiece, but make sure you take the time to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Longer life span
- Reduces energy bills
Cons:
- More expensive to install
- More difficult maintenance
Types of Shingles
When it comes to shingles, there are several choices: asphalt, wood, or metal. Let’s compare these three choices.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the most common type of shingle and what most would consider a classic choice for most homes. Asphalt shingles are the most inexpensive of all the options, and they are lightweight and easy to install. They do have the shortest lifespan, though, and can be vulnerable to weather.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles have great visual appeal and are environmentally friendly, but they do have one major drawback in that they are more vulnerable to fire.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are growing in popularity and outlast both other types of shingles by many years. They also help lower energy costs due to their reflective qualities, making them an excellent choice for the environmentally-conscious consumer. The downside is they are among the most expensive option when it comes to shingles.
Pros and Cons of Shingles
As with any roofing or building material, there are pros and cons to shingles.
Pros:
- Less expensive than clay
- More versatile
- Easier to install
Cons:
- Need to be replaced sooner than clay
- More vulnerable to weather
- Not as visually appealing
Consult the Professionals When Choosing Your Roofing Material
As you can see, there are many factors involved when it comes to choosing the right type of roofing for your home. Whether you are interested in clay tiles, asphalt shingles, or a metal roof, we invite you to contact Tomlin Roofing to discuss your choices.
We offer free roof inspections and we’ve been installing roofs in Texas for more than 19 years! You’ll get our honest assessment and we’ll work to get you the roof you want and need. Contact us today.