Are Tile Roofs Better Than Shingles in Florida?

Are Tile Roofs Better Than Shingles in Florida?

There are several different types of roofing materials, and two of the most popular options include shingle and tile roofs. You may have heard that tile roofing is the better of the two options; but, is that really the case? Before you commit to a type of roofing, keep on reading to find out if tile roofing really is better than shingles, and if it’s the right choice for your Florida home.

Are Tile Roofs Better Than Shingles in Florida?

Living in Florida is like being on a permanent vacation. Thanks to the year-round sunshine and warm temperatures most parts of the state receive, combined with beautiful beaches, theme parks, historical sites, and a seemingly endless array of other attractions, it’s easy to see why.

While there’s no denying that the Sunshine State offers a lot of perks, there are some downsides, too; namely, high humidity and tropical storms that are associated with high winds and heavy rains which can spell trouble for homeowners.

That being said, if you’re a Florida homeowner and you’re thinking about installing a new roof, you want to make sure that you choose the right roof type and material. After all, the roof is arguably the most important part of your house, as it’s your first line of defense against Mother Nature. As such, because your roof is exposed to harsh conditions on a constant basis, your roof needs to be as durable as possible.

What’s a Shingle Roof?

A shingle roof is comprised of a series of small slates of asphalt shingles. The shingles are installed in an overlapping fashion to ensure the underlying roofing materials – and the interior of the house – is properly protected from the outdoor elements.

Shingle roofs can be made of several different types of materials including:

  • Asphalt
  • Slate
  • Wood
  • Fiberglass
  • Shake
  • Copper

A combination of fiberglass and asphalt roof shingles is the most popular and commonly used today, as the two materials combined are highly durable.

Installing a shingle roof is relatively quick and easy, and they’re also pretty easy to maintain. When well-maintained, a properly installed, durably constructed, high-quality shingle roof can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, on average.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs share some similarities to shingle roofs; however, there are some distinct differences. Firstly, tile roofs are made of different materials than shingle roofs – concrete and clay are the most common.

Tile roof installation differs from shingle roof installation, too. Rather than being installed in an overlapping fashion like shingled roofs, tiles are sealed to the roof to provide increased durability and greater protection. These two factors are of particular importance in Florida, an area prone to heavy rain, tropical storms, and hurricanes.

While the installation process for tile roofs is more complex and time-consuming than shingle roof installation, a well-maintained, properly installed tile roof can last up to 50 years.

Tile vs Shingle Roofing: Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons associated with both tile and shingle roofing systems. The following is a breakdown of the benefits and disadvantages of both types of roofing materials.

Tile Roof Pros

  • Long lifespan of up to 50 years
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Highly durable
  • Various styles, colors, and materials
  • Reduce energy costs – energy efficient

Tile Roof Cons

  • Longer, and more complex installation process
  • High price tag
  • Costlier repairs

Shingle Roof Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Fast, easy installation
  • Easy to maintain and repair
  • Various colors, materials, and styles

Shingle Roof Cons

  • Less durable than tile
  • Can’t stand up to harsh elements as well as tile
  • Shorter life expectancy

Tile or Shingle Roofing: Which is Better for Homes in Florida?

So, are tile or shingle roofs better for your Florida home? Given the fact that Florida is prone to high temperatures and high humidity levels, receives lots of sunshine, and is prone to severe weather events, including tropical storms and hurricanes, a tile roof is the better way to go.

Tile roofs are extremely durable and can better withstand severe conditions, including those that are commonly experienced in Florida. While it’s true that the initial cost to install a tile roof may be higher than a shingle roof, a tile roof will end up costing you less in the long run than a shingle roof as they are energy-efficient and last a long time.

Roof Replacement

Castilla Roofing | West Palm Beach Roofing Company

We work with the highest integrity in our policies and our workmanship, maintaining a solid and professional company. Castilla Roofing has been in the industry for many years gaining the trust of clients for our services. We define our company through our core values – it sets us apart. We are known for having a solid management system and customer care that remains unmatched. Superb systems and maximum client services produce excellence – that’s Castilla Roofing.

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