Choosing a new roof for your home is a big responsibility. Whether you’re replacing your existing roof or building an entirely new home, you’ll need to be sure you choose the optimal roofing material for your residence. For many homeowners, this decision comes down to asphalt or tile. Today, we are going to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type to help make this decision easier.
Of course, as roofing experts with more than 20 years of experience working on South Florida homes, we are always here to help! In addition to helping you choose the best type of roof, we can help with inspections, repairs, and so much more.
Now, back to today’s topic!
Tile or Asphalt for Residential Roofing
First, let’s talk about the advantages of each of these options.
Benefits of asphalt roofing
Considering asphalt tile roofing for your home? There are plenty of good reasons for going this route.
For starters, asphalt tile roofing is incredibly versatile. Not only can you choose from a number of shapes and designs, but there are also all kinds of colors to select from. You can even choose asphalt tiles that resemble cedar or other roofing materials.
Additionally, asphalt tiles tend to be a very cost-effective option while still offering great quality—provided they’re installed by roofing experts. At the same time, they’re known to be durable, which is especially important if you live somewhere with high winds. If high winds are a concern where you love, you will want to look into asphalt tiles with a higher impact resistance rating. In addition to providing better protection for your home, it can even mean a reduction on your home insurance premium for some homeowners.
As for the other advantages of this material, here are just a few:
- Energy efficiency
- Noise reduction
- Easy to repair and install
- Recyclable
- Algae-resistant options available
Benefits of tile roofing
Now, onto tile roofing. Just like asphalt, there are many good reasons to choose tile for your roofing material. It’s no wonder so many people are stuck wondering, “Tile or asphalt?”
First and foremost, clay or concrete tiles are known for being weather resistant. They can withstand high winds and other weather conditions like hail and rain, making them a common choice in areas prone to hurricanes. On top of standing up to tough weather conditions, tile roofing is also pest-resistant which is a big draw for many homeowners.
Another quality of tile roofing homeowners appreciate on top of its durability is how little maintenance is required. And speaking of this durability, it’s not uncommon to find tile roofs that last 50 years or longer. Compared to other roofing materials that may need to be repaired and replaced every 20 years or so, this is a huge advantage.
Like asphalt, there are many color options available for tile roofing. They are also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Thanks to being made out of natural materials, tile roofing can be recycled and used for roads and other purposes.
Potential drawbacks of asphalt roofing
There are also some reasons asphalt roofing might not be right for your home. Although they tend to cost less to install, there is a higher chance of requiring more maintenance and repair over the years. Additionally, the lifespan of asphalt shingles tends to be reduced in warmer climates, and the shingles are prone to cracking if they experience dramatic temperature shifts.
Potential drawbacks of tile roofing
As for the drawbacks of tile roofing, the cost compared to other materials may deter some homeowners. However, it’s generally considered a great investment thanks to its durability and how little maintenance is required. Another reason tile roofing may not be right for your home is due to its weight. Tiles are heavier than asphalt, so your home’s structural integrity comes into play when choosing between them.
Tile roofing may not withstand impact damage well in some cases either. So, if things like falling trees or hail are common near you, this is something to consider.
Finally, unless your tile roof is treated for algae prevention solution, it may be more prone to algae growth—especially in South Florida.
(Speaking of South Florida, check out this post next: The Most Common Roof Types For South Florida)
Which is right for your home: tile or asphalt roofing?
Now you know the benefits and drawbacks when it comes to tile or asphalt roofing. But that doesn’t necessarily answer that one big question: which one is right for MY home? We recommend making a list of these pros and cons and how they relate to your specific circumstances.
For example, if your budget for a new roof is tight, tile may not be a realistic choice right now. Additionally, if you don’t want to deal with more regular repairs or maintenance, asphalt might not be the way to go.
But one thing is for you: whichever you chose from the two for roofing, the most important decision you can make comes down to who installs your roof.
Any roofing material needs to be properly installed and maintained.
Otherwise, you risk all kinds of issues. These include total roof failure, to preventable roof damage, or dealing with leaks in your home due to inadequate installation. As you can imagine, the cost of repairing your roof or your home after disaster strikes tends to be much higher than having it installed properly in the first place.
Choosing the right roof for your South Florida home
We know it’s not an easy decision, which is why we’re here to help every step of the way! Not to mention, not every house is the same—one roof does not meet everyone’s needs! We know that factors such as location, insurance considerations, customer preferences, HOA requirements, and performance requirements all come into play when choosing between asphalt or tile and beyond. Choosing the right roof for your South Florida home is an expert endeavor. And we are the experts you can trust! Contact Fox Haven Roofing Group today and we can get started on your roof repair, installation, inspection, or replacement needs.