Shingle or Tile Roofs in Florida Here’s the Difference

Putting a new roof over your house can be an exciting moment! It’s a chance to spruce up your home’s appearance and abandon the problems you’d experience with the old roof. But for most homeowners, choosing a roofing model can be a little tricky. For instance, if your home is next to a water body like the state of Florida, it is exposed to high humidity, flying debris, and ranging heat waves in the summer. You have to choose a roof system that will protect your investment against all these elements.

This makes clay roofing tiles remain the most suitable for Florida homes. In this guide, we review the key differences between shingle and tile roofs- the two most popular clay roofing models.

Roof shingles overview

Shingles have a curved surface with edges that interlock and overlap to create a pitched roof. They exist in different models, including asphalt, slate, and clay.

Tile Roofs Overview

Tile roofs are designed from a slew of organic matter that’s mixed to form a slurry. The slurry is shaped appropriately and then fire-burnt in a kiln to harden them. 

The Key Differences between Roof shingles and Tile Roofs

Lifespan

The preparation process of tile slates entails burning the slates in a kiln to harden. As a result of the seasoning process in the kiln, tiles hold their value much longer. They are also less susceptible to damage in adverse conditions. Contractors at Bonita Springs Roofing Company have found that tile roofs can last twice as long as shingle roofs. 

Weight

Shingle slates are thinner and shorter compared to tiles. Owing to these reduced dimensions, they are lighter in weight and easier to handle during the installation process. Tiles are made of organic matter. They are generally thicker, and this increases their weight. 

Climate resistance

Since tiles are denser, they less susceptible to wear and tear, especially in harsh climatic conditions. They tend to hold better during hails, extreme summer heat, and heavy downpours.

While the interlocking of shingles during installation improves drainage, they wear down much easier due to their thinner girth. Additionally, they aren’t seasoned in a kiln, thus weaker in structure in comparison to tiles. 

Cost

Tiles command higher prices in comparison to shingles. Their installation is also involving, thus attract higher installation costs. As such, shingles are a better option for homeowners looking to revamp their roofs yet have a limited budget. 

Aesthetics

Good roofing material should definitely improve your home’s aesthetics. Shingles come in various finishes, thus easy to customize to match your home’s trendy appearance. 

Tiles, however, do not have the same versatility in finishes. For this, tiles are best suited for houses with a traditional look. 

Energy savings

Energy bills can hit the roof during the hot Florida summer. By choosing the right roof, you can certainly help regulate airflow into and out of the house. This helps save on energy bills accumulated in either heating or cooling the house.

Shingle roofs reflect away sunlight, thus keeping the interiors cooler and habitable in hot weather. Tiles, in contrast, trap heat indoors, thus keeping the house warm during cold seasons.

Which Roofing Model Should You Choose

Besides the key areas highlighted above, it’s important to consider other factors that can influence the roof’s look and feel. Such include the roof’s structure and the dimension that a roofing system will give your house.

Collaborating with a Local Roofing Company will boost your odds of getting value for your investment. A roofing contractor can leverage experience to design a roofing system that can withstand changing climatic conditions for decades.