Asphalt shingles vs. concrete tile roofing

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Asphalt shingles and traditional tile roofing materials are both used on homes throughout the country. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, but concrete tile has become a material that homeowners are looking to for its energy efficiency, durability and aesthetic value. Despite these differences, there are several pros and cons driving some homeowners to stick with the asphalt shingles and others to make the change to concrete.

One of the reasons for the continued popularity of asphalt shingles, despite other more efficient materials, is price. You can buy asphalt shingles from $1.15 to $1.75 per square foot, depending on the region you live in and the brand name of the shingles. Concrete tiles cost $5.00 to $6.50 per square foot. Installation is a part of these roofing costs. Contractors will base their roofing estimate on the square footage, or the area, of your roof.

The costs to install roofing can make asphalt shingles more attractive, but many homeowners are switching over to concrete tile roofs for their energy efficiency. Concrete tiles reflect light rays, keeping the roof underneath cool and the heat out of the home. Asphalt shingles are placed on materials that allow some reflection, but not enough to keep the rays and heat out of the roof underneath the shingles. This makes the attic or room under the roof hot.

Concrete tiles are durable. They can take the hail and wind damage much better than asphalt shingles. Unfortunately, rain and snow can get underneath concrete tiles more easily than they can get underneath asphalt tiles, which causes premature wear to roof.

With proper care, however, the concrete tile roof has a service life of 40 years or more, but a manufacturer's warranty normally covers 50 years or more. An asphalt shingle roof lasts up to 30 years, with good care, but is also much less expensive to replace.

Other differences between the two types of roof are subtle:

• Concrete tile is harder to walk on and more brittle than asphalt. Meanwhile, the shingles hold up well under walking

• Concrete tile is naturally vented to add to your home's energy efficiency

• Installing ventilation under a roof with asphalt shingles can have the same effects. You can also buy reflective asphalt shingles to keep more of the heat out of the house

• Concrete tile must be cleaned regularly to prevent moss buildup, but asphalt shingles require little to no maintenance

• Concrete tiles come in just as many color combinations as the asphalt shingles, and many homeowners see the concrete tile as more aesthetically pleasing

Despite their differences, a new roof of concrete tiles or asphalt shingles can add to the value and the life of your home. Both traditional tile roofing and asphalt shingles protect your home from the elements. From energy efficiency to aesthetic value and durability, there are several reasons to get a new roof. With some research and help from the staff at Reply!, you can find the right contractor and roof materials for your home.