Florida is a sunny state, but this country, and especially this town, also has experiences with intensive rains and hurricanes regarding the high humidity. Your roof has the primary responsibility of shielding your house from such conditions. However, regarding tile roofs vs shingle roofs, which one is the best type of roofing for Florida homes? So, in this article, we will compare the two so you know what benefits and drawbacks come with each and make a decision on which works best in your home.
What is the Difference Between Tile Roof and Shingle Roof?
To distinguish between a tile and a shingle roof, let us consider the following:
- Tile Roofs can be composed of clay, concrete, or slate. They are very strong and resistant to harsh weather conditions, mostly associated with devastated natural calamities.
- Shingle Roofs are commonly made of asphalt and fiberglass. They are lighter and the most widely used roofing materials in the US.
Each is distinct in some way but deciding between tile roof vs shingle roof comes down to their performance, nonetheless in the state of Florida.
Durability: How Do Tile and Shingle Roofs Stand Up to Florida Weather?
When it comes to tile vs. shingle roofs, durability is one of the most important things that you should look for. Florida weather can be quite unforgiving. Let’s see how each type of roof stands.
Tile Roofs
- Highly Durable:They are very durable and resistant to high winds that barely reach 150mph, making them ideal where hurricanes are prevalent, for instance, in Florida.
- Longevity: Tile roofs can last up to 50 to 100 years, so there is less concern about roofing replacement within one’s lifetime.
- Heat Resistance: Tile bounces the heat back to the source, allowing homes to remain cooler, which is an added advantage in states like Florida.
Shingle Roofs
- Moderately Durable: Shingle roofs are very durable but can only withstand winds of approximately 110 mph. After storms, they may need more attention and repairs.
- Shorter Lifespan: Shingle roofs generally last 15-30 years, and therefore, there are more roof replacement cycles.
- Affordability: Shingle roofs are usually cheaper to put up and fix than tile roofs.
As you can see, when it comes to durability in tile roof vs shingle roof, tile comes out on top, especially in Florida’s unpredictable weather.
Aesthetic Appeal: Which Roof Looks Best on Your Florida Home?
The appearance of your roof has a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal.
Tile Roofs
- Classic Look: Tile roofs have a classic Mediterranean look and are often used in the communities of Florida.
- Variety of Colors and Shapes: It is ready in different colors, textures, and shapes, which allows you to match it with the architectural designs of homes.
Shingle Roofs
- More Traditional: Shingles are less fancy and are much more frequently seen, but they do not lack the aesthetic appeal of tiles.
- Color Variety: Shingles come in a wide variety of colors but are not as varied in terms of texture and design as tiles.
If you’re after a more unique or high-end aesthetic, tile roofs are the way to go.
Installation & Maintenance: Which Roof is Easier to Install and Care For?
The installation and maintenance process differs significantly between shingles vs tile roofs.
Tile Roofs
- Complex Installation: Tile roofs are also heavier and require more time, effort, and skills to install. They also require additional support to bear this load.
- Low Maintenance: Once the roofing tiles are in place, they do not require much attention but can be cleaned, or have some of the tiles changed occasionally.
Shingle Roofs
- Quick Installation: Compared to traditional roofing systems, shingle roofs are lighter, relatively easier, and faster to install, making them convenient, especially for people with busy schedules.
- Higher Maintenance: Shingles are more vulnerable to damage, especially during harsh rainy and windy conditions, so they need maintenance or replacement more frequently.
It is worth noting that although tile roofs require a lot of work to install, they hardly require any maintenance after installation, making them a wise investment for every homeowner in Florida.
Energy Efficiency: Which Roof Keeps Your Home Cooler?
The summers in Florida are especially hot, and an ideal roof can help cut down your electricity bills.
Tile Roofs
- Natural Insulator: Clay tile roofs offer great thermal properties that help keep homes cool throughout the summer, thus decreasing air conditioning costs by about 20% .
- Heat Reflection: The tiles’ structure ensures adequate air circulation, minimizing heat traps.
Shingle Roofs
- Less Insulation: Shingle roofs provide far less insulation than tile, so perhaps houses with such roofs require more use of air conditioning systems.
- Potential Heat Absorption: The shingles also tend to absorb more heat, making your home warm during summer months compared to other times of the year.
If energy efficiency is an important factor, then it must be said that having a tile roof is better for homes in Florida.
Cost: How Does Tile Compare to Shingle in Terms of Price?
Budget is always an important factor when choosing between tile roof vs shingle roof.
Tile Roofs
- Higher Upfront Cost: Depending on the material, tile roofs can cost between $10 and $20 per square foot.
- Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost is high, tile roofs last much longer and save you money on energy bills and replacements.
Shingle Roofs
- Affordable: Shingle roofs cost between $3 and $5 per square foot, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- Higher Long-Term Costs: Since shingle roofs require more frequent repairs and replacements, their cost adds up over time.
Conclusion
Choosing between a tile roof vs a shingle roof for your Florida home depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for long-term durability, energy efficiency, and a high-end appearance, tile roofs are worth the investment. On the other hand, if you’re more budget-conscious and need a quick, easy installation, shingle roofs may be the right choice.
At the end of the day, the decision between tile roof vs shingle roof comes down to what’s best for your home and your specific needs. Relevance Roofing can help you make the right choice for your home. We provide expert roofing services to ensure that your roof stands up to Florida’s toughest weather conditions. Whether you’re leaning toward tile or shingle, we can guide you through the process and offer solutions that give you peace of mind.