Tile Roofs vs. Shingle Roofs: What Works Better

A good roof does more than keep the rain out—it protects the whole house, helps with energy bills, and adds to the look. Two common choices are tile roofs and shingle roofs. Both have their strengths and drawbacks, depending on where you live, your budget, the house structure, and the style you want. Picking one means weighing how long it’ll last, how much upkeep it needs, and how it handles weather.

Tiles and shingles are made differently, installed differently, and perform differently over time. Tiles tend to be heavier and longer-lasting; shingles are lighter and cheaper upfront. Here’s a breakdown to help decide what fits a particular house or project.

What They’re Made Of

Tile roofs usually come in clay, concrete, or slate.

Clay holds color well and gives that classic curved look. Concrete is strong and comes in more shapes and finishes. Slate is premium—thin, natural stone that looks sharp but costs more. Tiles are heavy, so the roof framing often needs extra support.

Shingle roofs are mostly asphalt, sometimes with fiberglass or composite mixes.

Asphalt is the go-to because it’s cheap and easy to put on, with lots of colors. Fiberglass adds fire resistance; composites can look like wood or slate. Shingles are much lighter, so they work on most standard roofs without beefing up the structure.

How Long They Last and How Tough They Are

Tiles win on durability. They shrug off fire, rot, bugs, and harsh sun. A well-installed tile roof can easily go 50 years or more. They hold up great in wind and heavy rain if fastened right.

Shingles do the job but don’t last as long—usually 20-30 years for good ones. Asphalt can curl in heat, lift in wind, or get hammered by hail. Higher-end versions resist better, but expect more repairs over time.

Energy Savings

Tiles help keep houses cooler naturally. Their thickness and the air gap underneath slow heat transfer. In hot areas, that means less air conditioning.

Shingles aren’t as good at this on their own. You can add reflective coatings or better ventilation underneath to help, but they absorb more heat overall.

Upkeep

Tiles need little day-to-day care. Check now and then for cracked ones (from falling branches, say) and replace those few. The roof stays solid for decades.

Shingles need more watching—clean gutters, look for missing granules or curling edges. Fixes are straightforward and cheap since you can patch small sections.

Cost

Tiles cost more upfront—materials, labor (it’s trickier to install), and sometimes extra framing. But spread over 50+ years with few repairs, the long-term price can be lower.

Shingles are budget-friendly from the start. Quick to install, widely available, and easy to fix. You’ll replace them sooner, though.

Handling Weather

Tiles shine in tough conditions—high winds, fire zones, heavy rain, or humid spots where mold grows. Their weight helps them stay put.

Shingles work fine in moderate climates but might need upgrades (like impact-resistant types) for hail or strong winds.

Looks and Style

Tiles bring real character—curved clay for Spanish or Mediterranean vibes, flat concrete for modern, slate for timeless elegance.

Shingles offer tons of colors and textures, even ones that mimic wood shakes or slate. They fit almost any house style and roof shape.

Environmental Side

Tiles often use natural clay or concrete and last so long there’s less waste. Many are recyclable at the end.

Asphalt shingles come from oil-based products and end up in landfills more often since they wear out faster. Recycling programs are growing, though, turning old shingles into road material.

Wrapping It Up

Neither tile nor shingle is perfect for every situation. Tiles make sense where you want something that lasts generations, looks distinctive, and handles rough weather—worth the higher start-up cost. Shingles fit when budget, quick install, and flexibility matter more.

Think about local weather, house design, and how long you plan to stay. Both protect well; the right pick depends on what matters most for the job. Talk to local roofers who know the area—they’ll spot things like wind ratings or common issues that tip the scales one way or the other.