Tile Vs. Shingle Roofing For Midwest Homes

Pros and Cons of Tile Vs. Shingle Roof

Both tile roofing and shingles are popular with homeowners, but for very different reasons. Learn more about the pros and cons of each type of roofing so you can make the best decision for your Midwest roof replacement.

Tile Vs. Shingle Roof Cost

The materials you choose for reroofing have a large impact on the final cost, but the true expense of a new roof can be a bit misleading.

Asphalt shingles are generally on the lower end of the price spectrum. which is a major reason they are so popular with homeowners. Yet even asphalt shingles come in a wide range of prices. High-quality shingles can be pretty pricey.  Tile roofing is generally more expensive, 

but there is more to roof cost than the initial investment. It is important to consider how the other factors listed below impact the long-term cost of your new roof in the Midwest. 

Durability

Replacing a roof is expensive, but so is repairing one. The Midwest sees some pretty extreme weather and environmental conditions that can cause your roof to fail. 

Hail storms and high winds are frequent and can damage less sturdy materials like asphalt shingles, causing repair costs to add up. Tile roofing has high hail resistance ratings, performing extremely well even during storm season. Many homeowners are often surprised to find their shingle roofs need extensive repair when they conduct their yearly roof inspection. Roof tile also insulates better than asphalt shingles, lowering energy costs in both summer and winter months.

Longevity: Do Tile Roofs Last Longer Than Shingles?

When figuring out the true cost of a new roof, you must understand how long it will last and how often it will need to be replaced. There are many factors that affect the life of your roof but in general tile roofing lasts much longer than asphalt shingles.

Even under the best of conditions, shingle roofing has a life expectancy of about 20 years. Many Midwest homeowners find themselves reroofing a shingle roof after only 8-10 years. Kansas City roof tile comes with a 50-year warranty. Some tile roofs have been known to last 100 years or more. So while you will pay more upfront for a concrete tile roof, you will likely only have to do this project once in your lifetime. 

Installation

The roofing installation process also differs by material. Asphalt shingles are a bit simpler to install and many homeowners try to save money by doing it themselves or hiring a general handyperson or home maintenance company instead of a roofing specialist. This may save money in the beginning but could result in costly repairs down the line.

Kansas City roof tile can only be obtained from a roofing professional. Our Midwest roof tile manufacturer provides our materials to qualified roof contractors to ensure that installation is performed properly and is adequately insured. Proper roof installation keeps repair and maintenance costs under control.

Maintenance

All types of roofing require regular maintenance. Homeowners should conduct regular inspections of their roofs, especially after storm season. Your asphalt shingle roof and your tile roof both need to be cleaned regularly and kept free of vegetation and snow accumulation to avoid premature damage.

As mentioned above, tile roofing tends to be more durable, so it is less likely to need repair as often as asphalt shingles. All roof repair and maintenance should ideally be performed by a roofing professional, but tile can be more susceptible to breaking if it is walked on improperly.

Insurance Savings

There is one final thing to consider when it comes to the total cost of a roof replacement. When you get a new roof, the risk of damage to your home decreases, and your homeowner’s insurance premiums may also go down. Insurance companies often offer discounts to Midwest homeowners who invest in higher quality materials like roof tile. Talk to your insurance agent to see how reroofing with concrete or clay roof tile could save you money.

Find roof tiles for your Midwest home

Whether you’re constructing a new home or renovating an older one, it’s never too early to research your roofing options in the Midwest. 

Request a sample of our Kansas City roof tile and begin building your dream roofscape!