Metal Roof vs. Tile Roof: What Are the Differences?

Metal Roof vs. Tile Roof: What Are the Differences?

There are certain parts of a home that go forgotten about and neglected. The roof is certainly one of them. As roofs require replacing every 20 to 25 years, it makes sense why this part of the home seems to slip people’s minds.

Whether you’re about to replace your roof or install a new one for the first time, it helps to know your options.

Two of the most durable roofing materials that may interest you are metal and tile. Between metal roofs vs. tile roofs, which one is better? Keep reading for a detailed comparison between these two types of roofs.

Tile Roof Guide

You’re driving around your local neighborhood and you take a look at people’s roofs. Most of them look the same–they’re a shade of red or orange or a combination of both, and they’re tiled shingle roofs.

You wonder to yourself, is tile the way to go?

For most people, it is. Tile roofs are not only aesthetically pleasing but, they are also made of a durable and recyclable material, which makes this a popular roofing choice for homeowners.

These types of roofs can withstand most types of weather conditions including strong winds, heavy precipitation, and even fire. With proper care and maintenance, tile roofs can last anywhere between 30-50 years.

What’s great about tile roofs is that you can maintain the appearance of the roof by fixing a few broken tiles as opposed to redoing the whole roof, which would be a costly endeavor. To avoid accumulating roof damage, make sure to get a routine inspection after harsh weather conditions.

Cons of Tile Roofs

While tile roofs are great, there are instances where this type of roof wouldn’t be as well suited for certain homeowners.

For example, a home with a weak roof structure would not be ideal for holding up a tile roof. Because each shingle tile weighs quite a lot, the roof structure must be strong enough to handle the entire weight. In addition, homeowners considering going solar must anticipate the additional weight of the solar panels as well.  

Metal Roof Guide

Environmentalists have long championed the fact that metal roofs are energy efficient because metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun, thereby keeping the house cool. A cool house, in turn, requires less cooling from AC units, which are huge power-drawing machines.

In addition, metal roofs also have the reputation of being quite durable, withstanding fire and strong winds, and having a long life span of 40-70 years.

Cons of Metal Roofs

As great as metal roofs are, they tend to not do so well in rainy or tropical areas where precipitation can be quite noisy. In cases of hail, it can even cause cosmetic damage, requiring a redo of the entire roof. That’s expensive to fix, but not as expensive to install. 

A proper metal roof installation is complex, which reflects a higher cost in labor, and a higher cost in total. Do keep this in mind when deciding between a metal roof vs. tile roof. 

Metal Roof vs Tile Roof: Which Is Better?

Between a metal roof vs. tile roof, which is the better roofing choice?

We’d say both make great choices as they can withstand the extremities of everyday weather. However, if you live in an area where heavy precipitation prevails, you may want to stray from a metal roof. On the other hand, if you intend on getting solar installed, be sure to invest in high-quality tiles if you’re opting for a traditional tile look.

For more home improvement inspiration, be sure to check out more from our blog!

Share the joy
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

comments