Tile vs. Shingles: What Type Of Roof Is Best For Arizona?

A Few Aspects To Consider Before Choosing Your New Roof Material

Arizona has an attractive climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, accompanied by mostly sunny skies. People often flock here to get away from colder climates and those with more extreme weather. But the same things that make Arizona such an attractive place to live also create some challenges for properties.

The intense heat can take a toll on roofs, as can the heavy rains and winds that come with the annual monsoons that roll through most of the state, including the entire Phoenix area. It’s important that you consider these aspects when you choose the material for your new roof installation. Two of the most common types of materials you are likely to consider are tile and shingle, as these are both popular choices. You will need to talk with a Queen Creek roofing contractor to understand the pros and cons of these for your particular property, but here are a few things you can consider:

Installation Requirements: The Weight Difference Between Shingles & Tile

Shingle and tile have different weights, and this is important because it influences how they must be installed. Tile is heavier than shingle, and when there are thousands of tiles on your roof, the weight can be significant. Your roof may be able to support the tile, or you may need to hire a roofing contractor to install additional supports for the tile. That can add to how long it takes to install the tile roofing, as well as to the overall cost for your roofing.

Shingle can be applied to just about any roof, so long as it has the right measures in place to manage water drainage. The weight of shingle will not be an issue for any roof.

Tile & Shingles Appearance

Arizona homeowners love the look of Phoenix tile roofing. The clay has a natural look that complements the desert landscape well. Plus, tile creates a beautiful and sophisticated look for most homes.

Shingle is a bit of a chameleon that can be installed on any property. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and it can work well with any architectural style.

How The Roof Material Can Impact The Environment

Your choice of roofing materials can have a big impact on the environment. Generally speaking, shingle roofing is often more energy-efficient than tile roofing. It can help to reduce your home’s heating and cooling needs, which lowers your cost and reduces your home’s environmental footprint.

However, tile is made from natural materials (usually clay), while shingle is often made from asphalt, which is a byproduct of petroleum, a depleting natural resource. Some shingle can be made from recycled materials, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Talk through these issues with your Mesa roofing contractor to find the product that will best meet your goals for reducing your environmental impact.

Shingles & Tile Require Relatively Low Maintenance

Both shingle roofing and tile roofing are relatively low maintenance. The most important thing you will need to do is hire a roofing contractor to inspect the roof once a year. If any shingles or tiles are broken or are loose, it is important that you replace them right away or make whatever other Phoenix roof repair is necessary to avoid the spread of damage.

You’ll also need to keep the roof and the gutters clean to ensure proper drainage. Keep mold and mildew from growing on the roofing materials.

Invest Enough On Your Roof Material Without Undermining Its Integrity

There can be great variation in the cost of a new roof installation based on the materials used. Overall, Phoenix shingle roofing tends to be more affordable than tile roofing. However, some shingle roofing can be quite expensive, while some tile roofing can be quite affordable. It’s important that you talk through the options with your roofing contractor and explore how you can bring down costs without undermining the integrity of the roof.

Overall, there is no wrong choice when it comes to shingle roofing or tile roofing. Both serve Arizona properties quite well, and both offer an attractive look with a relatively long life span. Talk with a trusted roofing company to learn more about how each option would work for your property.

Contact Arizona’s Roofing Contractors To Learn More About Your Roofing Options

Allstate Roofing is the roofing company that the Phoenix area trusts. We are residential roofing experts specializing in both shingle roofing and tile roofing. We re-roofing and new roof installations and we’ll help you find the right options for your home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a roofing contractor and learn more about the right roofing options to meet your goals and your budget.