If you are in the market for a new roof, whether on a new custom home or on your existing home, the thought of choosing the right roof can be daunting at best. Where do you start and which one is the best? Driving around most neighborhoods, it seems that asphalt shingle roofs are the “go to” product of choice. But just because they are everywhere, doesn’t mean they are the best option. Before you go spending thousands of dollars on such a valuable investment, take a few minutes to investigate the pros and cons of an asphalt shingle roof vs. a concrete tile roof. Here are a few of the most noteworthy differences:
Climate:
During extreme climates, asphalt shingles can warp, crack, break, and fly right off your rooftop, leaving you with a big mess and an even bigger roofing bill. Concrete roof tiles, however, are Class “A” fire resistant, can sustain high winds of up to 180mph, pass the Grade 1 Freeze-Thaw requirements*, and are seismic resistance tested. Concrete tiles also do not attract or absorb heat the way asphalt shingles do. *excludes color bonded slurry tiles
Durability:
Yes, concrete tiles are heavy. But, that weight equates to its longevity, thermal superiority, weather resistance, impact resistance, and so much more. Asphalt shingles can be flimsy and weak and won’t be able to stand up to straining seasonal weather conditions. Concrete roof tiles on the other hand, are known to last the life of your structure. That means there’s no need to replace them every 10-20 years like you do with shingles!
Energy:
Some asphalt shingles claim to be solar reflective, but only a small percentage of heat actually bounces back into the atmosphere. Since asphalt shingles are installed directly onto your roof, the heat from the sun being transferred will still be enough to raise the temperature of your attic causing higher energy bills on those hot summer days. Concrete roof tiles are created with natural ingredients that when combined, create a roofing material that does not absorb heat, instead, it reflects it back into the atmosphere allowing your property to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. An added advantage to the installation of your concrete tile roof is that concrete roof tiles are NOT installed directly onto your roof. Rather it becomes a great insulator for your attic and property as a whole. Not to mention the added benefits of residential energy credits.
Color and Design:
Your roof color matters. Most asphalt shingles are dark and grey – causing the sun’s rays to directly focus on your roof top. While you can still obtain these darker colors with concrete roof tiles, you also gain the added benefit of it being more reflective than solar shingles. Eagle Roofing Products’ roof tiles come in all shapes and colors. They have curves, tapered edges, and ridges – something you won’t find with asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are flat, boring, and dry out. They’re uninspiring and one-dimensional look adds no supplementary architectural depth.
With concrete roof tiles, you can create bold designs that captivate your audience. Liven up your monotone rooftop with a nice new blend of two colors or more. This will give you the unique ability to create accents or help complement the exterior color of any property. You can achieve practically any look with profiles that match – clay, shake, slate, and wood shingles. Eagle’s concrete roof tiles allow you to achieve the look you want, while having the added protection that concrete roof tile’s bring against extreme weather conditions and its resistance to fire.
While costs are always a factor in any big purchase, you must take into consideration the long-term benefits that a concrete tile roof has over asphalt shingles. The investment is unbeatable. They add value to a home, provide extra protection and longevity – and the curb appeal cannot be beat! Here at Eagle Roofing Products, we stand behind our product with a Lifetime Transferable Limited Product Warranty and have an extensive collection of profiles, colors, and textures to choose from.
