A roof is the first line of defense for your home. It protects your family and your valuables against heavy rainfall, scorching heat of the sun, and high winds, thus helping to keep your home safe and comfortable. Therefore, when you are choosing a roof for your home, you need to choose a material that can provide adequate protection from the elements. Today, we will assess two of the most popular roofing materials – tile and metal. We will evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability, to help you choose one that suits your home.
Resistance and Longevity
If you are looking for a roofing material that will give your home an added layer of protection and security, then tile roofing is a great choice. Tiles come with a lifespan of approximately 100 years, which means they will last almost the entire life of your structure.
Also, they have a proven track record when it comes to harsh elements. When properly installed, a tile roofing system will comfortably and adequately withstand elements like:
- Rain
- Snow
- Ice
- Scorching Heat
- High Winds
Metal roofs, on the other hand, come with an average life span of 35 to 40 years. And since metal doesn’t burn, metal roofs come with a class A fire rating, which is the highest rating for roof materials. The main drawback of metal roofs is that they are affected by harsh weather conditions. For instance, their surface may begin to rust and deteriorate, especially if they are installed in humid and salty areas such as coastal regions.
Metal roofs are also affected by inclement weather. For instance, if your home is hit by a storm, the roof will be left with scratches and dentures, making your home appear unattractive. And this damage may not be covered by your insurance provider.
Maintenance
Some homeowners choose metal roofs based on the assumption that they are low maintenance. However, this is not always the case. If exposed to harsh elements, the color on the roof’s surface will start becoming dull. And while you may re-paint them, you may not achieve their original look. Also, metal roofs are extremely challenging and expensive to repair. To repair them, you will have to remove the entire sheet and replace it with a new one. And it’s not always easy to find a match.
Tiles, on the other hand, are available in various colors, designs, and shades. Therefore, if one tile is damaged, finding a replacement set or piece that matches the existing ones is not a challenge. Also, repairing roof tiles is an easier, and cheaper process, compared to metal sheets. So, in terms of maintenance, tiles have an advantage over metal roofs.
Installation Costs
While metal roofing may appear straightforward to install, this is not the situation on the ground. Installing metal roofing calls for a higher level of technical expertise and skills, compared to tiles. As a result, it will cost you more to install metal roofing on your property, compared to tiles.
Tile Vs. Metal FAQs
Between tile and metal, which one has a longer lifespan?
Tiles have a longer lifespan.
How do metal roofs and tiles compare in terms of energy efficiency?
Tiles are more energy-efficient compared to metal roofs.
In terms of design and style, should you go for metal roofs or tiles?
Your choice will depend on your home’s design and personal preferences.