The short answer
Architectural shingles are lighter, usually cost less to install, and suit most homes. Clay and concrete tile are heavier and more involved to install, but they’re built to last and they define the look of a lot of Southern California architecture. The right choice depends on your home’s structure, its style, and what’s on the roof today.
Architectural shingles
Architectural (or dimensional) shingles are thicker than old-style flat shingles, with a layered look that adds depth to the roof. Shingles rated for heat and sun hold up well in the Southern California climate.
- Lighter weight, so they work on almost any roof structure
- A wide range of colors, from classic grays to warm browns
- Installed as a complete system with underlayment and ridge ventilation
Clay and concrete tile
Tile is the signature of Spanish, Mediterranean, and mission-style homes across Los Angeles.
- Clay (Spanish) tile has the classic barrel shape and rich, natural color.
- Concrete tile is heavy and durable, and comes in flat and S-shaped profiles.
The tiles themselves are tough. What wears out on a tile roof is usually the underlayment beneath them, the layer that actually keeps water out.
Weight, structure, and style
Tile is much heavier than shingles. Switching a shingle roof to tile can require a review of the roof framing, and switching a tile roof to shingles changes the character of the home. In most cases, homeowners stay with the material the house was designed for.
Repairs and upkeep
- Shingles: damaged shingles can be replaced in sections, and most leaks trace back to flashing, valleys, or vents.
- Tile: individual tiles can crack, but the bigger job is the underlayment. A good tile repair lifts and salvages the original tiles, replaces the failed underlayment, and re-sets everything so the roof keeps its character.
Don’t walk on a tile roof to check it yourself. Tiles crack underfoot, and it’s easy to slip.
Which is right for your home?
Start with what’s on the roof now and why it’s failing. If you have a tile roof with leaks, restoring it is often worth considering before replacing it. If a shingle roof is worn out everywhere, a new architectural shingle system is the straightforward fix.
Learn more about tile roof repair and restoration or roof replacement.
