When you’re trying to decide which material is best for your new roof, there are several factors to consider. Here in Arizona we have extreme heat in the summer months and beautiful, cool days in the winter. If you can take the summer heat, Arizona is a great place to live the rest of the year. However, with the extreme temperature changes form season to season, you need to make some intelligent choices about the materials you use to build a home.
Choosing the right material, whether you’re building a new house or replacing the roof on your existing home, will be a major factor in how your home looks and how long your roof lasts over time. If you live in a homeowners association, you may not have a choice. The two choices used the most here in Arizona are asphalt shingles and tile.
To hold up against the elements, asphalt shingles are made of one of two materials. They have either an organic or a fiberglass base and are coated with minerals and an asphalt saturation.
They come in a wide variety of colors and styles giving you options for the look you want. They’re very durable and make it easier for someone to be up on your roof without causing damage. They’re also considerably less expensive than tile.
There are a couple of drawbacks, however. First, they can discolor over time so that fresh, new look you have when they’re first installed may fade. Secondly, they make it a little more difficult to heat and cool your property, as the materials used on the top of your roof don’t breathe very well. If they’re properly maintained and inspected over time, they should last between 20 and 40 years, depending on the type of shingle used.
The most widely used option for roofing in our state, due to the extremely dry climate, is concrete or clay tile. They’re more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they have a longer lifespan – as much as 50 years – they’re easier on your utility bills as they’re more energy efficient, they give a much more “southwest” regional look to your property and they’re more heat resistant and fireproof.
They do have a couple of downsides, however. Concrete and clay tiles are much heavier than asphalt shingles, requiring an entirely different type of support system for your roof, adding to the cost. Also, they can become somewhat fragile, which can make them more likely to break or crack, especially if someone has to go up on the roof for some reason. They also have more costly periodic maintenance requirements than shingles.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type. Tile roof homes are usually appraised at higher values than shingles, and they both have their maintenance costs. But, in the end they’re both quality products that will last a long time with proper maintenance and protect your home well from the extreme elements we have here in Arizona. What it really comes down to is your personal preference of how you want your home to look and your budget, but either way is a great choice.
