Which roof is better, metal or tile?

Weight and structure

Tile is several times heavier than asphalt or metal. A house framed for shingles often needs an engineering review, and sometimes reinforcement, before tile goes on. Metal is among the lightest roofing materials and can usually go on any framing built for shingles.

Lifespan

Clay tile can outlast the house, and concrete tile lasts decades. But the underlayment beneath tile is the real waterproofing layer and commonly needs replacing well before the tile wears out, which means lifting and relaying tiles. A quality standing seam roof has no separate underlayment replacement cycle of that kind.

Storm behavior

• Hail. Tile can crack or chip, especially older or thinner tile. Metal dents but usually stays watertight.
• Wind. Both can be engineered for high winds. Tile depends on proper fastening or adhesive at every piece.
• Heavy rain. Both shed water well when installed correctly.

Maintenance

Walking on tile breaks it, so gutter work, satellite installs and inspections need care. Moss and algae grow on tile in shaded, humid Georgia lots. Metal needs little beyond checking fasteners and sealants on exposed-fastener systems.

Cost and availability

Both cost well above asphalt shingles, with tile usually the more expensive installation. In North Georgia, experienced tile crews are harder to find than metal crews, which affects both installation and future repairs.

Compare options in metal roofing in Georgia, see moss concerns in moss and lichen on roofs, and check HOA rules in HOA roof approval in Georgia.