The Pros and Cons of Spanish Roof Shingles in San Antonio
Roof replacement is one of the most profitable ways to invest in your home. This is especially true if you plan to live in the house for the next 2-3 years.
A new roof can help you heat and cool your home more efficiently. It may also add to the value of your home.
When planning a roofing project, San Antonio homeowners often struggle to choose the best roofing materials. Many will go with asphalt shingles, but there are other attractive options.
If you haven’t considered using Spanish roof shingles, you’ll want to read this article. Take a minute and learn more about the pros and cons of this durable and beautiful roofing system.
Spanish Roof Shingles and Curb Appeal
In addition to adding value to a home, Spanish roof tiles can boost curb appeal. If you’re selling your home soon, you’ll want to get started on projects that make the property attractive to prospective buyers.
Most real estate agents agree that curb appeal is one of the most vital things a seller can use to sell a home. If your house looks well maintained from the outside, buyers will want to see what it looks like inside.
Spanish roof tiles add color and texture that other roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, don’t offer.
People love these roofing tiles because they give a home a sophisticated, upscale look. Depending on the style of the house, they can create a casual and informal appearance.
Not only will Spanish roof tiles look beautiful on Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes, but they also work well with brick or stone siding.
Excellent Low-Maintenace Roofing Material
All roofing materials require regular maintenance, but some are higher maintenance than others. Regardless of the roofing materials you choose, you will need to schedule routine inspections, preferably done by a professional roofing contractor.
If you choose Spanish roof tiles, you’ll be pleased that they don’t need frequent maintenance. However, having the tiles inspected once or twice a year would be best.
Roof inspections help detect leaks and water damage. Your inspector will also note cracked or damaged tiles. Debris stuck between tiles, bird nests, and other animals are also on a roof inspector’s radar.
If the inspection reveals one or more tiles that need repair, you won’t need to remove an entire roof section. Instead, you should only need to replace the damaged tiles.
Looking for a Sustainable Roof?
For homeowners concerned about the environment, a tile roof makes an excellent eco-friendly roofing option.
Since the main ingredient in most Spanish tiles is clay or terra cotta clay, choosing this type of roof means you won’t be using a material that is in danger of depletion. Clay is a regenerating element.
The manufacturing process for most clay tiles doesn’t include using chemicals or other hazardous materials.
Don’t forget about recycling! Recycling Spanish roof tiles is relatively easy. Any salvaged tiles can be repurposed and used for another roof. You can’t do that with most other roofing materials.
Tile Shingles Are Energy Efficient
One of the most significant expenses San Antonio homeowners face is their monthly utility bill. Even though the cost of living is 2% lower than the rest of the U.S., many homeowners and renters in the San Antonio area will pay 20-50% more for electricity this year.
Knowing how to make a home more energy-efficient is one of the easiest ways to save money on utility costs.
During warmer months, air conditioning can drive energy costs up when it’s hot outside, and your AC works harder to keep your home comfortable.
A significant benefit of Spanish tile roofs is that they can help make your home more energy-efficient.
The reason is that tile roofing materials help keep interior temperatures stable. How do they accomplish that?
First, a tile roof doesn’t absorb heat. Instead, it releases heat back into the air. Second, specific tile colors reflect the sun’s rays, which naturally helps keep your home cooler.
Solar reflectance works better with lighter-colored tiles. Dark colors tend to absorb rather than reflect heat from the sun.
Third, tile roofs are not installed the same way as asphalt shingles and other roofing materials.
Rather than overlapping sheets, roof tiles are installed individually. This creates a natural airspace between the tiles and the roof deck, which allows for better ventilation and less heat absorption.
Spanish Roof Tiles Are Designed for Longevity
Another thing to consider when planning a roof installation is longevity. A roof is a significant financial investment, and you want to ensure you choose the roofing materials that will last the longest.
One wins for longevity if you compare the lifespan of asphalt shingles to Spanish roof tiles. Asphalt shingles usually last between 15 and 30 years. Tile roofs may have a service life of up to 150 years.
The Disadvantages of Spanish Roof Shingles
With all the pros associated with Spanish roof shingles, you’re likely wondering if there are any cons to buying this type of roofing material.
There are three primary disadvantages to choosing tile for your roof replacement.
Tile roof shingles are heavy. Your roofing contractor will need to reinforce the roof to support the weight.
Spanish roof shingles are more fragile than some other roofing materials. Walking on a tile roof can cause tiles to crack or break. That’s why you’ll need to ensure your contractor specializes in installing and repairing tile roof systems.
Because of the heavy weight, the need for roof reinforcements, and the specialized labor, tile roofs usually cost a bit more than other roofing options.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Roof Replacement
When planning a roof replacement, you’ll want to evaluate longevity, energy efficiency, sustainability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. Spanish roof shingles win in every one of these categories.
A tile roof may cost more upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run because your roof will last longer, require less maintenance, and help heat and cool your home more efficiently.
Since 2014, WeatherTech Roofing has helped home and business owners in San Antonio with roof installations and repairs. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied customers.
Contact us today and schedule an estimate.
