If you drive through any neighborhood in Mesa or Phoenix, you will see two distinct types of rooftops: the textured, dimensional look of asphalt shingles and the classic, heavy waves of concrete tile.
For homeowners facing a roof replacement, the choice between these two materials is often the hardest decision to make. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a battle against the Arizona sun. In our climate, where surface temperatures can hit 160°F, your choice of material dictates how cool your home stays and how soon you’ll need to replace the roof again.
At Copper Sky Roofing, we have installed thousands of squares of both materials. Here is our honest, head-to-head comparison to help you decide which material wins for your specific needs.
Contender 1: Asphalt Shingles
The Value Choice
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America for a reason: they are affordable, versatile, and quick to install.1 Modern architectural shingles are far superior to the flat “3-tab” shingles of the past, offering depth and decent wind resistance.2+1
The Pros:
- Lower Upfront Cost: A shingle roof is significantly cheaper to install than tile, often costing 30-50% less.3
- Lightweight: Shingles don’t require the heavy-duty structural trusses that tile does. If you are converting a patio or an older home, shingles are safer for the structure.
- Walkability: It is much easier (and safer) to walk on shingles to clean gutters or hang Christmas lights than on brittle tiles.
The Cons:
- The “Baking” Effect: Asphalt is petroleum-based.4 Over time, the intense Mesa UV rays dry out the oils in the shingle, causing them to become brittle, lose granules, and curl.5+1
- Shorter Lifespan: In Arizona, a good shingle roof typically lasts 20–25 years.
Contender 2: Concrete Tile
The Arizona Heavyweight
Concrete tile is synonymous with the Southwest. It is designed specifically for hot, dry climates and offers a permanence that shingles struggle to match.
The Pros:
- Thermal Mass: Tile is heavy and dense. It takes a long time to heat up, which creates a “thermal lag.” This helps keep your attic cooler during the peak heat of the day compared to asphalt, which transfers heat quickly.
- Ventilation: Tiles are often installed on battens, creating an air gap between the tile and the roof deck.6 This airflow acts as a natural insulator.
- Extreme Durability: A concrete tile roof can easily last 50+ years if the underlayment is maintained.7
The “Gold Standard” of Tile
Not all tile is created equal. For homeowners considering concrete tile, we often recommend Eagle Roofing Products due to their specialized concrete blends designed to withstand thermal cycling. Their range of profiles—from flat slate looks to high-barrel Spanish styles—allows us to match any architectural style while ensuring the material won’t crack under the desert sun.
The Cons:
- Weight: Tile is heavy (up to 1,000 lbs per square). Your home must be engineered to hold it.
- The Underlayment Issue: While the tile lasts forever, the paper underneath does not. You will likely need a “lift-and-lay” (replacing the underlayment) after 20-25 years, which is a significant expense.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Shingles If:
- You are on a stricter budget and need a reliable roof now.
- You plan to sell the home in the next 5–10 years.
- You have a lower-pitch roof or a home not engineered for heavy loads.
Choose Tile If:
- You plan to stay in the home for decades.
- You want maximum energy efficiency to lower AC bills.
- You want the higher curb appeal and resale value associated with “permanent” roofing.
Trust Your Roof to Copper Sky
Whether you choose the cost-effective path of architectural shingles or the long-term investment of concrete tile, the installation matters more than the material. A tile roof with poor flashing will leak just as fast as a cheap shingle roof.
At Copper Sky Roofing, we refuse to cut corners. We use premium synthetic underlayments and galvanized metal flashings on every job, ensuring your new roof—whether tile or shingle—is built to survive the Mesa heat.
Ready to get a quote for both options?
Call us today at +1 480-410-4169 or visit our office on Juanita Ave. We’ll provide a side-by-side estimate so you can make the right financial decision for your family.