Asphalt Shingle vs. Tile Roofs.

Asphalt shingles and tile are two of the most familiar sloped roofs in Los Angeles. They look different, weigh very different amounts and come with different paperwork. This page compares them using the makers' own data sheets. We do not sell or recommend either one.

A note on scope: we use concrete tile from Eagle Roofing Products as the tile example because Eagle publishes a full specification sheet. We could not verify a clay tile data sheet, so clay tile numbers are not on this page.

How each one is sold and measured

Roofing is measured in "squares." One square is 100 square feet of roof.

Shingles come in bundles. GAF's Timberline HDZ data sheet lists 3 bundles and 64 pieces per square. Each shingle is about 13 1/4 by 39 3/8 inches, with 5 5/8 inches exposed to the weather. Owens Corning lists 64 Duration COOL shingles per 3 bundles, covering 98.4 square feet.

Concrete tile is counted by the piece. Eagle lists about 88 tiles per 100 square feet for its common profiles, laid with a 3-inch headlap. A typical Eagle tile is 12 3/8 inches wide and 17 inches long.

Weight

This is the biggest practical difference.

Eagle lists the approximate installed weight of its field tile per 100 square feet:

Eagle says the Eaglelite versions are sold in California and the Southwest.

Neither shingle data sheet we checked lists a weight per square. The Cost vs. Value report's model shingle job specifies "min. 235-lb." fiberglass asphalt shingles. Read the data sheet for the exact product on any bid.

Why weight matters: the roof framing has to carry the load. If a home with shingles is being changed to tile, the framing may need to be checked. That is a question for a licensed professional and your building department, not for this guide.

Fire rating

Both shingle data sheets list a Class A fire rating under ASTM E108 / UL 790. GAF lists "UL Listed to ANSI/UL 790 Class A." Owens Corning lists "ASTM E108/UL 790 (Class A Fire Resistance)."

Eagle's specification sheet that we reviewed does not state a fire class. Ask for the fire rating in writing for the exact tile and installation method. Fire rating rules for high hazard areas are covered in Class A roofs and vents.

Wind rating

Both shingle sheets list ASTM D3161 Class F and ASTM D7158 Class H. Those are lab wind tests. They are not the same as a warranty.

The warranty terms are separate:

• GAF says its 15-year WindProven limited wind warranty requires GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation.
• Owens Corning lists a 130-MPH wind resistance limited warranty for Duration COOL.

If a bid mentions a wind warranty, ask which accessories it depends on. Then check that those items appear on the bid.

Impact rating

Owens Corning lists Duration COOL as Class 3 for impact under UL 2218. Its data sheet adds that homeowners should check with their insurer about any discount. GAF's sheet that we reviewed does not list an impact class.

Cool roof options

The California Energy Commission says tile, metal, asphalt and coatings can all meet the state cool roof rules. Shingle makers publish a CRRC rating by color. The GAF HDZ sheet says it is CRRC rated and can be used to comply with Title 24 cool roof rules. The Owens Corning sheet lists a CRRC product ID and reflectance value for each Duration COOL color.

One code detail affects heavy roofs. The 2025 Energy Code exempts roof constructions that weigh at least 25 pounds per square foot from the cool roof values. Eagle's heaviest listed tile is 970 pounds per 100 square feet, or about 9.7 pounds per square foot. So do not assume tile is exempt. See Cool roofs in California for the full rule.

Warranty fine print

Warranty length is not the same as expected life. Read what the warranty covers and what it requires.

• Owens Corning lists a "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for Duration COOL "for as long as you own your home," and a 40-year limited warranty on commercial projects.
• GAF ties its enhanced wind warranty to the use of certain GAF accessory products.

Ask the seller for the full warranty document, not the brochure.

A simple comparison list

When you compare bids for shingle or tile, ask for each of these in writing:

1. The exact product name and color.
2. The fire class and the test standard behind it.
3. The wind test class, and any wind warranty terms.
4. The CRRC product ID, if a cool roof is required.
5. The installed weight, especially for tile.
6. The full warranty document.

Costs for each type are covered in Roof replacement cost factors.

Back to Roof types.

This is general information, not engineering or building code advice. Rules differ by city. Check with your local building department.