If you own a home in St. George or anywhere in Washington County, your roof is almost certainly tile or asphalt shingle. Both can perform well in the desert, but they age differently under our intense sun. Here is how they compare.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are affordable, quick to install, and easy to repair. The trade-off in Southern Utah is UV exposure: more than 300 days of sun a year dry out and break down shingles faster than in most of the country. Quality architectural shingles with good attic ventilation hold up far better than budget options, so material choice and installation really matter here.
Tile roofing
Tile suits the desert well — it is durable, fire-resistant, and reflects heat. But there is a catch most homeowners miss: the tile itself is not the waterproofing layer. The underlayment beneath the tile does that job, and UV and heat degrade it long before the tile shows any wear. That is why a tile roof that still looks great can suddenly leak, and why “tile roof” work is often really underlayment work.
Which is right for your home?
It depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, your home’s style, and any HOA requirements. Asphalt is the value choice; tile is the long-haul, premium look. The most important factor either way is proper installation and ventilation for our climate.
Mammoth Builders LLC offers free, no-obligation roof inspections across St. George and Washington County. Call (435) 429-2688 to schedule yours.