Standard concrete tiles are among the sturdiest roofing systems, resisting hail better than almost anything else; consequently, they are very heavy - so heavy that a structure generally has to be designed with concrete tile roofing in mind to bear the weight. In some areas, the insurance savings incurred are well worth the extra building costs.

Lightweight concrete tiles offer the benefits of concrete without the massive load, weighing just about half as much as standard concrete. For this reason, lightweight concrete roofing can often be used on pre-existing structures which would otherwise literally collapse under the weight. Lightweight concrete tiles are more expensive than standard ones.

Clay tile roofing is typically found on older homes, with many decades-old structures still carrying the original tile roof. Clay is better looking, more impact resistent, and lighter weight than concrete, but also costs much more than other types of tile roofing. It is generally not a popular choice for new installations due to this expense factor.

Tile roofing is a good choice for those who seek a truly unique look, or in situations where hail resistance is a paramount consideration.