Eagle and Boral are both solid picks—can’t really go wrong with either. I’ve seen Eagle hold up well in heavy rain and hail down here in Texas, but Boral’s got some nice profiles too. You nailed it about the underlayment. I’ve switched to synthetic almost exclusively these days, especially for tile installs, just because it handles moisture and heat better than old-school felt. Warranties can be a headache to decipher—some brands get real picky about install details if you ever need to file a claim. If you’re in a hot area, that insulation layer makes a bigger difference than most folks realize. And yeah, structural checks are non-negotiable… lightweight tile still isn’t exactly “light.”
Funny thing about underlayment—I used to be a die-hard felt guy, but after one too many “mystery leaks” during storm season, I finally caved and tried synthetic. Never looked back. It just shrugs off the Texas humidity and those sideways rains we get every spring. Warranties, though... you nailed it. Sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to figure out what’s actually covered if your roof takes a beating.
I’m curious—has anyone had issues with tile color fading in the sun? I’ve seen some Eagle roofs keep their color for years, but I’ve also spotted a few lighter shades looking pretty washed out after a few summers. Maybe it’s just the brutal sun here, but I’m wondering if certain profiles or finishes hold up better than others. Anyone notice a difference between Boral and Eagle on that front?
I get where you’re coming from on the color fade—Texas sun is brutal. But honestly, I think both Eagle and Boral have their ups and downs there. What I’ve noticed is that the “cool roof” tiles (the ones with higher reflectivity) tend to hold their color a bit better, but they’re not always the most exciting shades. Personally, I’ve started leaning toward clay or even recycled composite tiles. They’re pricier up front, but I’ve seen way less fading and they’re a lot more eco-friendly. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but worth a look if you’re tired of washed-out roofs.
That’s exactly why I’ve been dragging my feet on replacing our roof. The color fade out here is no joke—my neighbor’s “charcoal” tiles turned to a weird purple-gray after three summers. I’ve looked at those cool roof tiles too, but honestly, some of the color options remind me of hospital walls... just not inspiring. Clay tiles do look great and seem to hold up better, but the price tag made my wallet cry a little.
I totally get wanting something that lasts and doesn’t end up looking like it’s been through a sandblaster. If you do end up going with the recycled composite route, let us know how it holds up. I’m always tempted by the eco-friendly angle, just haven’t had the guts (or budget) to pull the trigger yet. For now, I’m sticking with what I can afford and hoping for some cloud cover this summer—maybe that’ll buy me another year or two before my roof turns into a faded patchwork quilt.
Color fade’s a real pain, especially in spots with brutal sun. Have you looked into any of the concrete tile options? I’ve seen some that hold up better than asphalt, but I’m not sure they’re much cheaper than clay. Curious if anyone’s had luck with sealants or coatings to slow down fading—does that actually work long-term, or is it just another thing to maintain? Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth paying more upfront for something that’ll look decent longer, or if I’m just throwing money at a losing battle.
