Would tile roofs survive a harsh winter up north?

Up here (I’m in central ND), I’ve seen tile just not hold up - especially after a couple rough winters. The freeze-thaw is brutal on anything porous.

That’s been my experience too. I looked into tile when I bought my place last year, mostly because I liked the look and figured the extra upfront cost would be worth it. But after talking to a few local contractors, it sounded like the freeze-thaw cycles up here (I’m in northern MN) are just too much for most tile. Even the higher-end stuff can crack or spall after a couple seasons if moisture gets in.

Metal was a tough pill to swallow price-wise, but I haven’t regretted it. Noise during hail is real, but with R49 blown-in insulation in the attic, it’s more of a dull thud than anything disruptive. Maintenance is basically just keeping the gutters clear and checking for loose screws after a windstorm.

I do think tile could work if you’re in a milder climate or have a really steep roof pitch, but up north, it seems like more hassle than it’s worth. I’d rather pay more up front and not have to worry about patching things every spring.

I’ve replaced a few tile roofs up here after just a handful of winters, and it’s usually the same story - water sneaks in, freezes, then you get cracks or whole tiles popping loose. I get the appeal looks-wise, but unless you’re going crazy steep with the pitch or have some magic underlayment, it’s a gamble. Has anyone actually had luck with those newer composite “tile-look” shingles? I’m curious if they hold up better or if it’s just marketing hype.

Has anyone actually had luck with those newer composite “tile-look” shingles? I’m curious if they hold up better or if it’s just marketing hype.

Here’s what I’ve seen: composite tile-look shingles do handle freeze-thaw cycles better than real clay or concrete tiles, mostly because they’re lighter and a bit more flexible. The trick is in the install - proper ice & water shield, solid decking, and making sure the manufacturer’s specs are followed to a T. They’re not totally bulletproof, but I’ve seen fewer issues with cracking or popping compared to traditional tiles. Still, nothing’s going to save you if water gets underneath - flashing and underlayment are just as important as the shingle itself.

I’d echo most of that - composite tile-look shingles are definitely less prone to cracking in harsh winters compared to actual clay or concrete. The lighter weight helps, but I’ve seen some issues with wind uplift if the fasteners aren’t right or if the decking isn’t solid. One thing people miss is that snow and ice dams can still cause trouble if the valleys and flashing aren’t dialed in. Even the best shingle won’t save you from poor prep work. Up here, I’d say they’re a decent option, but not a silver bullet.

I’ve got composite tile-look shingles on my place (northern Minnesota, so we get the full winter experience), and I’d agree they’re a step up from clay or concrete for cold climates. The lighter weight made install way easier, and I didn’t have to beef up the rafters like I would’ve with real tile. But yeah, wind can be a pain - had a couple pieces lift after a nasty storm last year. Turns out the installer missed a few nails near the ridge, so I had to get up there and fix it myself. Not my favorite Saturday.

One thing I learned the hard way: ice dams don’t care what kind of shingle you’ve got. My valleys iced up last January, and water snuck in right above the kitchen. Ended up pulling off some drywall and running fans for a week. Now I’m religious about keeping the gutters clear and making sure the attic insulation is solid. Flashing is another spot where corners get cut - if it’s not sealed up tight, you’ll find out quick.

Honestly, I like the look and the lower maintenance compared to asphalt, but they’re not magic. If you’re not on top of the prep work - especially in the valleys and around chimneys - you’ll still get leaks. And if your decking is sketchy, forget it. The shingles might survive, but your roof deck won’t.

Cost-wise, they were pricier than asphalt but nowhere near real tile. I figure the trade-off is less weight and less worry about cracking, but you still have to babysit them a bit when the weather gets wild. If I had to do it again, I’d probably pay extra attention to the install details and maybe spring for better underlayment. Live and learn, I guess...

Had my first winter with composite shingles in Michigan, and yeah, ice dams are the real boss. I thought I was clever with fancy shingles, but water still found its way into my pantry. Now I’m obsessed with attic vents and a roof rake. Live and learn...

I totally get the ice dam struggle - felt like I was constantly chasing leaks this winter too. Did you notice if your attic insulation was up to par, or was it more of a venting issue? I keep hearing that no matter what shingles you use, if the attic’s not breathing right, water finds a way in. Kinda makes me wonder if tile roofs would actually help, or just bring a new set of headaches in Michigan winters… Have you looked into heat cables at all, or is that overkill?

I’ve managed a few properties with tile roofs up here, and honestly, they’re kind of a mixed bag in Michigan. They look great and handle rain well, but the freeze-thaw cycles can be brutal - tiles crack, and repairs aren’t cheap. I’ve seen more success just making sure the attic’s got solid insulation and proper venting. Heat cables can help in trouble spots, but if you’re relying on them everywhere, something else is probably off. Shingles might not be glamorous, but with good airflow, they hold up better than most folks think.

Heat cables can help in trouble spots, but if you’re relying on them everywhere, something else is probably off.

Couldn’t agree more - if you need heat cables all over, there’s a bigger issue lurking. I’ve replaced a lot of cracked tiles after just a couple winters up here. The freeze-thaw is relentless. If someone’s really set on tile, I always stress: check the underlayment and make sure the roof pitch is steep enough. But honestly, with Michigan winters, architectural shingles plus good attic airflow usually outlast tile and cost way less to fix when things go sideways.

I hear you on the cracked tiles - seen it happen way too often up here. Folks love the look, but man, those freeze-thaw cycles just chew them up. I get why people want tile, but unless you’ve got a super steep pitch and bulletproof underlayment, it’s just asking for trouble in Michigan. Shingles aren’t glamorous, but they’re way less drama when the ice hits. I’d rather swap out a few shingles than deal with shattered tile every spring... just saying.

Had a neighbor try concrete tiles a few years back - looked great at first, but by the second winter, he was up there patching cracks and replacing broken pieces. The snow load and all that freeze-thaw just did a number on them. I get the appeal, but unless you’re ready to invest in serious prep (like heated underlayment and a steep pitch), it’s a headache. I’ve stuck with architectural shingles - less fancy, but they’ve handled Michigan winters way better for me.

The snow load and all that freeze-thaw just did a number on them.

Couldn’t agree more - concrete tiles look sharp, but up here, they’re just not built for the abuse. I’ve seen a few properties try it, and every time, it’s the same story: cracked tiles, ice dams, constant patch jobs. Even with good prep, you’re still fighting physics. Shingles might not have the curb appeal, but they’re way less hassle in the long run. If you’re managing multiple roofs, reliability wins out every time.

- Seen plenty of tile roofs up here, and honestly, most don’t last more than a few tough winters before issues pop up.
- Main culprits: heavy snow weight, ice wedging in cracks, and tiles just not flexing with the temperature swings. Even “winter-rated” products end up chipping or shifting over time.
- I’ve inspected a handful where folks really tried to make it work - heated cables, extra underlayment, reinforced framing... Still ended up replacing a bunch of cracked tiles every spring. Maintenance costs add up fast.
- Shingles aren’t perfect either (wind loves to rip them off on exposed peaks), but at least patching’s straightforward and you can usually get a decade or two out of a good install.
- Metal’s another story - expensive upfront, but if you’re staying put for the long haul, it shrugs off snow and ice better than either tile or shingle. Just noisy in hail and rain, which bugs some people more than others.
- Only exception I’ve seen is old-school clay tile on steep slopes with killer drainage - those seem to hold up if you baby them and keep the valleys clear. But that’s rare around here.
- Not saying tile can’t ever work in cold climates, but unless you’ve got deep pockets for upkeep (or just love the look), shingles or metal are way less headache up north.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen concrete tile do alright if you’re careful with the install and slope.

“Main culprits: heavy snow weight, ice wedging in cracks, and tiles just not flexing with the temperature swings.”

- Gotta agree, slope and install make or break tile up north.
-

“on a steep pitch with solid snow guards and regular clearing, tiles can last longer than folks expect.”

Either way, make sure your underlayment is bombproof. That’s what really saves you when things get weird.

Couldn’t agree more - underlayment’s the unsung hero up here. I’ve seen tile hold up fine on a steep pitch, but if you get a single cracked piece and the underlayment’s not up to snuff, you’re in for a world of hurt come spring melt. Metal’s less fussy, but I get the appeal of tile. Just don’t skip the ice & water shield, and maybe budget for a few replacement tiles every couple years... unless you like surprise leaks in February.

That’s what I’m worried about - how do you even know if your underlayment is “bombproof”? My inspector said ours was fine, but I keep hearing horror stories about ice dams and leaks. Is it worth pulling up a few tiles to double-check, or am I just being paranoid?

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think pulling up tiles just to “double-check” might be overkill unless you’ve got a real reason to suspect something’s wrong. Inspectors aren’t perfect, but if yours actually got up there and poked around, that’s more than a lot of folks get. I’ve been down the rabbit hole reading about ice dams too - scary stuff, but it seems like most of those horror stories come from places with really poor attic insulation or ventilation, not just bad underlayment.

If you start yanking up tiles and something cracks or doesn’t go back right, you could end up with leaks that weren’t even there before. Plus, some warranties get voided if you mess with things yourself. Maybe focus on making sure your attic stays cold (good insulation, proper airflow) and keep an eye out for any signs of water stains inside. Paranoia’s easy when it’s your first winter in a new house - I’m right there with you - but sometimes it’s better to trust the process unless you see actual red flags.

- Tile roofs can totally handle harsh winters, but a lot depends on the install and what’s underneath.
- Key things: solid underlayment, good slope for drainage, and making sure there’s no spot where water can sneak in and freeze.
- I get the urge to double-check everything (been there), but yeah, pulling up tiles is risky unless you see something weird - cracked tiles, shifting, or leaks inside.
- Insulation and airflow in the attic are huge. If your attic stays cold, you’re way less likely to get ice dams.
- I’ve seen tile roofs in snowy spots hold up for decades, but the ones that fail usually had shortcuts taken during install or bad attic setups.
- If you’re worried, maybe just keep an eye out after big storms or thaws. Look for drips or stains inside before going nuclear on the roof itself.
- And yeah, warranties can be super picky about DIY stuff... learned that the hard way with my last place.
- If you ever do need repairs, try to find someone who’s worked with tile in cold climates - it’s a different beast than asphalt or metal.

I’ve seen tile roofs hold up in rough winters, but I’m always a little skeptical unless I know what’s under them. The underlayment is a big deal, but so is the way the flashing’s done - one bad spot and you’re dealing with freeze/thaw damage real fast. I had a neighbor who skipped proper attic venting and ended up with ice dams that trashed his sheathing, even though the tiles looked fine from the outside. Personally, I’d rather spend extra time checking attic airflow than start pulling up tiles unless there’s an obvious issue. Warranties are a headache if you do anything yourself, too... learned that lesson the hard way.