Would tile roofs survive a harsh winter up north?

- Totally agree on the underlayment - skimping there is just asking for trouble, especially with all the freeze-thaw we get up north.
- Ice dams are a pain no matter what, but tile does seem to take it harder. I’ve seen some folks use heated cables along the eaves, but that’s not always a perfect fix.
- Metal’s definitely easier in this climate, but I get the appeal of tile. If you’re willing to keep up with repairs and have a solid installer, it can work.
- Curious - did you notice any difference between clay and concrete tiles after those rough winters? I’ve heard concrete holds up a bit better, but haven’t seen enough side-by-side to say for sure.
- Either way, hats off for keeping tile going in Maine...not something you see every day.

Tile in Maine is gutsy, I’ll give you that. Most folks around here don’t even consider it, just because of the headaches with freeze-thaw and all the snow load. But if you’re on top of maintenance and have a good installer, it’s not impossible. I’ve seen a couple tile roofs hold up surprisingly well, but they definitely needed more TLC than metal or even asphalt.

Underlayment’s huge, like you said. I’ve torn off roofs where the underlayment was basically mush after a few bad winters - water just finds its way in with all the ice damming. I’m a big fan of the newer synthetic stuff, but even then, you can’t cheap out. And yeah, heated cables are kind of a band-aid... they help, but if your insulation and ventilation aren’t dialed in, you’re still gonna get ice dams.

Between clay and concrete, I’ve noticed concrete seems to take the abuse a bit better - less cracking and spalling after a rough winter. Clay looks great but it’s just more brittle, especially when you get those wild temp swings. Still, both types can get trashed if water sneaks underneath and freezes. I’ve seen some folks try to seal the tiles every couple years, but that’s a lot of work for most homeowners.

Honestly, metal’s just easier up here. But I get wanting that tile look - there’s nothing else like it. If you’re willing to keep up with repairs and don’t mind the extra cost, more power to you. Just gotta go in with your eyes open about the upkeep. Hats off for making it work in this climate... not many can say that.

I get the appeal of tile, but honestly, I just can’t justify the cost or the hassle for our winters. I had a neighbor try concrete tile a few years back - looked amazing at first, but after two rough seasons, he was patching cracks and chasing leaks nonstop. I’m curious if anyone’s actually run the numbers on long-term costs? Metal might be pricier up front, but I feel like it pays off in fewer headaches.

I’ve run into similar issues with tile in cold climates - freeze/thaw cycles just seem brutal on anything porous. I did a cost comparison a couple years back when we were re-roofing: metal was about 30% more up front, but the maintenance on tile (especially repairs after ice storms) added up fast. Has anyone factored in insurance premiums or resale value with these materials? Sometimes the numbers shift when you look at the bigger picture.

Funny you mention insurance - when I was inspecting a place last winter, the owner told me their premiums actually dropped a bit after switching from tile to metal. Apparently, the insurer flagged the old tile as a higher risk for ice damming and breakage. Not sure if that’s standard everywhere, but it made me wonder how much those little details add up over time. Has anyone noticed if appraisers or realtors in your area give a bump for metal versus tile? I’ve seen mixed opinions around here...