Metal roofs are definitely a mixed bag up here. I’ve patched more than a few after hail storms—sounds like you’re inside a drum set when it really comes down. But on the ice dam thing, sometimes it’s less about the roof material and more about insulation and ventilation in the attic. If warm air’s leaking out, even the fanciest metal won’t save you from those gnarly icicles. Tile, though... I’ve seen those crack like potato chips after a couple bad freeze-thaw cycles unless they’re top-notch and installed just right. Personally, I’d rather deal with noise than shell out for tile repairs every spring.
- Seen a lot of what you mentioned:
Tile, though... I’ve seen those crack like potato chips after a couple bad freeze-thaw cycles unless they’re top-notch and installed just right.
- Inspected a place last winter—brand new tile roof, but installer missed some flashing details. By spring, three tiles had split clean in half.
- Up north, it’s not just the cold—it’s the wild temp swings and ice that do most of the damage.
- Honestly, if folks go tile up here, I always tell them to budget for repairs or use only the highest grade material.
- Metal’s noisy, sure, but at least you usually know right away if there’s an issue... tile can hide problems till it leaks.
That’s spot on about the freeze-thaw cycles. I’ve seen even high-end clay tiles pop or split after a rough winter, especially if there’s any tiny gap in the underlayment or flashing. One job sticks out—customer had imported Spanish tile, gorgeous stuff, but the installer didn’t account for ice damming along the eaves. By March, water had worked its way under a few tiles, froze up, and just shattered them. You’d never know until the melt started and water came dripping through the ceiling.
I get why folks love the look, but unless you’re going all-in with top-shelf materials and a crew that really knows cold-weather installs, it’s a gamble up here. Even then, you’re still rolling the dice with our wild temperature swings. Metal’s not perfect—yeah, it’s loud in hail—but at least you can spot dents or seams lifting before it turns into a leak. Tile hides its sins until it’s too late.
If someone’s set on tile, I always push for a solid ice & water shield underneath and double-checking every bit of flashing. Otherwise, you’re just asking for springtime surprises...
Tile hides its sins until it’s too late.
That’s the truth. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on beautiful tile, only to have a single bad winter undo it all. Even with the best underlayment, if the installer misses one detail, you’re in for a mess. I’ve had better luck with green roofs up here—at least you can spot trouble early, and they handle the freeze-thaw surprisingly well. Not for everyone, but worth considering if you’re tired of the springtime drip.
I get why folks love the look of tile, but up here in the north? It’s a gamble. I had a neighbor who went all-in on Spanish tile—looked amazing until the first big freeze, then half of them cracked or popped loose. I’ve stuck with metal for my place. Not as pretty, maybe, but it shrugs off ice and snow like nothing. Tile just seems fussy in this climate... unless you’re really on top of every detail.
