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.
