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...
