I get the concern about composites and ice dams, but honestly, I’d take green/vegetative roofs over either tile or metal for harsh winters. The insulation layer helps a ton with freeze-thaw cycles, and you don’t get the same color fade issues. Maintenance is a different beast, sure, but I’ve seen some green roofs up here go 15+ years and still look solid. Just my two cents—might not be for everyone, but worth considering if you’re tired of the usual options.
I actually looked into green roofs when we bought our place last year. The idea of extra insulation was a big selling point, especially since our winters are brutal. Like you said,
—that’s what caught my eye too. I ended up going with a regular shingle roof because the upfront cost and maintenance for green felt overwhelming as a first-timer. Still, I keep seeing those green roofs around town and wondering if I should’ve just gone for it. If you’re handy or don’t mind hiring out the upkeep, it seems like a solid option.“The insulation layer helps a ton with freeze-thaw cycles...”
I hear you on the green roofs—looked into them myself and then saw the price tag and nearly fell off my ladder. They look amazing, but as someone who’s dealt with more than my share of roof leaks and ice dams, I get why you stuck with shingles. Maintenance on those living roofs isn’t just watering a few plants, either… you’re basically running a rooftop garden club. Still, the insulation is tempting. I sometimes wonder if my heating bill would be less if I had a layer of dirt and sedum up there instead of asphalt.
- Totally get the sticker shock on green roofs. They’re not just a one-time install—maintenance is real, especially up north with freeze/thaw cycles.
- Insulation value is legit, but you’re right: leaks and ice dams can be a nightmare if drainage isn’t perfect.
- Asphalt shingles are still the workhorse for a reason. They’re easier to repair, and you know what you’re getting.
- If you’re curious about insulation, sometimes just beefing up attic insulation or improving ventilation gives you more bang for your buck than a green roof layer.
- Seen a few folks try living roofs up here… most end up missing the simplicity of shingles after a few winters.
Tile roofs definitely have a reputation for durability, but up north, they’re a mixed bag. The freeze/thaw cycles can be brutal on clay or concrete tiles—cracks happen if any moisture sneaks underneath. I’ve seen a few tile roofs survive decades, but only when installed by someone who really knew how to handle snow load and ice damming.
That’s been my observation too—shingles just seem to handle the wild temperature swings better. Curious if anyone’s found a tile that actually holds up long-term in serious cold?“Asphalt shingles are still the workhorse for a reason.”
