Snow guards definitely help, but I’ve seen them fail if they’re not installed right or if the snow load gets crazy heavy. Midwest freeze-thaw cycles are brutal—clay tiles just don’t love that kind of abuse, even the high-end ones. Composite tiles are interesting, but like you said, they’re expensive and still need upkeep. Metal’s got its own quirks (noise in hail, denting), but at least you can usually patch it without a full tear-off. Every roof type seems to have its trade-offs around here...
Every roof type seems to have its trade-offs around here...
That line sums it up for me. I moved into my first house last year, and the roof is clay tile—looked gorgeous when we bought it, but I had no clue what I was in for once winter hit. We got that classic Midwest ice storm in February, and I swear half the neighborhood was outside with roof rakes, trying to keep the snow from piling up too much. I learned real quick that those tiles can crack if you’re not careful, especially when the temps swing up and down every other day.
I actually had one tile slip off after a crazy freeze-thaw week. It didn’t shatter, but it chipped enough that I had to call someone out. The roofer told me clay’s beautiful but “not really built for this kind of abuse,” which lines up with what you said. He also mentioned that some folks around here are switching to composite or metal, but the price tags are pretty wild. I looked into composite for a hot second, but the quote made my jaw drop. Plus, I kept hearing about how you still have to go up there and check for moss or clean out debris, so it’s not like you get to ignore it.
Metal’s tempting because of the durability, but I stayed at a friend’s place during a hailstorm and it sounded like someone was drumming on the ceiling all night. Not sure I could sleep through that, honestly. The patching thing is a good point though—my neighbor had a tree branch dent his metal roof and it was a pretty quick fix compared to what I went through with the tile.
If I had to do it over, I might go asphalt just for the peace of mind and lower cost, even if it doesn’t last as long. But then again, I do love how the clay looks when the sun hits it after a snow. Guess I’ll just keep my fingers crossed and hope for mild winters...
If I had to do it over, I might go asphalt just for the peace of mind and lower cost, even if it doesn’t last as long.
I get where you’re coming from. Clay looks great, but in climates with wild freeze-thaw cycles, it’s more of a headache than most folks expect. I’ve managed a few properties with clay tile—maintenance is constant, especially after rough winters. Asphalt isn’t glamorous, but you’re right about the peace of mind. It’s easier to repair, and replacements don’t break the bank. Metal’s solid for durability, but I’ve had tenants complain about noise during storms. Every option’s got its drawbacks, but honestly, in the Midwest, I’d lean asphalt unless you’re set on the aesthetics.
Metal’s solid for durability, but I’ve had tenants complain about noise during storms.
That’s been my experience too—metal roofs are tough, but the noise can be a dealbreaker, especially with heavy rain or hail. I went with asphalt on my last place after dealing with cracked clay tiles one winter. The tiles looked great until the third freeze-thaw cycle... then it was just nonstop patching. Asphalt might not win any beauty contests, but it sure is less stressful when storms roll through.
Clay tiles look amazing, but man, they’re just not built for the kind of winters we get here. I had them on a place years back—looked like something out of a magazine until the first real cold snap. After that, it was like playing whack-a-mole with cracked tiles every spring. The repair bills started adding up fast.
Switched to asphalt shingles after that headache. Not as pretty, but way less drama when the weather turns ugly. I do miss the curb appeal sometimes, but honestly, I’d rather not be up on a ladder every other month trying to fix something. Metal was tempting too, but my neighbor’s roof sounds like a drumline during storms... not sure I could sleep through that.
Guess it comes down to what you can live with—looks or low maintenance. For me, I’ll take boring and reliable over fancy and fragile any day.
