I’ve seen folks get clay tiles thinking they’ll last forever, but after a couple of Texas hailstorms, they were calling me out for cracked tiles all over. They do look sharp, though. Has anyone tried those newer composite tiles that mimic clay? Wondering if they hold up better in rough weather.
I’ve been eyeing those composite tiles too, mostly because I’m tired of seeing busted clay after every hailstorm. Here’s what I’ve learned poking around: composites are usually made from recycled plastics and rubber, so they flex a bit more than real clay. That means less cracking, at least in theory. But… I’ve heard some brands fade faster in the sun, especially down here where it’s brutal half the year. If you’re thinking green, composites are often made from recycled stuff, which is a plus in my book. Just make sure to check the warranty—some are way better than others.
But… I’ve heard some brands fade faster in the sun, especially down here where it’s brutal half the year.
That’s what’s got me second-guessing composites, honestly. Our summers basically cook anything up there. Anyone actually seen a faded composite roof up close? I keep wondering if it ends up looking patchy or just kinda dull. I’m tempted by metal, but my neighbor’s sounds like a drumline every time it rains... not sure I’m ready for that kind of concert.
I’ve seen a couple composite roofs around here (central TX) that looked pretty rough after maybe 8-10 years. Not totally patchy, but definitely faded and just kind of… tired? The color was way less vibrant, especially on the south-facing sides. I think it depends a lot on the brand and color you pick—darker shades seem to show it more.
Metal’s tempting for the longevity, but yeah, the noise is real. My cousin has one and says it’s not bad unless there’s hail or a big downpour, but I guess it depends on how it’s installed and if there’s insulation underneath. Personally, I’m leaning toward clay tile if I can swing the cost. They’re heavy, but they hold up to the sun and don’t really fade much. Only downside is the price and making sure your house can handle the weight.
If you’re worried about fading, maybe check out some of the higher-end composites or even concrete tiles? They’re not as noisy as metal and seem to last longer than asphalt. Just my two cents from sweating through a few Texas summers...
- You’re spot on about composite shingles fading fast in the Texas sun. South-facing slopes always take the worst beating—UV just eats up those darker colors.
- Clay tile’s a solid pick for longevity and fade resistance. Heavy, yeah, but if your structure can handle it, you’re looking at decades of low maintenance. Just watch out for hail—clay can crack if you get a real bad storm.
- Metal roofs are quieter than folks expect if there’s decent insulation and decking underneath. Still, hail can dent them, and repairs aren’t always cheap.
- Concrete tiles are a good middle ground. They’re not as heavy as clay but still hold up well to heat and sun. Fading’s less of an issue, and they shrug off most storms unless you get baseball-sized hail.
- Price is always the kicker, though. I’ve seen people regret going cheap on roofing materials here—replacing a faded or damaged roof after 8 years is way more expensive in the long run.
You’ve got the right idea thinking about both durability and how it’ll look after a few brutal summers. It’s not just about what survives, but what still looks good doing it...
