one cracked tile and suddenly you’re playing roof Tetris trying to swap it out.
That's a good way to put it—tile repairs can definitely be fiddly, especially if the original tiles aren't made anymore. I’ve seen folks go with clay or concrete for the look and cooling benefits, but if you’re in a spot that gets hail, metal really does hold up better. As for the rain noise, adding a layer of rigid insulation or even just a denser underlayment can help, but it’s tough to get it totally silent. Every system has its quirks, honestly.
- Clay tiles do look great, but I’ve had headaches trying to source replacements for older roofs. Sometimes you end up with a patchwork if the color’s faded or the style’s changed.
- Metal’s definitely more forgiving with hail and wind. Had a property last year where we swapped out clay for standing seam metal after a big storm—noise was an issue at first, but adding a thicker underlayment made a noticeable difference.
- Concrete tiles are heavy, so keep in mind the extra load if your framing’s not built for it. One building here needed extra reinforcement, which added to the cost.
- Maintenance-wise, I’ve found moss and algae love clay and concrete more than metal. Power washing helps but it’s another thing to factor in.
- Curious if anyone’s tried those new composite tiles? They claim to look like clay but handle impact better... haven’t managed to test them out yet.
I’ve been watching the composite tile trend too, and honestly, I’m pretty intrigued. They say it’s more sustainable and lighter than concrete, but I haven’t seen any long-term data yet. The idea of getting the look of clay without the weight or the moss problem is tempting—especially in wetter climates where algae just takes over.
That said, I do think there’s something to be said for going even greener. Has anyone looked into living roofs or solar tiles? I know they’re not for everyone, but I’ve seen some impressive installs lately that combine insulation benefits with stormwater management. Maintenance is a different beast, sure, but it feels like a step forward compared to just swapping out one traditional material for another.
Curious if anyone’s had experience with those options, especially in areas with heavy rain or snow. Do they hold up as well as the manufacturers claim, or is it more hassle than it’s worth?
I’ve looked at solar tiles, but the sticker shock nearly knocked me off my ladder. I get the appeal—free energy, insulation, and you look like you’re living in the future. But when I priced it out for my 1,400 sq ft roof, it was way over budget compared to composite or even metal. Plus, I’m in the Midwest where snow piles up, so I’m not sure how well those panels handle ice dams or heavy drifts. Has anyone actually seen how solar tiles hold up after a few winters? Or do they just end up being a fancy way to shovel snow?
I’ve only seen solar tiles up close once, and that was after a pretty mild winter, so not much to judge by. My uncle’s in Minnesota and he said the snow tends to slide off them easier than regular shingles, but ice dams are still a pain. He had to get special heating cables just like with his old roof. Honestly, for the price, I’d probably stick with metal or composite too unless the tech gets cheaper.
