Can’t blame you for making the switch. I’ve seen so many folks get worn out by cedar—looks amazing at first, but in places with wild weather swings, it’s just a constant battle. I remember one client who loved their shakes until year three, then it was all ladders and mildew scrubbing. The composites now really do look convincing, especially with the textured finishes. You’re not alone in feeling relieved to have less upkeep—sometimes practicality just wins out.
I’ve managed a few buildings that switched from cedar to composite, and honestly, the difference in maintenance is night and day. With cedar, it’s always something—power washing, sealing, replacing warped shakes. Composite tiles just need a rinse now and then, maybe check for debris after storms. If you’re in an area with big temperature swings or lots of rain, composites really do hold up better over time. Only thing I’d say is, keep an eye on the fasteners and flashing—sometimes installers cut corners there, and that’s where leaks sneak in. Otherwise, you’ll probably be glad you made the change.
I get the appeal of composites for low maintenance, but I do wonder about the environmental side. Most composite tiles are plastic-based, right? I’ve always liked cedar because it’s biodegradable and can be sourced sustainably. Anyone notice composites getting brittle in really cold winters? That’s been my hesitation.
I’ve wondered about the cold weather thing too. I’m in Minnesota, so we get those deep freezes where everything snaps and cracks if you look at it wrong. My neighbor put in composite decking a few years back (not tiles, but similar material) and he did mention it got a bit creaky in January, but nothing actually broke. Still, I’d be nervous about using it for roofing or siding up here unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s rated for subzero temps.
Cedar’s always been my go-to for sheds and fencing—smells great, looks good, and like you said, it just goes back to the earth eventually. Only downside is the upkeep. I swear I spend half my summer re-staining or replacing warped boards. Composite is tempting just for the “set it and forget it” factor, but then there’s that plastic guilt... Hard to win.
Have you looked into any of the newer composites that use recycled materials? Some brands claim they’re more eco-friendly now, but I haven’t dug into how true that is.
I hear you on the Minnesota winters. I’m in northern Wisconsin, so it’s pretty much the same deal—those weeks where it feels like your breath could freeze midair. My folks actually tried composite tiles on their garage roof a couple years back, and honestly, we were all a little skeptical about how they’d hold up once January rolled around. They did get a bit noisier when the temps really dropped (some creaking and popping), but nothing cracked or warped. The manufacturer said they were rated for -40°F, which seemed wild, but so far, so good.
Cedar’s hard to beat for looks and that smell—totally agree there. But yeah, the maintenance is brutal. I remember helping my uncle re-stain his fence every other summer, and it felt like painting the Golden Gate Bridge... by the time you finished one end, it was time to start over again.
About the eco-friendliness of composites: I’ve seen some brands (like Trex and TimberTech) making a big deal about using recycled plastics and wood fibers. There’s definitely some marketing spin in there, but I did dig into it a bit when my parents were deciding. Some of them are made with up to 95% recycled content, which is better than nothing, I guess? Still not as “natural” as cedar, but at least it’s not all virgin plastic.
One thing to watch for is how slippery some composites get when icy—my dad nearly wiped out last winter stepping onto his deck after a snowstorm. Not sure if that’s as much of an issue with roofing tiles since you’re not walking on them, but just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about siding or decking too.
If you do go composite for roofing or siding up here, definitely double-check those cold weather ratings. Some cheaper brands can get brittle in deep cold. The higher-end stuff seems to handle it better, but it’s not cheap.
Kind of feels like no matter what you pick, there’s always a tradeoff—either you’re out there staining boards every summer or feeling weird about plastic overhead. At least with the newer composites, there’s less guilt than there used to be... maybe?