Feeling good about my switch to composite tiles - worth it?

Had a place with composite tiles a few years back - honestly, the algae was way less of a headache than with asphalt. Still had to clean under the big oak, but it didn’t stain as bad. Upfront cost hurt, but repairs were rare. Noise-wise, way quieter than metal during storms, which my tenants appreciated. Every roof’s got its quirks, but composite’s been solid for me.

- Composite’s solid, yeah, but I’ve seen them get brittle after a few harsh winters (I’m up north, so maybe that’s part of it). Had to swap out a handful last spring - wasn’t hard, but still a hassle.
- Algae’s not as bad as with asphalt, true, but I actually found moss was more stubborn on composite around shaded spots. Power washing helped, but you gotta be careful not to damage the surface.
- Upfront cost is a big one. I’ve had folks go with high-end asphalt just because the budget wouldn’t stretch, even if it means more frequent patching down the road.
- On noise - totally agree. Metal roofs are brutal in hail. Composite’s way better for that.
- Only thing I’d add: if you ever need to walk on the roof for repairs or gutters, composite can be a bit slick when wet. Had a close call myself.

Not knocking it, just feels like every roof type throws you curveballs... depends on what you’re willing to deal with.

I get the concerns about composite getting brittle up north, but honestly, I’ve had more issues with asphalt curling and cracking after a few rough winters here in Michigan. Composite’s held up better for me, even if it does get a little slick. I guess it’s always a trade-off - no perfect option, just what annoys you less.

Funny thing, I’ve seen composite take a beating up here in the UP and still look halfway decent, while the neighbor’s asphalt started curling like potato chips after three seasons. The slickness is real, though - nearly did the splits last February checking out an ice dam. At the end of the day, it’s just picking your poison. Composite might creak a bit in the cold, but at least it isn’t flaking off in my gutters.

That creaking in the cold is so weird, right? I swear, the first time I heard it I thought something was about to crash through my ceiling. But honestly, I’ll take a little noise over picking up shingle bits out of the flower beds every spring. My old asphalt roof looked like it had gone ten rounds with a snowblower after just a few winters.

I do wonder if the slickness ever gets better, though. Like, does it “rough up” at all over time, or is it always going to be like walking on a hockey rink in February? Either way, I’m with you - curling shingles are just sad to look at and even sadder to pay someone to replace.

It’s definitely a “choose your headache” situation. At least with composite, I feel like I’m not going to wake up one morning and see half my roof in the neighbor’s yard.