One thing that surprised me: on one house, the composite tiles actually flexed just enough during a hailstorm that they didn’t crack like real slate would’ve.
That flex is exactly why I went composite after my neighbor’s real slate shattered in a freak hailstorm last year. I’ve had two big wind events since, and yeah, some edge chipping and scuffs, but nothing structural. As for fading, I’m in a high-sun area (central TX) and after four years, the darker colors seem to hold up better—my lighter gray is a bit patchy, but honestly, it’s only obvious up close. Tried buffing out scuffs with a soft brush and water, but some marks just don’t budge. Still, I’d take that over cracked slate any day.
- Composite’s flex under hail is a big plus, but I’ve seen some brands get brittle after a decade or so, especially in places with wild temp swings. Have you noticed any brittleness yet, or are yours still pretty pliable?
- Edge chipping and scuffs are common with wind-driven debris. Most of the time it’s cosmetic, but I’ve run into cases where repeated hits in the same spot eventually led to small cracks—usually on older installs. Worth keeping an eye on those areas if you’re getting frequent storms.
- Fading’s a tough one in central TX sun. Darker colors definitely hide it better, but I’ve seen some lighter composites start to look almost chalky after five years. Some manufacturers offer UV-resistant coatings, but they’re hit-or-miss from what I’ve seen.
- Cleaning scuffs—yeah, some marks just become part of the roof’s “character.” I’ve tried diluted dish soap and a soft brush for stubborn spots, but deep scuffs usually don’t budge much without risking more abrasion.
- One thing I’m curious about: have you checked how your attic temps compare since switching to composite? Some folks report the material holds more heat than slate or metal, especially with darker colors. Wondering if you’ve noticed any difference in cooling costs or attic ventilation needs since the swap.
Every roofing material’s a tradeoff...but honestly, cracked slate after every hailstorm would drive me nuts too.