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

Step 1: Move in and stare at your new composite roof, feeling fancy. Step 2: Realize you have no idea how to fix anything up there without YouTube and a prayer. Step 3: Panic slightly when a branch falls, then remember the warranty actually covers stuff. Not being able to just slap a shingle on is weird, but I’ll take that over the annual “find the leak” game I played at my old place.

That “find the leak” game is the worst, especially after a big storm. Composite tiles are a solid upgrade - less patching, less stress, and yeah, that warranty is a lifesaver when random branches decide to drop in. I get missing the DIY fix-it vibe, but honestly, not having to climb up there every year is worth it. Plus, composite’s way better for the environment than old asphalt shingles. I switched last year and haven’t looked back... except maybe to admire how much cooler my roof looks now.

- Composite tiles are a big step up from asphalt - less cracking, better resistance to weather, and most brands have a 30-50 year warranty.
- I’ve seen a lot fewer call-backs for leaks or loose tiles with composite, especially after wind storms.
- Only thing I’d watch out for: some composites can get slick when wet, so if you do end up on the roof, tread carefully.
- Not every installer gets the flashing right on the first go - double check those valleys and around chimneys.
- Overall, way less maintenance and the curb appeal’s legit. You probably won’t miss patching old shingles in January...

I get the hype around composite tiles, but I’m still a little on the fence. They definitely look sharp and I’ve seen fewer issues with wind, but I’ve also noticed some brands fade faster than you’d expect - especially on south-facing slopes. And yeah, that “slick when wet” thing is no joke... nearly ate it last fall checking a vent. Maintenance is easier, sure, but if the flashing’s off even a bit, you’re still in for headaches. Guess it beats patching brittle shingles in freezing rain, though.

That slick surface is no joke - I’ve had a couple close calls myself, especially after a rain. I do like how composite tiles hold up in wind, but I’ve noticed the fading too, mostly on the south side of a few buildings I manage. Anyone else run into issues with moss or algae on these? I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so that’s always a battle. Curious if composite is any better than asphalt in that department...

Curious if composite is any better than asphalt in that department...

In my experience, composite tiles don’t seem much better than asphalt when it comes to moss and algae, especially here in the PNW. The surface texture might slow it down a bit, but I still end up cleaning the north-facing sections every year or two. I’ve noticed the fading too - UV exposure on the south side is rough, regardless of material. At least composites don’t curl up like old asphalt shingles, but maintenance is still a thing.

The surface texture might slow it down a bit, but I still end up cleaning the north-facing sections every year or two.

Funny thing, I’ve actually seen less moss on composite than on older asphalt - at least on some of the newer installs I’ve checked out. Not saying it’s night and day, but the ones with smoother finishes seem to pick up less debris, which helps a bit with moss. Now, if there’s a lot of tree cover or you’ve got those classic PNW drizzly winters, you’re still fighting an uphill battle either way.

But one thing I do notice: composites hold up better against the wind. I’ve lost count of how many asphalt shingles I’ve seen torn off after a storm, especially on older roofs. Composite tiles usually stay put. And yeah, they don’t curl like asphalt, which is a big deal for resale value down the line.

Still, you’re right about the UV fading - nothing really escapes that. I guess it comes down to what bugs you more: the look of faded tiles, or dealing with loose or curling shingles every few years. For me, the tradeoff’s been worth it so far.

composites hold up better against the wind. I’ve lost count of how many asphalt shingles I’ve seen torn off after a storm, especially on older roofs.

That’s been my experience too. After last winter’s windstorm, my neighbor had half his asphalt shingles flapping around while my composite roof didn’t budge. I do get some fading, but honestly, I’d rather deal with that than patching up blown-off shingles every couple years. Moss is still a pain on the shady side, but at least it doesn’t seem to dig in as much as it did on my old roof. For me, the lower maintenance has made the switch worth it - even if it’s not perfect.

- I get why composites are popular, but I’ve seen a few issues pop up too.
- In my area (lots of pine trees, wet winters), composite tiles seem to get slick with algae faster than asphalt. Not sure if it’s just the brand or what, but my uncle’s place needed cleaning every spring.
- Also, the fading you mentioned - some of the older composite roofs around here look pretty patchy after a few years. Doesn’t bother everyone, but it’s noticeable.
- Cost was a big factor for me. Composites were almost double what basic asphalt ran, and insurance didn’t care either way.
- On the flip side, yeah, less shingle blow-off in storms. But when composites do crack (hail or falling branches), they’re not as easy to patch as asphalt strips.
- Guess it depends on what bugs you more - maintenance or upfront cost. For me, I’m still on the fence... might try metal next time just to see how it holds up.

- You’re not alone - seen the algae thing too, especially under trees.
- Fading’s hit or miss, depends on the brand and sun exposure.
- Upfront cost stings, but less storm damage is a real plus.
- Metal’s tempting, but noisy in rain (at least on my neighbor’s place).
- Honestly, every roof’s a trade-off... sounds like you’re weighing it all out pretty well.

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.

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?

That’s exactly what I keep asking myself. We switched a couple of our rental properties to composite last year and I’ve noticed the same thing - super slick when there’s frost or even just heavy dew. Does anyone actually get used to that, or is it just something you have to warn every contractor about? I’m also curious if the creaking gets worse as the roof ages or if it settles down after a few seasons. The noise isn’t ideal, but at least I’m not chasing shingles down the street anymore... trade-offs, I guess.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with the slickness - especially first thing in the morning when there’s any moisture. I’ve been up on a few composite roofs after a storm and honestly, it never really “roughs up” much, even after a couple years. Maybe a tiny bit less slippery, but not enough to make me comfortable walking around up there without serious caution. As for the creaking, in my experience it actually got a bit quieter after the first winter, but it still pops and groans more than asphalt ever did. Still, like you said, not having to pick up shingles from the neighbor’s yard is a win in my book.

That creaking is wild, right? I kept thinking a raccoon was up there the first few nights after install. But yeah, not chasing shingles down the street every time the wind picks up is a huge upgrade. I’ll take a little slipperiness over that hassle any day.

I get the appeal - no more chasing shingles down the block every time the wind howls. But does anyone else worry about that slipperiness in winter? I swapped to composite a couple years back and, man, the snow just slides right off... sometimes right onto my walkway. Nearly took out my mailman last January. I do miss the old asphalt for that reason, even if it meant patching after every storm. Anyone found a good way to deal with that ice sheet effect?

Yeah, that’s the one thing I didn’t think about when I switched to composite - snow just rockets off the roof now. I’ve had a couple “mini avalanches” that scared the heck out of me. I ended up putting those little snow guards along the edge above my walkway. Not the prettiest, but they break up the snow before it dumps all at once. Still beats patching up torn shingles every spring, though...