If you keep an eye on things after storms and clear out the gutters now and then, you should be set for quite a while.
That’s been my experience too. I went with composite mainly because I couldn’t stomach the price of cedar anymore, plus the upkeep was just getting old. I will say, though, I had a couple spots where seams looked a bit off after install—turned out to be a quick fix, but worth double-checking before you pay the crew. Moss hasn’t been an issue at all, which is a relief. Just wish I’d switched sooner, honestly.
I had a couple spots where seams looked a bit off after install—turned out to be a quick fix, but worth double-checking before you pay the crew.
Curious—did you notice those seam issues right away, or did they show up after a few weeks? I’ve seen composite installs where expansion or settling made things shift a bit, especially if the crew rushed it. Also, any noise difference compared to cedar when it rains? Some folks mention composites can sound a bit “hollow” but maybe that’s just certain brands.
Interesting point about the seams shifting over time—honestly, I’m a bit concerned about that too. My install is only a month old, so I’m watching for any movement, especially since we’ve had a couple big temperature swings already. On the noise, I haven’t noticed a huge difference from cedar, but maybe my attic insulation helps. Did you do anything special under the tiles to dampen sound, or just standard underlayment?
On the noise, I haven’t noticed a huge difference from cedar, but maybe my attic insulation helps. Did you do anything special under the tiles to dampen sound, or just standard underlayment?
I just went with the standard synthetic underlayment—nothing fancy. My house is a single story and I’ve got blown-in insulation in the attic, so maybe that’s why I don’t hear much difference either. I was worried about rain noise at first, but honestly, it’s been about the same as the old asphalt shingles. Haven’t seen any seam shifting yet, but I’m in a milder climate, so maybe that helps.
I was bracing myself for a thunderous racket the first time it rained after my composite tiles went on, but honestly, it’s been a non-event. I did the usual synthetic underlayment too—nothing special, just what the roofer recommended. My place is a single story with a pretty thick layer of cellulose up top, so maybe that’s soaking up most of the noise.
Funny thing is, my neighbor across the street went with metal and he swears he can’t hear himself think when it pours. We joke about it—he calls his house “the drum kit.” I guess insulation really does make all the difference. Haven’t had any seam issues either, but we don’t get wild temperature swings here. I do wonder if folks in places with big freeze/thaw cycles see more shifting.
If anything, I’d say composite’s been less drama than I expected. Still waiting for that “aha” moment where something goes wrong... but so far, just boring old roof doing its job.