Noise during storms is one of those things that really depends on the house and install, honestly. I’ve seen composite roofs that are super quiet, but I’ve also had a couple customers say they still hear a bit of “pinging” in heavy rain—though nowhere near what you get with metal. If you’ve got decent attic insulation, that helps a ton. Some of the older homes around here (I’m in the Midwest) with minimal insulation still get some noise, but it’s usually pretty muted compared to metal or even some thinner asphalt shingles.
Upfront cost is definitely the main thing folks hesitate about. I get it—composite isn’t cheap, especially if you’re looking at the higher-end stuff that mimics slate or shake. But when you factor in not having to replace cracked tiles or deal with moss every couple years, it starts to make sense over time. I’ve had a few clients who were skeptical at first, but after a few years of basically zero maintenance, they’re sold.
The recycling issue bugs me too. Some brands are starting to offer take-back programs, but it’s hit or miss depending on where you live. Would be nice if more cities made it easier to recycle old composite tiles instead of just sending them to landfill.
Brand-wise, I’ve worked with DaVinci and Brava quite a bit lately. Both have options that look almost identical to natural slate—had one homeowner’s neighbor ask if they’d spent a fortune on real stone! The newer stuff holds color better too; fading used to be a big complaint but seems like they’ve mostly solved that.
One thing I’d watch for: installation matters more than people think. Composite’s lighter than concrete or clay, so sometimes folks try to cut corners on underlayment or fasteners. That’s where leaks sneak in down the road. If you’re not sure about your installer, double-check their references and make sure they’ve done composite before.
All in all, I think you made a solid call switching over—especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while. Maintenance is way less of a headache, and the curb appeal is hard to beat these days.
I’m with you on the noise—my old metal roof sounded like a drumline every time it rained, so composite has been a huge upgrade for my sanity. I did notice a little “ping” during one hailstorm, but nothing compared to before. Upfront cost stung a bit, but honestly, not having to climb up there every spring to scrape off moss is worth it. I do wish recycling was easier though... feels weird tossing old tiles in the trash. Installation is key, for sure—my neighbor tried to DIY and ended up with leaks around the chimney. No regrets here so far.
That’s reassuring to hear, especially about the noise—rain on my current roof is almost impossible to sleep through. Did you notice any difference in insulation or energy bills after switching? I’m weighing composite but keep wondering if it’ll help with drafts too. The recycling thing bugs me as well... seems like there should be a better system by now.
I totally get what you mean about the noise—my old asphalt shingles made every rainstorm sound like a drumline. After switching to composite, it’s noticeably quieter, especially at night. As for insulation, I did see a slight drop in my heating bill last winter, but honestly, most of the draft issues were from old attic vents and not the roof itself. If drafts are a big concern, you might want to check your attic insulation and seals too. The recycling thing bugs me as well... it’s weird how there’s still no easy way to handle old roofing materials.
I hear you on the noise—my neighbor switched to composite last year and now he barely notices hail, while my old metal roof still sounds like a popcorn machine every time it rains. I’m a bit skeptical about the insulation claims though. In my experience, unless you’re fixing up the attic and sealing everything tight, the roof material itself doesn’t make a huge difference for drafts. The recycling issue is a pain too… I had to haul off a bunch of old shingles myself and the dump barely knew what to do with them. Feels like there should be a better system by now.
