Feeling good about my switch to composite tiles - worth it?
Yeah, the slip factor is real - especially after a good rain. I’ve seen folks try everything from those rubber mats to some wild DIY sand coatings. Still, I’ll take a little slip risk over pulling weeds out of my roof gutters any day. Composite’s not perfect, but it sure beats the green roof jungle.
Yeah, I hear you about the slip factor. After a big storm last year, I went up to check for damage and nearly went skating off the edge - those composite tiles get slick when they’re wet. But honestly, I’ll take that over what happened with my old asphalt roof. Used to have moss growing everywhere, and after every heavy rain, I’d find granules clogging up the gutters. Composite’s not maintenance-free, but at least it doesn’t turn into a science experiment every spring. Just gotta watch your step after a downpour, I guess.
- Totally relate to the moss issue - my old roof looked like a chia pet every spring, and I was always up there scraping it off.
- Composite’s been easier so far, but I do worry about how slick it gets when wet. Haven’t had a close call yet, but I can see how it’d happen.
- Curious if you’ve noticed any difference in your heating/cooling bills since switching? I read composite tiles are supposed to insulate better, but I haven’t really tracked mine closely.
Composite’s been easier so far, but I do worry about how slick it gets when wet. Haven’t had a close call yet, but I can see how it’d happen.
That slickness is real - seen a few folks take a tumble during inspections, so you’re not wrong to be cautious. As for insulation, I’ve noticed a slight drop in my cooling costs after switching, but nothing dramatic. Still, not having to scrape moss every spring is worth a lot in my book.
Can confirm, that slickness is no joke - my neighbor’s dog went sliding right off the porch roof last winter (don’t worry, he landed in a snowbank and was more confused than hurt). I’ve definitely tiptoed up there after a rain and felt like I was auditioning for some kind of slapstick comedy. If you’re worried, those stick-on grip strips help a bit, though they’re not exactly pretty.
On the insulation front, I’m with you: didn’t see my bills nosedive or anything. Maybe a few bucks shaved off in July, but nothing to write home about. Still, I’ll take it over the moss Olympics every spring. My old asphalt shingles were basically a science experiment by April - moss, lichen, you name it. Composite’s way less drama in that department.
One thing I didn’t expect: the noise when it rains is different. Not as loud as metal, but definitely a different “thunk” than what I was used to. Took me a week to stop thinking someone was knocking on the door every time a squirrel ran across.
Price-wise, composite wasn’t cheap up front, but factoring in what I’d spend on cleaning and patching the old roof every year... eh, it evens out over time. Plus, my cousin tried to DIY his own moss removal and ended up with a cracked tile and a bruised ego - sometimes paying for less hassle is worth it.
If you’re on a tight budget like me, just keep an eye out for sales or leftovers from bigger jobs - sometimes contractors have extra boxes they’ll let go for cheap. Not glamorous, but hey, neither is falling off your roof trying to scrub off moss with an old broom.
All in all? Not perfect, but I’m not looking back at asphalt any time soon.