- Composite tiles are definitely less hassle with moss and lichen—totally agree there. I see way fewer “green roofs” on my rounds since folks started switching.
- Slickness is real, especially after rain or snow. I’ve seen more than one homeowner take a slow-motion slide (usually ends with a bruised ego, like your cousin). Those grip strips help, but yeah, not winning any beauty contests.
- Insulation: composite doesn’t do much on its own. If you’re hoping for big energy savings, it really depends on what’s underneath—ventilation and attic insulation matter more than the tile itself.
- Noise: funny you mention the thunk. I had a client call me out because she thought raccoons were breakdancing up there. Turns out it was just acorns hitting the new roof.
- Upfront cost is higher, but less annual maintenance does add up. I’ve seen people regret going cheap on install, though—bad flashing or rushed work can mean leaks no matter what material you use.
- One thing to watch: some composites fade faster in direct sun. Not a huge deal structurally, but worth checking if curb appeal matters to you.
All in all, seems like you made a solid call—just keep an eye on those slippery spots if you’re up there.
I’m with you on the moss and lichen—my old concrete tiles were basically a science experiment every spring. I do wonder about the fading, though. Has anyone noticed if certain brands hold up better in full sun? Also, I was surprised how much louder rain sounds now... not a dealbreaker, just different.
- The moss and lichen are like the uninvited guests at every roof party—good riddance, right?
- Fading’s a mixed bag. I’ve seen some brands (won’t name names, but the ones with “eco” in the title) fade faster in full sun, especially on south-facing slopes. Others hold up better, but it’s never zero fade after a few years.
- That rain noise... yeah, composite tiles can be a bit drumline compared to concrete. Some folks love it, others grab earplugs. I tell people to think of it as “ambiance.”
- One thing I noticed: composite gets less slippery than concrete when wet, which is nice if you ever have to go up there for gutter cleaning or whatever.
- Curious—did you notice any temp difference inside after the switch? Some clients say their attic feels cooler, some say it’s about the same. Wondering if that lines up with your experience.
Moss and lichen—ugh, don’t get me started. I swear my old concrete tiles were like a five-star hotel for every green thing that blows in on the wind. Power washing was basically an annual ritual. Since switching to composite, I’ve barely had to look at the roof, let alone climb up there with a scraper. That alone almost made it worth it.
Fading though… I hear you on that one. My installer hyped up the “advanced UV protection” but after two summers, I can already see a little difference where the sun hits hardest (south side, naturally). It’s not super obvious unless you’re really looking, but I’d be lying if I said it’s zero fade. Maybe better than my neighbor’s older “eco” brand—her roof looks practically tie-dyed at this point—but still, not perfect.
Rain noise is a funny one. First night we had a proper downpour, I actually thought someone left a window open. It’s definitely louder than concrete, but honestly? I kinda like it now. Reminds me of camping as a kid—just less mud and fewer bugs.
As for slipperiness: totally agree. Used to feel like an Olympic event just trying to clear out the gutters on wet concrete tiles. The composites have more grip, which is great because heights are not my thing.
Temperature-wise, I was hoping for more of a difference inside. Maybe our attic is a touch cooler on hot days? Hard to say—could just be wishful thinking or maybe the new insulation we put in at the same time is doing the heavy lifting. Either way, it’s not dramatically different.
If anyone’s thinking about switching: definitely weigh the pros and cons for your climate and how much you hate moss. For me, less maintenance was the big win... even if my roof isn’t quite as Instagram-perfect as day one.
- Maintenance is a huge plus, agreed. Not having to scrub moss every spring is a game changer.
- On fading:
That’s pretty normal, even with UV claims. I’ve seen some brands hold up better than others, but nothing’s immune if you get a lot of sun.“I can already see a little difference where the sun hits hardest (south side, naturally).”
- Rain noise—yeah, it’s louder, but I’m with you. It’s kind of relaxing once you get used to it.
- For anyone hoping for big energy savings, composite alone won’t do much. Insulation is where you’ll see the real difference.
- If you want “Instagram-perfect,” composite isn’t magic, but for less hassle and less moss? Worth it for most folks.
