- Gotta agree, insulation makes or breaks it. I’ve been on a few jobs where folks swapped out tiles and were shocked the rain still sounded like a drumline.
- Composite’s cool for hail, but if your attic’s just open space, you’ll still hear the weather.
- Not sure I buy all the hype about “super quiet” tiles… unless you’ve got the layers underneath sorted.
- My uncle did composite over old felt, and honestly, it wasn’t much different till he added some blown-in insulation.
- If your setup’s working, that’s awesome. Just don’t forget about what’s under the hood, ya know?
If your setup’s working, that’s awesome. Just don’t forget about what’s under the hood, ya know?
That’s the part a lot of folks miss, honestly. Composite tiles are a solid upgrade—especially if you’re dealing with hail or want something that’ll last longer than basic asphalt. But yeah, the “drumline” effect is real if there’s not enough between the roof and your living space. I’ve seen people spend a ton on new tiles and then get frustrated when the rain still sounds like it’s coming through a tin can.
If you’re feeling good about your switch, that’s a win in my book. Here’s how I usually break it down for people:
1. **Roofing Material**: Composite is tough and handles weather better than some of the older stuff, but it won’t magically silence everything.
2. **Underlayment**: This is where a lot of noise gets stopped (or not). If you just have old felt, it helps a bit, but synthetic underlayment or even double layers can make a difference.
3. **Insulation**: This is the big one for sound and energy efficiency. Blown-in insulation in the attic does wonders—not just for noise but also for keeping temps steady.
4. **Attic Space**: If it’s just open rafters up there, sound travels right through. Even some basic batt insulation between joists can help.
I’ve inspected homes where people did everything right on top but skipped the attic work, and they were disappointed with noise or even heat loss. On the flip side, I’ve seen older roofs with great insulation underneath that were surprisingly quiet.
One thing I’d add—if you ever notice condensation or weird drafts after your upgrade, check that your attic ventilation wasn’t blocked during install. Sometimes contractors pile up insulation or underlayment and accidentally cover soffit vents.
Anyway, sounds like you’re ahead of the game by thinking about what’s “under the hood.” If you’re happy with how things turned out, that’s what matters most. Just keep an eye (and ear) on things as seasons change—sometimes little tweaks make a big difference down the line.
And yeah, “super quiet” tiles are mostly marketing unless you’ve got all those layers working together... but composite is still a solid choice for durability and looks.
Couldn’t agree more on the attic insulation making or breaking the whole setup. I’ve seen folks drop big bucks on composite, but with barely any insulation and just old felt, they’re still dealing with crazy rain noise and heat swings. One thing I’d add—double-check your flashing after a re-roof. Sometimes leaks sneak in around chimneys or valleys, and it’s easy to miss until the first big storm rolls through. Composite’s tough, but water finds a way if there’s a gap.
That’s spot on about the insulation and flashing. I went with composite tiles last year, mainly for the durability, but honestly, if your attic’s not sorted, you’re just throwing money at the roof. I learned that the hard way—summer heat was brutal until I beefed up the insulation. Also, I’d add: check your soffit vents. Mine were half-blocked with old insulation and it made a bigger difference than I expected once cleared out. Composite’s solid, but you’ve got to get the basics right underneath or you’ll still have issues.
