Did you notice any difference in noise during heavy rain? Some folks say composites are a bit quieter than asphalt, but I can’t always tell.
Honestly, I was hoping for a dramatic difference, but my wallet noticed more of a change than my ears did. Maybe it’s just the way my attic’s insulated, but heavy rain still sounds like someone’s dumping marbles up there. I will say, though, the wind doesn’t seem to rattle things as much as it used to with the old asphalt shingles. That’s a win in my book.
Humidity’s been a pain for me too—my underlayment started curling at the edges after a couple of muggy summers. I went with a synthetic this time around, hoping it’ll hold up better. Anyone else have issues with that, or is it just my luck?
Also, curious if anyone’s seen a difference in their cooling bills after switching to composite. I read somewhere they reflect heat better, but I’m not sure if that’s marketing or reality.
heavy rain still sounds like someone’s dumping marbles up there
Interesting—my experience was the opposite. I actually noticed a drop in rain noise after switching to composite, but my attic has a thick layer of cellulose insulation, so maybe that’s the difference. As for cooling bills, I didn’t see much change. The “reflects heat better” claim feels a bit overhyped, unless you’re using the lighter colors. My synthetic underlayment’s holding up fine so far, but I’m in a drier climate—humidity might be the culprit in your case.
I actually noticed a drop in rain noise after switching to composite, but my attic has a thick layer of cellulose insulation, so maybe that’s the difference.
That insulation layer definitely makes a difference. I had a client with almost no attic insulation and the composite tiles alone didn’t cut much noise—sounded like a hailstorm every time. Did you notice any issues with wind-driven rain getting under the tiles? That’s been a bigger headache for me than noise, especially after a couple big storms last year.
Did you notice any issues with wind-driven rain getting under the tiles?
I’ve run into that with composite, especially on lower slopes. The underlayment is doing most of the work when the wind really picks up. Flashing details matter a lot—any missed spot and water finds a way. After last spring’s storms, I had to re-seal a couple valleys where water snuck in. No major damage, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re in a windy area.
That’s a common headache with composites, especially if the pitch isn’t steep. I’ve seen a lot of wind-driven rain sneak in at valleys or around chimneys where flashing wasn’t perfect. Good underlayment helps, but yeah—details really matter in those spots.