Metal’s noisy, but you get used to it—kind of like white noise during storms. I went composite a few years back and haven’t had any leaks, but yeah, the color faded faster than I hoped. Sun here is no joke. If I did it again, I might go metal too… just wish it looked a little less “barn.”
Metal’s noisy, but you get used to it—kind of like white noise during storms. I went composite a few years back and haven’t had any leaks, but yeah, the color faded faster than I hoped. Sun here is no joke. If I did it again, I might go metal too… just wish it looked a little less “barn.”
That “barn” look with metal cracks me up because my neighbor’s house legit looks like a tractor should be parked out front now. He swears by it though—says he sleeps better in the rain because of that drumming sound. I dunno, maybe if you grew up with it? I’m still on old asphalt shingles (pushing 17 years), and every time we get one of those sideways rainstorms, I’m up in the attic with a flashlight making sure nothing’s coming through.
I’ve been eyeing composite for the same reason—no leaks, lighter than tile, and supposedly less maintenance. But hearing about the color fading is kind of a bummer. We get brutal sun here too (Arizona), so I’d probably end up with a weird patchy roof after a couple summers. Did you pick a lighter color or something dark? I heard some brands are better about UV resistance, but then again, marketing always sounds great until you see what actually happens after five years.
Funny thing, my cousin did composite tiles on his place in California and they still look pretty sharp after six years, but he’s got more fog than sun most months. Maybe climate makes all the difference?
If you had to choose again, would you just live with the faded color or try painting/sealing it? I’ve seen folks try those roof coatings but not sure if it’s worth the hassle or just ends up peeling off anyway.
I keep flip-flopping between wanting something that’ll last forever and not wanting my house to look like an industrial shed. Maybe someday someone will invent a roof that stays pretty and never leaks... until then, guess we just pick our battles.
Yeah, that “barn” vibe is hard to shake with metal, but at least it’s tough. With composite, color fading in the sun’s just reality out here—no way around it, really. I’d still rather have a faded but watertight roof than mess with leaks every monsoon season. I’ve seen coatings peel after a couple years, so unless you’re super picky about looks, it’s probably not worth the hassle. I say if your shingles are holding up, ride it out, but composite’s still a solid step up from asphalt in the long run.
I’d still rather have a faded but watertight roof than mess with leaks every monsoon season.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve inspected plenty of roofs where folks went for looks over function, and it always comes back to bite them when the weather turns. Composite does fade, but I’ve seen some 15-year-old installs still holding up tight—no leaks, just a little sun-bleaching. Honestly, I’d take that over patching asphalt after every big storm. If you’re not chasing curb appeal, composite’s a smart move.
I hear you on the faded-but-dry roof. I manage a few older buildings here in the southwest, and honestly, the composite tiles have been a lifesaver during monsoon season. We had one property with traditional asphalt shingles—looked sharp for about five years, then started curling and letting water in around the vents. Swapped to composite, and even after a decade, it’s just some color fading, no leaks or soft spots.
One thing I’ve noticed is composite seems to handle hail better too—less cracking compared to clay or concrete. Only downside I’ve run into is the initial install cost was higher than asphalt, but long-term, way fewer headaches (and calls from tenants about drips in their kitchens). Curious if anyone’s had issues with composite tiles getting brittle over time? Haven’t seen it myself yet, but I’ve heard stories from folks up north where it gets colder.