Has anyone tried those new composite shingles? Supposedly they last longer than asphalt and aren’t as noisy as metal.
I looked into composite when I had to replace my roof after a nasty storm. The warranty sounded solid, but the upfront cost was almost double regular asphalt. Anyone actually had them through a couple seasons? Curious if they handle freeze-thaw cycles better than standard shingles.
Curious if they handle freeze-thaw cycles better than standard shingles.
I've seen a few composite roofs in the wild (and on ladders). They seem to shrug off freeze-thaw better than basic asphalt—less curling and cracking, at least so far. That said, the price tag can make your wallet cry. If you hate replacing shingles after every wild winter, composites might be worth the splurge. Just don’t expect miracles... hail still wins every time.
I’ve watched my neighbor’s composite roof go through three brutal freeze-thaw winters now—barely a ripple, while my old asphalt shingles started curling after the first year. Still, I wonder how composites stack up against metal in terms of ice dams and runoff. Anyone seen both in action during a real cold snap?
I’ve seen both in my neighborhood—metal definitely sheds snow and ice faster, which seems to help with ice dams. Composite holds up well, but once you get a serious freeze-thaw cycle, the seams can still get packed with ice. Metal’s louder in hail, though… trade-offs everywhere.
- You nailed it with the trade-offs. There’s no perfect roof, just what works best for your spot and priorities.
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That’s a big plus in colder climates. I’ve seen metal roofs in my area (Vermont) almost self-clear after a sunny day, while my neighbor’s composite stays buried for weeks.Metal definitely sheds snow and ice faster, which seems to help with ice dams.
- Composite is quieter in hail, but I’ve noticed those seams can be a real pain. Once water gets in and freezes, it’s like a mini glacier up there. Not a dealbreaker, but it means more spring cleanup for sure.
- Metal being loud in hail—yeah, that’s real. My cousin calls it “nature’s drumline.” Some folks get used to it, others find it grating. I guess if you’re a light sleeper, that’s something to think about.
- One thing I’d add: both metal and composite can be made with recycled materials now. If you’re leaning green, worth checking out. Some metal panels are almost 100% recycled content, and there are composite shingles made from rubber or plastic waste.
- Maintenance-wise, metal’s usually less work—no moss or algae, fewer repairs. But if you ever need to fix a panel, it’s not as DIY-friendly as swapping out a shingle.
- Cost is all over the place. Metal was about 30% more when I priced it last year, but the warranty was double what the composite guys offered. Not sure how that pencils out long-term, but it’s something.
- If you’re worried about noise or ice, there are underlayments that help. My neighbor put a sound-deadening layer under his metal roof and says it cut the racket by half.
It’s always a balancing act. I’d say figure out what bugs you most—noise, maintenance, ice—and go from there. No shame in picking your battles.
