Yeah, mats definitely have their advantages, especially in tricky climates. I've noticed that trays can sometimes create hidden pockets of moisture underneath, even with decent drainage. Mats, being more flexible, seem to adapt better to subtle roof imperfections and temperature swings. Plus, they're usually easier to install and replace if something goes wrong. I've seen a few setups where mats lasted years without issues, even in pretty harsh winters... definitely worth considering if you're looking for durability without overspending.
Good points on mats. I've had trays myself, and yeah, moisture pockets drove me nuts—ended up having to replace sections after just a couple winters. Mats sound promising, but I'm wondering how they handle heavy rainstorms or strong winds? Do they stay put, or is there a risk they'll shift around? Curious if anyone's dealt with that firsthand...
I've seen mats hold up pretty well in heavy rain, but wind can be tricky. Had a property near the coast where strong gusts shifted them around a bit—not dramatically, but enough to notice. Anchoring helps, but it's not foolproof. Still beats dealing with moisture pockets though... those trays were a nightmare. Curious if anyone's tried different anchoring methods or found mats that grip better?
Had a similar issue at my place—wind was always nudging the mats around, especially during storms. Tried using heavier-duty landscape staples instead of the standard anchors, and it helped a bit. Not perfect, but definitely less shifting. Also heard someone mention mats with textured undersides gripping better, but haven't tested those myself yet... might be worth looking into if wind's your main headache.
Had the same frustration with mats shifting around, especially after some nasty storms rolled through last fall. Staples helped a bit, but honestly, the textured underside mats you mentioned got me wondering... I remember my neighbor installed some rubber-backed mats on his shed roof. They seemed to grip pretty well, even in gusty weather. Might be worth checking if there's an eco-friendly version of those out there, could solve two problems at once.
