Hey mate, I'll be honest, I prefer an steel roof, Colorbond steel, it's called here; You know that corrugated profile. The sound of rain on it you know; I love that.

Also, from a structural perspective the weight of a tile roof, on a timber internal frame, can be fairly serious. Furthermore the moss and lichen loves the tiles so a regular pressure-wash is required otherwise it builds up, then breaks away and ends up in the gutter creating possible blockages. Colorbond just takes care of itself and is available in any colour one wants.

I live in what is considered a very dry State although we get loads of rain at times; It tends to come down all at once then not for a long time again. No freezing temperatures though, no snow. I'd say there's a balance between Colorbond and tiles here, depending on budget and design.

I'm familiar with the shingle roof and have seen a few here but it's not too common. Different needs I guess, although I don't like the word sludge in respect of gutter-cleaning. Sounds terrible! Lol.