Good points on ventilation, but I'd argue tile quality is more than just half the battle. Even with perfect venting, cheaper tiles can absorb moisture or degrade faster, especially in harsher climates. I've seen cases where homeowners invested heavily in ventilation but still faced leaks and tile cracking because they underestimated tile durability and water resistance. It's really about balancing both—proper airflow won't fully compensate if your tiles aren't up to par...
Couldn't agree more about tile quality—ventilation alone just won't cut it. Reminds me of a job I did a couple years back in Florida. Homeowner had invested big-time in top-notch venting, thinking it'd solve their moisture issues. But they skimped on the tiles, going with a cheaper brand to save a few bucks. Within two years, those tiles started cracking and absorbing moisture like sponges. We ended up having to redo the whole roof with something more durable (we used Eagle Roofing tiles that time, and they've held up great).
From experience, brands like Eagle, Boral, and Ludowici have consistently performed well for my clients. They cost a bit more upfront, sure, but they save you headaches down the line. And honestly, pairing good tiles with proper ventilation is the sweet spot—you really can't afford to overlook either one.
Good points here, but I think sometimes the brand isn't everything. A few years ago, I helped my brother-in-law redo his roof, and he didn't have the budget for Eagle or Ludowici. We went with a mid-range brand—Crown Roof Tiles, I think it was—and honestly, they've held up surprisingly well. Granted, we were careful about installation and made sure ventilation was spot-on, so maybe that helped balance things out.
I'm not saying premium brands aren't worth it, because clearly they have a solid rep for a reason. But I do think that proper installation and regular maintenance can sometimes offset the difference if you're working with a tighter budget. Just something to consider, especially if you're DIY-ing and willing to put in the extra effort upfront.
"proper installation and regular maintenance can sometimes offset the difference if you're working with a tighter budget."
Couldn't agree more. I've seen roofs with premium tiles fail early because someone skimped on the underlayment or ventilation. A solid install job really is half the battle... maybe more.
