Tile roofs being maintenance-free is a common misconception, honestly. While they're definitely durable and can last decades, "maintenance-free" is overselling it quite a bit. I've seen plenty of issues pop up—broken tiles from careless foot traffic, as you mentioned, but also from weather events like hailstorms or heavy branches falling during storms. Plus, tile underlayment doesn't last forever either; after about 20-30 years, it typically needs replacement to avoid leaks.
About the critters—I haven't had squirrels yet (knock on wood), but birds nesting under loose tiles were a headache at our old place. Had to carefully remove nests and seal gaps to prevent them returning every spring. Regular inspections and occasional spot repairs are necessary if you want your roof to stay in good shape without surprise expenses down the line. Tile's still a solid roofing choice overall...just not exactly "set it and forget it."
You're spot-on about the underlayment—it's often overlooked but critical. When we bought our house, the inspector pointed out that even though the tiles themselves looked great, the underlayment was nearing its end. Glad we caught it early, because replacing just that layer was way cheaper than dealing with leaks later. Tile roofs are definitely solid, but like anything else around the house, a little proactive attention saves headaches down the road...and keeps those pesky critters away too.
Good catch on the underlayment issue—it's funny how many homeowners assume tile roofs are set-it-and-forget-it. I've seen roofs where the tiles look pristine, but underneath it's a whole different story... critters, moisture buildup, you name it. Did your inspector mention anything about ventilation? A lot of folks overlook attic airflow, but proper ventilation can really extend the life of your underlayment and keep the roof healthier overall. Curious if anyone else has checked into that aspect.
"A lot of folks overlook attic airflow, but proper ventilation can really extend the life of your underlayment and keep the roof healthier overall."
Definitely agree on this point—ventilation is crucial and often underestimated. I've seen cases where homeowners had immaculate tile surfaces, yet underneath was dampness and mold due to poor airflow. Proper ridge vents combined with soffit ventilation can effectively regulate attic humidity levels, helping to prevent moisture buildup and deterioration of the underlayment. It's not exactly high-maintenance, but periodic checks on attic ventilation are worthwhile... especially after major storms or unusual weather patterns.
Tile roofs are definitely durable, but calling them "maintenance-free" is a bit of a stretch. Sure, ventilation matters, but even with perfect airflow, tiles themselves can crack or shift over time—especially after heavy storms or hail. I've seen roofs that looked pristine from the street, but up close, there were small cracks or slipped tiles letting water seep in slowly. And let's not forget debris buildup; leaves and branches can clog valleys and gutters, leading to water pooling and eventual leaks.
Ventilation is important, no doubt, but it's not the whole story. Regular visual inspections and occasional spot repairs are still necessary if you want your tile roof to last decades. It's tempting to think tile roofs are set-it-and-forget-it, but reality usually isn't that simple...
