Tile roofs are definitely lower maintenance overall, but "maintenance-free" is stretching it a bit. I've had mine for about 12 years now, and while the tiles themselves are still solid, the underlayment needed attention around year 10. So yeah, you're wise to think about what's underneath too...
Yeah, totally agree about the underlayment. When we bought our place, the previous owner proudly said, "Tile roof—never worry about it again!" Well... fast forward 8 years, and there I was, climbing up to patch leaks because the underlayment had started deteriorating in spots. Tiles themselves were fine, sure, but underneath was a different story.
Honestly, tile roofs are great for durability and resisting weather, but they're definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it deal. It's kinda like buying a car known for reliability—you still gotta change the oil and check under the hood every now and then. If you're budget-conscious (like me), it's worth factoring in that eventual underlayment replacement or repair into your long-term home maintenance plans. Better to be prepared than surprised when that bill hits you outta nowhere...
Yeah, that's spot-on. I've seen plenty of tile roofs hold up great through storms, but the underlayment is always the weak link. People often overlook it because tiles themselves rarely break down. But UV exposure, moisture, and temperature swings eventually take their toll underneath. Best bet is to schedule regular inspections every few years—catching small issues early saves a ton of headaches (and cash) down the road.
Tile roofs definitely have their perks, but "maintenance-free" might be pushing it a bit. Sure, tiles themselves are tough as nails, but like you mentioned, the underlayment is usually the hidden troublemaker. I've inspected plenty of roofs where homeowners assumed everything was fine because the tiles looked pristine from the ground—only to find moisture damage or rot underneath.
Regular inspections every few years are smart, but I'd even suggest checking things out after major storms or extreme weather events. Ever seen how wind-driven rain can sneak under tiles? It's surprising how much damage can happen without any visible signs from below. Also, curious if anyone's had experience with synthetic underlayments versus traditional felt? I've heard mixed things about durability and UV resistance, so I'm still a bit skeptical there...
"Ever seen how wind-driven rain can sneak under tiles? It's surprising how much damage can happen without any visible signs from below."
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way after a nasty storm a couple years back. Tiles looked perfect from the yard, but turns out water had been quietly wreaking havoc underneath. As for synthetic underlayments, I've heard they're lighter and easier to install, but a roofer buddy mentioned they can degrade quicker if exposed to UV rays too long during installation delays. Jury's still out for me on that one...
