I get your point about ventilation, but honestly, I've seen plenty of cases where the underlay was definitely the main issue. Sure, airflow matters, but even with decent ventilation, cheaper underlays can deteriorate surprisingly fast—especially in climates with heavy rain or intense sun. I inspected a house last year where the attic ventilation was textbook-perfect, yet the underlay had completely crumbled after just 12 years. The tiles themselves were pristine, but water was still finding its way in because the felt had failed.
So yeah, ventilation is important, no argument there. But let's not underestimate how crucial the quality of underlay material really is. It's not always just about airflow... sometimes materials genuinely make or break the roof.
"even with decent ventilation, cheaper underlays can deteriorate surprisingly fast"
Yeah, I've seen this happen more times than I'd like to admit. Had a client a couple years back whose roof looked perfect from the outside, but underneath was a disaster waiting to happen. Good underlay really isn't something to skimp on...
I've always wondered about this—people often talk about tile roofs as if they're bulletproof, but clearly there's more going on underneath. If the underlay is so crucial, why do we rarely hear roofers or sellers emphasizing it? Seems like everyone just focuses on the tiles themselves, how durable they are, how long they'll last... but the underlay seems like the real unsung hero (or villain, if it's cheap stuff).
I replaced a few cracked tiles on my own roof last summer and noticed the underlay looked pretty worn in spots. Now I'm wondering if I should've paid more attention to that. Is there a reliable way to check the condition of your underlay without tearing up half your roof? Seems like something homeowners should be more aware of, especially if it can deteriorate quietly beneath those "maintenance-free" tiles.
"Seems like everyone just focuses on the tiles themselves, how durable they are, how long they'll last... but the underlay seems like the real unsung hero (or villain, if it's cheap stuff)."
You're spot-on about the underlay being overlooked. Tiles get all the glory, but I've inspected plenty of roofs where beautiful tiles hid worn-out underlay. Unfortunately, there's no easy shortcut to check it thoroughly without lifting some tiles. But since you've already spotted wear, it might be worth having a roofer peek underneath in a few more spots—better safe than sorry down the line.
Tile roofs definitely get a reputation for being low-maintenance, but I wouldn't say they're maintenance-free. Sure, tiles themselves are pretty tough, but like you mentioned, the underlay is usually the weak link. I've seen plenty of cases where homeowners assume they're good because the tiles look pristine from the ground—only to discover leaks or water damage later on.
But honestly, it's not just about cheap underlay. Even quality materials can degrade faster depending on climate or installation quality. I've inspected roofs after storms where tiles were still intact, yet wind-driven rain had seeped through worn underlay and caused hidden damage. So yeah, tiles might be durable, but calling them maintenance-free is a stretch. Occasional check-ups and inspections are still smart moves—especially if you live somewhere with harsh weather...
