Gotta admit, a green roof sounds cool until I picture myself up there mowing my house... 😂 But seriously, tile roofs aren't exactly needy either. My folks have had one for 15+ years, and aside from the occasional cracked tile after a nasty hailstorm, it's been pretty chill. Sure, nothing's totally hands-off, but compared to trimming rooftop weeds? I'll stick with replacing a tile or two every few years.
Yeah, tile roofs definitely hold up well overall, especially against storms. I've seen plenty of homes with tile roofs come out of hailstorms with just minor issues, nothing too serious. But you're right—nothing's completely maintenance-free. Sometimes debris or buildup can get under the tiles, or flashing around chimneys and vents might need attention every now and then.
Still, compared to a green roof...yeah, I can imagine climbing up there to mow or weed isn't exactly appealing, lol. Although, I wonder if anyone here has experience with how green roofs actually handle harsh weather? Like, do they offer decent protection against hail or heavy rain, or are they mostly about insulation and aesthetics? Curious if the extra upkeep might be worth it for certain climates or home styles.
I've had tile roofs on two different homes over the years, and I agree they're pretty tough. But the idea they're maintenance-free...well, that's definitely stretching it. On my first house, we had a pretty nasty storm roll through—no hail, but really strong winds—and I thought we got away clean. A few days later, though, I noticed a leak starting in the corner of the living room ceiling. Turned out the wind had shifted a couple of tiles just enough to let water seep underneath. Nothing catastrophic, but it was a good reminder that even tile roofs need occasional checkups.
As for green roofs, I don't have personal experience, but a good friend of mine installed one about five years ago. He lives in an area that's pretty prone to heavy rains and occasional hailstorms. From what he's told me, the green roof actually handles heavy rain remarkably well. The soil and vegetation absorb a lot of water, which reduces runoff and strain on the gutters. But hail is a bit trickier. Small hailstones aren't usually an issue—they just bounce off or get cushioned by plants—but bigger hail can damage the plants and create bald spots. He had one storm that left his roof looking patchy and sad, and he had to spend a weekend replanting sections of it.
Still, he swears by the insulation benefits. He says his upstairs rooms are noticeably cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to before he installed it. Plus, he loves the look and the environmental angle. But yeah, he admits it's definitely more work than your typical roof—regular weeding, fertilizing, and occasional replanting.
Personally, I think tile roofs are the better choice if you're mainly concerned about durability and lower maintenance, especially in areas with frequent severe weather. But if you're into the aesthetics, sustainability, and don't mind the extra upkeep, a green roof can be pretty rewarding. Just don't expect either option to be completely hands-off.
Tile roofs are definitely tough, but yeah, calling them maintenance-free is a bit optimistic. I've inspected plenty of homes with tile roofs, and while they're usually solid, I've seen my share of shifted or cracked tiles after storms. One homeowner I worked with had a similar experience to yours—no obvious damage at first, but a sneaky leak showed up days later. Turns out a couple tiles had shifted just enough to let water trickle in.
Green roofs are interesting too. I inspected one last summer, and the owner was super proud of it. He mentioned the insulation benefits as well, and honestly, the attic was noticeably cooler than most homes I see in July. But he also admitted it was more work than he expected—regular upkeep, weeding, and patching bald spots after storms.
Bottom line, every roof needs some TLC now and then. Tile roofs might be lower maintenance overall, but it's always smart to give them a quick check after heavy weather. Better safe than sorry...
"Turns out a couple tiles had shifted just enough to let water trickle in."
Yeah, that's exactly what worries me about tile roofs. People often talk about them like they're bulletproof, but those sneaky little shifts can cause headaches down the line. Still, compared to asphalt shingles, I'd say tile roofs hold up better overall—especially if you're budget-conscious and looking at long-term costs. Just gotta keep an eye out after storms, like you mentioned, and catch things early...
