- Honestly, I thought tile roofs were zero maintenance too...until I found out the hard way.
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Yep, learned this after a tiny leak turned into repainting my ceiling. Fun times..."even minor cracks can let water seep through slowly over time"
- Lesson learned: inspections are your friend.
Haha, yeah, tile roofs can be sneaky.
True, but ever thought about green roofs instead? Plants soak up water, no repainting ceilings needed...plus bonus points for impressing the neighbors. Ever considered going green?"inspections are your friend"
Green roofs are pretty great if you can swing it—seen a few during inspections, and they really do handle water well. Just make sure your structure can support the extra weight. Definitely worth checking out, though...neighbors might even copy your lead.
- Tile roofs are pretty durable, but "maintenance-free" might be pushing it a bit.
- Seen plenty during inspections, and while they hold up well, cracked or slipped tiles do happen—especially after storms or heavy winds.
- Also, debris can build up in valleys or gutters, so occasional cleaning is still needed.
- Curious though...anyone here had issues with moss or algae growth on tile roofs? Seems like it could be a thing depending on climate.
Totally agree with you on this one. I've inspected plenty of tile roofs, and while they're definitely sturdy, calling them maintenance-free is a bit optimistic. Cracked tiles are pretty common, especially after storms or even just heavy winds. I've seen some roofs where homeowners didn't even realize they had damage until leaks started showing up inside.
As for moss and algae...yeah, that's definitely a thing. It really depends on your climate and how much shade your roof gets. In damp or humid areas, moss can take hold surprisingly fast—especially on north-facing slopes or shaded sections of the roof. Algae growth is pretty common too; it usually shows up as dark streaks or discoloration, which doesn't necessarily harm the tiles structurally but can make the roof look pretty unsightly.
One thing I've noticed during inspections is that moss buildup can actually trap moisture against the tiles, potentially shortening their lifespan over time. Plus, moss can lift or shift tiles slightly as it grows underneath them, creating gaps where water can sneak in. It's not always a huge issue right away, but it's something to keep an eye on.
A quick anecdote: I once inspected a home where the owner hadn't touched their tile roof in about 15 years because they assumed it was "maintenance-free." When I climbed up there, I found a mini forest of moss and debris clogging valleys and gutters—it was like its own little ecosystem! Thankfully no major leaks yet, but it definitely needed some TLC.
Bottom line: tile roofs are great and durable, but regular checks and occasional cleaning will save you headaches down the road.
