Yeah, tile roofs definitely aren't set-it-and-forget-it. I've seen similar issues with moss and algae, especially in shaded areas. But honestly, compared to asphalt shingles, tile roofs still seem like the better choice environmentally. They last way longer, and you don't have to replace them nearly as often—less waste overall.
One thing I'm curious about though: has anyone tried copper or zinc strips along the ridge line to control moss growth? I've heard mixed things about how effective they are. A neighbor of mine installed copper strips a couple years back, and his roof looks pretty clean compared to others nearby. Could be coincidence, but it got me wondering...
Anyway, regular checks definitely make sense. Even if tiles themselves last forever (well, almost), the underlayment and flashing won't. Better safe than sorry when it comes to leaks.
I've thought about copper strips too, but honestly the upfront cost made me hesitate. Good to hear your neighbor's experience though—maybe it's worth the investment after all. I wonder if there's a noticeable difference in effectiveness between copper and zinc? If anyone's tried both, it'd be great to hear how they compare. I'm all for spending a bit more now if it saves hassle later...
Copper definitely has a stronger effect in my experience—seems to keep algae and moss at bay longer. Zinc works too, but needs replacing more often. Curious if roof pitch or local climate affects how long either metal stays effective...
"Copper definitely has a stronger effect in my experience—seems to keep algae and moss at bay longer."
Copper's great, no doubt, but honestly, I've seen roofs with copper strips still get mossy patches if they're shaded by big trees or in damp climates. Roof pitch definitely matters too—steeper roofs shed water faster, so algae and moss have less chance to settle in. But here's the thing: tile roofs being "maintenance-free" is kind of a myth. Sure, they're durable and last forever, but debris still piles up in valleys and gutters, and cracked tiles happen more often than you'd think (especially after storms or if someone walks on them carelessly). Had a customer once who thought his tile roof was bulletproof until squirrels decided to nest under loose tiles... talk about a surprise attic invasion. So yeah, copper helps, but don't count on it—or tile alone—to keep your roof totally hands-off.
Yeah, copper does help, but it's definitely not a magic bullet. I've seen plenty of tile roofs with copper strips still battling moss, especially in shady spots or places that stay damp year-round. Had a homeowner once who installed copper thinking it'd solve everything, but his place was surrounded by tall pines—those needles and shade created a perfect breeding ground for moss, copper or not.
Also, people underestimate how easily tiles can crack or shift. I remember one storm job where the homeowner insisted their tile roof was "indestructible," only to find out later that wind-driven debris had cracked a bunch of tiles they couldn't even see from the ground. Water seeped in slowly, and next thing you know, they're dealing with mold inside the attic. Tile roofs are solid, sure, but they're not exactly set-and-forget... regular inspections and clean-ups still go a long way.
