Tile roofs are solid overall, but calling them maintenance-free is a stretch. You're smart to keep an eye on debris early—I've seen neglected gutters and valleys turn minor leaf buildup into pricey repairs. Staying proactive like you're doing now makes a huge difference down the line.
"I've seen neglected gutters and valleys turn minor leaf buildup into pricey repairs."
Yep, learned that the hard way myself. Had a property once where tenants ignored leaf buildup in the valleys... ended up with water backing under the tiles and rotting out the decking. Definitely not maintenance-free.
Tile roofs being maintenance-free is a myth, honestly. Sure, they're durable, but ignoring basic upkeep like clearing leaves and debris can bite you later—I've seen it happen too often. I get wanting to save money (trust me, I'm all about that), but skipping on simple maintenance usually ends up costing way more down the line. A little preventive effort now saves your wallet from crying later... learned that lesson myself!
Totally agree with you there. I've had a tile roof for about 8 years now, and while I wouldn't trade it (I love the look and durability), it's definitely not something you can just ignore completely. Leaves, moss, bird nests...you name it, I've dealt with it. A quick check every season and a gentle clean-up has saved me from bigger headaches down the road. And honestly, it's pretty easy—just grab a ladder, some gloves, and spend an hour or two up there every few months. Way cheaper than paying someone to fix leaks or cracked tiles later on. Learned that the hard way when I first moved in and assumed tile meant "set it and forget it." Nope, lesson learned. A bit of TLC goes a long way in keeping those repair bills at bay.
"A quick check every season and a gentle clean-up has saved me from bigger headaches down the road."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've inspected countless homes with tile roofs, and the ones that hold up best are always those where the homeowner takes a little time to keep an eye on things. Reminds me of a client I had a few years back—really nice older couple who'd moved into their dream retirement home with a beautiful Spanish-style tile roof. They were convinced it was maintenance-free because that's what the previous owner had told them. Well, fast forward about two years, and they called me out because water was dripping into their living room after a heavy rainstorm.
Turns out, leaves and debris had piled up in one of the valleys, creating a dam that forced water under the tiles. It wasn't a huge fix, but it definitely wasn't cheap either. After that experience, they started doing exactly what you're describing—just climbing up there every few months, clearing out debris, checking for cracked tiles or loose flashing. They've never had another issue since.
One thing I'd add is to pay special attention after storms or heavy winds. I've seen tiles shift or crack from falling branches or even just strong gusts. It's easy to overlook minor damage until it becomes a bigger problem later on.
Curious if anyone here has tried any of those moss-prevention sprays or treatments? I've heard mixed reviews from homeowners—some swear by them, others say they're not worth the hassle. I've never personally used them, but I'm always interested in hearing firsthand experiences...
