"Still, when done right, tile roofs are tough as nails."
Tough, yes—but maintenance-free? I'd pump the brakes a bit there. Even with perfect flashing and underlayment details, tile roofs aren't exactly a "set-it-and-forget-it" situation. I've seen plenty of roofs that looked immaculate from the curb but had hidden issues like cracked tiles or debris buildup in valleys causing drainage nightmares.
Also, let's not forget about good old Mother Nature. Storms, tree limbs, even animals—I've seen squirrels do some shockingly impressive damage. One homeowner I worked with swore his tile roof was bulletproof until he discovered a family of raccoons had turned his attic into their personal Airbnb.
Point is, while tile roofs are definitely durable and long-lasting, regular inspections and minor upkeep are still key. Otherwise, those small "bite-you-later" details can become expensive headaches down the road. Just my two cents...
Good points all around, especially about animals causing trouble. Had a similar issue myself—a couple of squirrels decided my roof was their playground, cracked a few tiles in the process.
"regular inspections and minor upkeep are still key."
Exactly this. Tile roofs are solid, but nothing's truly maintenance-free. Staying proactive with quick checks here and there saves a lot of hassle later on.
Tile roofs are definitely sturdy, but I'd argue they're not always the best choice if you're looking to minimize maintenance. A few points to consider:
- Weight can be an issue—your home's structure needs to support it properly.
- Tiles can crack easily from impacts (like your squirrel friends) or even hail.
- Moss and algae buildup can be a real headache in damp climates.
Personally, I've found green roofs surprisingly low-maintenance once established...plus, wildlife tends to prefer plants over tiles. Just something to think about.
Interesting points about green roofs—I hadn't really considered them before. As a first-time homeowner, I'm still figuring out what works best for me. Tile roofs seem appealing because of their durability, but the moss issue does worry me since my area gets pretty rainy. Have you noticed if green roofs attract more insects or pests? That's one thing I'd be cautious about...
I've had a green roof for about five years now, and honestly, pests haven't been a big issue for me. But I do wonder if that's because of the specific plants I chose—mostly sedums and other drought-tolerant varieties. Maybe certain plant choices attract fewer insects? Also, tile roofs aren't exactly maintenance-free in rainy climates... moss buildup can be a real headache. Have you looked into moss-resistant treatments or coatings for tiles? Curious if anyone's had success with those.
