Good points, but I'm wondering if moss buildup might depend more on climate and roof pitch? I've seen some steeper tile roofs that seem to handle moss pretty well without much intervention. Maybe roof design plays a bigger role than we think...
You're onto something with the roof pitch idea. I've noticed that steep roofs definitely shed water quicker, making it harder for moss to settle in. But climate's still a biggie—my neighbor's roof is steep as heck, yet in our damp, shady area, moss still creeps in eventually. So yeah, design helps, but it's not a silver bullet. Regular checks and occasional cleaning still seem necessary, at least from what I've seen around here.
Tile roofs definitely aren't maintenance-free, despite what some sales pitches might claim. I've managed properties in humid, shaded areas for years, and even the best-designed tile roofs eventually get moss or algae buildup. Had one building with a steep Spanish tile roof—looked gorgeous, but after a few rainy seasons, we noticed green patches creeping in, especially on the shaded north side. Sure, the steep pitch slowed it down, but didn't stop it completely.
Regular inspections are key. A quick check every year or two can catch small issues before they become expensive headaches. And honestly, a bit of preventative cleaning every now and then saves a ton of hassle down the line. Tile roofs are durable, no doubt, but completely maintenance-free? Not in my experience...
I've been thinking about this too, especially since my neighbor's tile roof has similar green patches. Curious—does anyone know if there's a DIY-friendly way to safely clean moss without damaging the tiles? I'd rather avoid harsh chemicals if possible...
I've dealt with moss on my tile roof a couple times, and I totally get wanting to avoid harsh chemicals. One thing that worked pretty well for me was using a gentle scrub brush and a mix of water and vinegar—just sprayed it on, let it sit for a bit, then gently scrubbed it off. Took some elbow grease, but nothing too intense. Tiles held up fine, no damage at all. You're definitely on the right track thinking DIY-friendly and eco-conscious... good luck!