Tile roofs definitely aren't maintenance-free, that's for sure. When we bought our house, the previous owner kept saying how tile roofs were "set it and forget it," but reality hit pretty quickly. After our first big storm, I noticed a small water stain on the ceiling in our guest room. Thought it was nothing major at first, but decided to check anyway—glad I did. Turned out just one tile had shifted slightly, letting water trickle in slowly enough to cause damage without being obvious.
Honestly, I was surprised how sneaky these leaks can be. You'd think something as sturdy-looking as tile would hold up better, but even minor shifts or cracks can lead to trouble down the line. Now I make it a habit to do quick visual checks every few months and especially after heavy storms. It's not exactly fun climbing up there (heights aren't my favorite thing), but it's way better than dealing with mold or expensive repairs later.
One thing I've learned is that catching these issues early saves a ton of money and stress. A neighbor ignored a similar leak for months and ended up needing major attic repairs—definitely not budget-friendly. So yeah, tile roofs are great overall, but they still need some TLC now and then.
Totally agree with your points here. Tile roofs are solid, but they're definitely not a "set it and forget it" deal. I've seen plenty of cases where just a tiny crack or shifted tile led to some sneaky leaks—water has a knack for finding the smallest openings, doesn't it?
One thing I'd add is that the underlayment beneath the tiles is crucial. Even if your tiles look perfectly fine, the waterproof layer underneath can degrade over time, especially if it's exposed to moisture repeatedly. I've helped replace underlayment on roofs that looked pristine from the outside but were quietly failing underneath. Not exactly a fun surprise for homeowners...
Also, keep an eye out for debris buildup in valleys and gutters. Leaves and dirt can trap moisture, causing tiles to deteriorate faster or even shift slightly. A quick cleanup every now and then goes a long way. And hey, at least climbing up there every few months counts as cardio, right?
Haha, climbing up there is definitely my least favorite form of cardio...but you're spot-on about debris buildup. Had a friend who ignored leaf piles in the valleys, and next rainy season—bam, surprise indoor waterfall. Tile roofs are tough, but even they need some TLC sometimes.
Yeah, tile roofs are solid, but calling them maintenance-free is stretching it a bit. Had a customer last year who thought the same—ignored cracked tiles and let moss build up for years. Eventually, water seeped under and rotted the underlayment. Ended up being a costly lesson... tile itself holds up great, sure, but you gotta keep an eye on what's underneath and between. Regular checks save you from nasty surprises later.
Haha, yeah, learned that one the hard way myself. Had a neighbor who bragged about his "indestructible" tile roof—until a storm blew through and exposed years of neglect underneath. Regular checks definitely beat surprise leaks and soggy ceilings...
