Tile roofs might seem cheaper upfront, but calling them maintenance-free is a bit of a stretch. My uncle's place has tile roofing, and he's had to replace cracked tiles after storms and deal with moss buildup every couple years. Green roofs do have structural challenges, sure, but tiles aren't exactly set-it-and-forget-it either. Maybe the long-term savings from insulation and stormwater management could balance out the initial reinforcement costs? Just thinking aloud here...
Yeah, tile roofs definitely aren't zero-maintenance. I've seen plenty with cracked tiles or mossy patches during inspections. Still, compared to some other roofing types, they're pretty durable—just don't expect miracles after a big storm...
Yeah, they're tough but definitely not bulletproof. Had a few tiles crack after some hail last year—nothing major, but still had to climb up and swap them out. Beats dealing with shingles every decade though...
"Had a few tiles crack after some hail last year—nothing major, but still had to climb up and swap them out."
Yeah, that's pretty common actually. Tile roofs are definitely sturdy, but they're not exactly "set it and forget it." Have you checked the underlayment beneath the tiles recently? Even if the tiles themselves look fine, the underlayment can deteriorate over time, especially if moisture sneaks in through those cracked tiles. It's usually good for 20-30 years, but weather extremes can shorten that lifespan.
Also, how's your flashing around chimneys or vents holding up? Those areas tend to be overlooked, and small leaks there can cause bigger headaches down the road. Still, you're right—compared to shingles, tile roofs are way less hassle overall. Just a little routine check-up every now and then can save you from bigger repairs later on...
"Even if the tiles themselves look fine, the underlayment can deteriorate over time, especially if moisture sneaks in through those cracked tiles."
Yeah, that's spot-on. I remember inspecting a house a couple years back—beautiful Spanish tile roof, looked pristine from the street. But once I got up there and lifted a few tiles, the underlayment was practically dust. The homeowner was shocked because they'd never noticed any leaks inside. Thing is, water damage can be sneaky like that... it doesn't always show up right away.
Still, don't stress too much about it. Tile roofs are pretty forgiving overall. Just keep an eye out after storms or heavy winds—like you did after that hail—and you'll usually catch issues before they become major headaches. A quick check every year or two goes a long way. Sounds like you're already on top of things though, swapping out those cracked tiles yourself is a good sign you're paying attention.
