I've always wondered about tile roofs being worth the extra cost. Hearing your experience makes me skeptical again... Do you think the underlayment issue is common with older roofs, or was it more about the quality of materials used back in the 80s? I'm considering a roof replacement soon and really don't want surprise expenses cropping up later on.
Tile roofs are definitely durable, but calling them "maintenance-free" isn't really accurate. A few quick points from what I've seen inspecting homes:
- The underlayment issue isn't just about the 80s—it's common in older tile roofs in general. Even quality materials degrade over time, especially if moisture gets trapped underneath.
- Modern underlayments have improved a lot, so if you're replacing soon, you'll likely avoid some of those older issues.
- Honestly, regular inspections every few years can save you headaches down the road. Tiles themselves rarely fail outright; it's usually what's underneath that causes trouble.
- One more thing—installation matters big-time. I've seen roofs from the same era hold up differently just because one installer knew their stuff and another cut corners.
Bottom line, tile roofs can be great if you're proactive. Just don't assume they're totally hands-off...nothing really is when it comes to home maintenance.
Good points overall. I've been considering tile for my next roof, but the underlayment issue has me hesitating.
"Modern underlayments have improved a lot, so if you're replacing soon, you'll likely avoid some of those older issues."
True, but does anyone know how much more expensive these newer underlayments are compared to traditional ones? I'm all for durability, but budget matters too...
Good points overall. I've been considering tile for my next roof, but the underlayment issue has me hesitating.
The newer synthetic underlayments are definitely pricier, but honestly, not by a huge margin. Last time I checked, it was maybe 20-30% more than traditional felt paper. Not peanuts, but considering how much longer they last and how much better they handle moisture, it's probably worth it in the long run. I mean, if you're already dropping cash on a tile roof—which isn't exactly cheap—skimping on the underlayment feels like buying a Ferrari and putting cheap tires on it...
Tile roofs are great, but "maintenance-free" might be stretching it a bit. My neighbor thought the same thing until a storm knocked a branch loose and cracked a few tiles. He figured he'd just pop up there and swap 'em out himself—easy, right? Turns out matching the color and style of older tiles can be tricky, and walking on them without cracking more is an art form. He ended up hiring someone...lesson learned, I guess.