Yeah, I hear you on the moss and algae issue. Had a customer last spring whose roof looked totally fine from the street, but once we got up there, it was like a mini forest growing in the shaded spots. Took a good bit of cleaning and replacing some tiles that had cracked underneath all that gunk. Tiles are tough, but they're definitely not invincible.
Funny thing is, I've seen tile roofs pushing 50 years that look amazing because the homeowner stayed on top of minor repairs and cleanings. On the flip side, I've also seen roofs barely 15 years old that needed major work because they were neglected. Makes me wonder if climate or installation quality plays a bigger role than we think...
You know, I've wondered about that climate thing too. My neighbor has a tile roof that's maybe 25 years old, and it looks great from afar—but when you get closer, you can see some spots where moss is starting to creep in. He cleans it every couple of years, but it still keeps coming back. Makes me think it's more about the shade and moisture levels than anything else. Our street has a lot of mature trees, so roofs don't get much direct sun.
I also wonder if certain tile materials or finishes hold up better against algae growth. Like, does anyone know if glazed tiles resist moss better than unglazed? I'm thinking about eventually upgrading my roof, but I definitely don't want to spend a fortune on maintenance down the road...
"Makes me think it's more about the shade and moisture levels than anything else."
That's spot-on. We have a similar issue at our place—lots of big trees around, so our tile roof stays damp longer. I found that trimming back branches to let in more sunlight helped quite a bit. Also, using a moss-inhibiting spray once every couple years has kept things manageable without breaking the bank. Not totally maintenance-free, but definitely doable if you're proactive about it.
Yeah, tile roofs definitely aren't "set it and forget it" like some people think. Moisture and shade play a big role, but don't overlook debris buildup either—leaves and twigs can trap moisture and speed up moss growth. I installed some cheap gutter guards last year, and they've noticeably reduced the amount of junk sitting on my roof. Small investment upfront, but it's saved me from climbing up there as often...worth considering if you're budget-conscious.
Good point about gutter guards—I’ve seen them make a noticeable difference too. One thing I've wondered though, does anyone find certain types of tile roofs easier to maintain than others? I manage a few properties with concrete tiles, and they seem to attract moss way quicker than clay ones. Maybe it's just my imagination, but curious if others have noticed the same thing...
