Tile roofs definitely aren't maintenance-free, but honestly, they're still one of the lowest-maintenance options out there. Agree with most points above, especially about flashing and gutters—those are common trouble spots. But I'd gently push back on the underlayment concern being overlooked. In my experience, homeowners tend to worry a bit too much about underlayment lifespan. Sure, it's important, but quality modern underlayments typically last decades without issues if installed correctly.
The real kicker I've seen is cracked or slipped tiles. People assume tiles are indestructible, but weather, tree branches, or even foot traffic during inspections can cause subtle damage. Had a client recently who didn't realize a few tiles had shifted slightly after a storm...ended up with water intrusion that could've been easily prevented with a quick visual check.
Bottom line: tile roofs are great and pretty forgiving overall, but occasional visual inspections go a long way toward catching minor issues before they become major headaches.
"People assume tiles are indestructible, but weather, tree branches, or even foot traffic during inspections can cause subtle damage."
This is spot-on. A few years back, I helped a friend install solar panels on his tile roof. We were super careful, but even then, we ended up cracking a couple tiles without realizing it. Fast forward a few months, and he noticed water stains on the ceiling after a heavy rainstorm. Turns out those tiny cracks let enough water in to cause some real headaches.
Tile roofs are definitely durable, but they're not bulletproof. I'd say they're low-maintenance rather than no-maintenance. Regular visual checks—especially after storms or any work done on the roof—can save you from bigger issues down the line. And honestly, it's not that hard to do a quick walk-around every now and then... beats dealing with water damage repairs later.
That's interesting about the solar panel installation—makes me wonder how often subtle damage like that goes unnoticed. Do you think it's mostly foot traffic causing these cracks, or could it be more from weather and debris? I've heard some people say tile roofs can last decades without much fuss, but your experience makes me question if that's overly optimistic. Maybe it's just a matter of luck or climate?
I guess regular checks are key, but how easy is it really to spot those tiny cracks from the ground? Seems like you'd almost have to get up there and inspect closely, which might risk causing even more damage... kind of ironic, isn't it? Anyway, thanks for sharing your story—it definitely gives me something to think about before assuming tile roofs are hassle-free.
Tile roofs definitely aren't maintenance-free, though they're usually pretty sturdy. I inspected a house once where the owner proudly told me his tile roof was "indestructible." Climbed up there and found a bunch of tiny cracks and chips—mostly from hail and branches, not foot traffic. You're right, spotting issues from the ground is nearly impossible... ironic indeed. Regular checks help, but luck and climate play big roles too.
