Interesting about the concrete tiles—I’ve actually had the opposite experience. My clay tile roof seems to attract moss way quicker, especially on the north-facing side where it stays damp. Could be regional differences in weather or humidity? I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so maybe that makes a difference. Either way, I've found that regular spraying with a moss inhibitor every couple years helps a ton...definitely not maintenance-free, unfortunately.
"Could be regional differences in weather or humidity? I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so maybe that makes a difference."
Yeah, I'd bet that's it. Down here in Florida, I've noticed concrete tiles get algae buildup pretty quick too, especially shaded areas. Definitely not maintenance-free...we're always pressure washing and treating roofs every few years or so.
- Good points about humidity and shade—definitely big factors.
- Seen similar issues in Texas after storms; tiles crack or shift slightly, then moisture gets trapped underneath.
- Curious if anyone's noticed differences between clay vs. concrete tiles in terms of algae or moss buildup?
- Seems like material type might play a role too, not just climate...
Yeah, humidity and shade are definitely culprits. Another sneaky factor is the roof pitch—flatter roofs tend to hold moisture longer, giving algae and moss a cozy home. I've noticed clay tiles seem a bit more resistant to algae buildup compared to concrete, probably because they're less porous. But honestly, neither is totally immune. A quick tip: occasionally spraying diluted vinegar can help keep the green stuff at bay...plus your roof smells like salad dressing for a day or two, bonus points for confusing the neighbors.
"Another sneaky factor is the roof pitch—flatter roofs tend to hold moisture longer, giving algae and moss a cozy home."
That's a good point about roof pitch; it's often overlooked. I've also noticed that north-facing slopes tend to have more algae buildup, probably due to less direct sunlight. Has anyone experimented with zinc or copper strips along the ridge line? I've read they can help inhibit algae growth as rainwater washes trace amounts of metal down the tiles, but I'm curious if it's actually effective long-term or just another gimmick...
