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Tile roofs, including clay, concrete, and slate, are considered low-maintenance materials that require fewer repairs and less care than many other roofing options.

• Clay tiles require minimal maintenance. They stand up well to the elements and UV radiation, repel water, and do not easily stain, discolor, or fade in direct sunlight. Clay tiles do not need sealing. Maintenance is typically only required to replace cracked tiles, which can be caused by foot traffic, extreme weather, or fallen tree limbs.

• Concrete tiles are also low-maintenance but require more upkeep than clay. They need to be sealed every few years to maintain water resistance, and their color tends to fade more quickly than clay.

Aside from these material-specific needs, general maintenance for tile roofs includes annual inspections, routine gutter cleaning, and addressing repairs as they arise. A well-maintained tile roof can provide 50 to 100 years or more of protection for your home.

Inspections for new construction may not be legally required, but you should consider them a must if you’re buying a new home. The quality of the construction can vary widely by builder, and many inspections, even for brand-new homes, can uncover problems with framing, structural components, mechanicals, appliances, and more. Professional inspection reports give you leverage to push the associated repair costs to the builder rather than paying for them yourself, so they’re always worthwhile, if only for the peace of mind they provide.

You should not clean roof shingles if the roof has damage like missing shingles or low spots where water may accumulate. You should focus on repairing the roof before any cleaning process occurs. If you notice roof damage as you’re climbing on the roof to clean it, stop immediately. Call a roofing pro to make repairs. Cleaning a roof that has damage could lead to pooling water or water damage to the roof decking. The roof cleaning process removes mold and mildew, making the roof look better. It is not going to fix physical damage, though.

You should inspect your roof at least twice a year during the rainiest seasons: spring and fall. It’s also a good idea to get an inspection after getting hit with particularly heavy rain and windstorms, as these may damage your roof. If you are buying or selling a home, that might also be a good time to get the roof inspected.