Over the years, I've sold quite of few houses with tile roofs. I've heard home inspectors say how great these roofs are -- they last decades, they need little maintenance, etc. They have superior insulating properties over asphalt shingle roofs and, to me, they just look great. Aesthetically, ceramic or clay tile roofs have it all over other roofs, in my book.

However, a buyer or homeowner can be lulled into a false sense of security with statements like those above. Having a tile roof may mean less overall maintenance, but it doesn't mean to ignore the roof completely. Many homeowners with tile roofs buy into the idea that tile roofs last forever and need no maintenance. Not so!

Today is pretty windy and living in a "Tree City USA" has its benefits and its downsides. Falling tree limbs are a hazard to tile roofs, so it's a good idea to inspect your tile roof annually and have any broken tiles replaced by someone who is qualified to work with tile roofs. Replacing tiles can seem expensive, but when you pro-rate the repairs and maintenance over the 60-some year life span of these roofs, it's very reasonable.

You should also be aware of the quality of the tile used on your roof. Just like anything else, some roofers out there will sell you inferior quality tile -- do your homework and make sure you're getting the good stuff.

There is also the structure of the roof under the tile, and there's the flashing. Either of these can fail and allow water to penetrate. We had water in our basement shortly after we bought our house and replacing the roof took care of it. Turned out we had rotted sheathing under our deteriorating shingles. While we don't have a tile roof, the problems are the same. Broken or deteriorated tiles allow water and sunshine to reach the underlying layer, which weakens it. Next thing you know, you have a leak in the ceiling. Worse case, you have a skylight where none existed before.

So don't assume your tile roof is indestructible. And if your house is over 50 years old and has a tile roof, it's time have it examined thoroughly by a qualified professional. A little (or a lot) of preventive maintenance now can save you a lot down the road. A well-maintained tile roof can add value to your house when you go to sell it, as well.

(C) Susan Pruden.

I sit here, waiting for the Verizon Fios techs to get here. I'm singing the "anticipa-a-tion" song in my head.

I'm pretty excited about it. I am so sick of all the problems we've had with Comcast -- picture pixelating, sound dropping in and out. Wireless connectivity spotty at best. So I really have my hopes pinned on Fios being a better product, though I really do realize that it is a "your-mileage-may-vary" product and service.

One very funny thing happened when the sales guy came to our door. He was young -- under 30, I'd say. He was extoling the virtues of the Verizon Triple Play - TV, internet and phone. My husband, Joseph, had some questions about the phone service, which the sales guy only sort-of answered. For those of you who know Joseph, he can get pretty intense in his questioning.

So Joseph's question was basically: why get Fios phone service when our old fashioned phone service works great?

The salesman's answer - The battery backup gives you peace of mind. If the power goes out, you will still have phone service for around 8 hours.

Joseph said we have better than that now. We have phone service for as long as power is out.

The sales guy said but this is better because you have a battery backup.

Well, needless to say, this went on for a ridiculously long time, with each of them getting more and more frustrated. When I couldn't stand it anymore, I explained to this youngun that the old-fashioned phones, the ones you plug straight into the outlet with no power cord needed, worked whether or not there is power. He was amazed.

Talk about a generation gap! Sometimes less technology is better.

UPDATED 11/7/07

Well, it's installed and, so far, it's terrific! Internet speeds are great, the TV picture is sharper (we don't have Hi Def) and I'm happy. It'll take a while to get used to the new remote and menus, but that's normal. So far, so good! --Susan

(C) Susan Pruden.