How To Clean Roof Tiles
Your home’s roof is arguably the most important element of the entire property. Not only does it provide you with the necessary shelter, but a roof protects you from the elements and keeps water from entering and causing a leak.
With this in mind, it’s vital that your roof is always kept in the best condition.
A roof that has been allowed to become neglected may no longer be watertight, could become damaged and cause your property a whole host of severe problems. These problems will likely be difficult to fix and could be extremely expensive, so doing maintenance before it gets to this stage is always recommended.
Often, cleaning your roof tiles can help stop more serious problems from setting in and in this article we’ll explain how to clean roof tiles explaining the best way to do so.
Read on to find out more.
When Does My Roof Need Cleaning?
There are several signs that indicate that your roof and its tiles may need to be cleaned including blocked gutters, damaged structural bonds and overheating in your attic.
However, perhaps the biggest and most obvious sign that you should clean your roof tiles is if moss or algae has started to grow on them. For those unfamiliar, this is a green plant or vegetation that can cause a whole host of problems on roofs if left unattended.
It is normal for moss to grow on the surface of your roof’s tiles over time. They can thrive when they come into contact with damp areas or parts of the roof that are especially moist. Consequently, tiles that then become full of moss are prone to something known as delamination. This is where the clay separates from the tiles and causes them to damage the structure of the roof itself. In severe cases, roofs can become covered in thick moss layers that may increase the weight and may break through the roof.
Furthermore, moss can grow in joints or gaps surrounding the tiles and this can cause two big issues. First, the moss will block the roof’s interlocking channels preventing the tiles from functioning properly and possibly allowing leaks.
Secondly, if moss obscures joints it reduces the tiles’ ability to maintain a proper airflow. This can then result in damp conditions within the roof.
With all of this considered, if you spot this kind of growth on your roof it is important to tackle the issue as soon as possible before it gets out of hand and becomes more damaging.
How To Clean Roof Tiles
The best way to clean roof tiles is to use a trowel or a stiff brush.
While it might seem relatively simple, scraping off the moss, algae or vegetation by hand is the most effective technique to clean roof tiles. You can also get specialist trowels to do this job.
However, before attempting any work on the roof, you should think about whether or not you need to call in professional support. This is because working on a roof can be hazardous, so you must be confident that you can do the work yourself.
If you do decide to do it yourself, you must make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment and that you do not do the work alone. This is because if an emergency does occur, there will be someone to offer support or call the emergency services. You should also avoid walking on the roof tiles if possible as they can break or crack which will cause further roof damage.
You should conduct the work on a dry day if possible because it will make it easier to remove the moss.
In addition to using your trowel or brush, you may also opt to use specialist chemicals. Some specialist moss killers or anti-moss treatments can be applied to the roof using a spray which will help kill the plants. You should not do this until you’ve scrapped the tiles first.
How To Clean Roof Tiles With A Pressure Washer
It is not recommended that you use a pressure washer when cleaning roof tiles.
This is because a high-powered pressure washer can actually damage the roof and do more harm than good. This is because the strength of the water may actually remove tiles from the roof and in severe cases even cause a floor inside the property.
If you do want to use a pressure washer, you should make sure it is on a low setting.
How To Prevent A Dirty Roof
Once you have cleaned your roof tiles, there are several things you can do to ensure it does not become extremely dirty or damaged again in the future.
The preventative measures you can take include:
Regular cleaning: The best way to prevent algae build-up is to regularly clean your roof tiles. As a minimum, you should clean the roof at least once a year and get professional maintenance every three to five years.
Keep your roof in the best condition: In addition to cleaning, you should also take the time to regularly inspect and maintain your roof. If you notice any broken tiles or sections, fix it as soon as possible. Neglecting damage can make the issue worse and cause other problems to occur more quickly.
Install copper or zinc strips: If you notice that your roof is suffering from moss more than usual, it might be worth installing copper or zinc strips. Fixing these things to roof tiles will stop organisms like moss from growing. When it rains the moisture will travel down the remove and be absorbed by the chemicals from the metal strips rather than settling and causing moss to grow.
Trim trees: If you have trees in your garden that grow close to your roof, it may be worth trimming the leaves and branches. This will prevent leaves and debris from falling onto the roof and contributing to vegetation growth. Again, just like with roof cleaning, make sure you have all the safety equipment you need to safely trim trees.
