No matter the quality of your roof tiles, over time they will accrue a build up of dirt, moss and algae. There is no fancy solution to preventing this – they just need regular cleaning.
Here at SHS Roofing, we are here to address any queries you may have. We’ve made a useful guide on how to keep your roof tiles in top-notch condition.
The Best Way to Clean Roof Tiles
Before we get into the best ways to clean your roof tiles, we are going to strongly discourage from using a pressure washer. Despite being a popular method of cleaning, we don’t recommend this as it could be causing more damage than good.
The pressure of the water stream could remove the finish from the roof tiles. The finish of roof tiles is usually granular, meaning that it takes years for it to wear off – but a pressure washer can do this prematurely. This could result in a much shorter lifespan for your roof tiles.
By using such a method to clean your roof tiles, you may invalidate any guarantees as many tile manufacturers advise against using this method.
- Use a Trowel/Stiff Brush
This is a simple, manual method of cleaning roof tiles. The build up is scraped off the tiles by hand, using the leverage of the trowel to effectively remove the dirt. We recommend doing this on a dry day, where the build up won’t stick to the tiles due to excessive moisture.
- Use a Chemical Solution
Many manufacturers now offer chemical roof tile cleaning products to aid in cleaning roof tiles. This is particularly useful for moss and algae build up. These chemical products can be sprayed onto the roof tiles, which helps to kill any plant life on the roofing.
When using products that contain fungicides or anti-moss properties, be sure to cover up any nearby plants or grass. These products are designed to kill not only moss and algae, but any living organisms.
Prevent Build-Up on Roof Tiles: Dirt, Moss & Algae
Once the roof tiles are cleaned, there are certain precautionary steps that should be taken to prevent future build ups.
- Ensure roof tiles are regularly cleaned
Look out for any build-up of dirt, moss and algae. Nip the problem in the bud to prevent large-scale build-ups, which stems from moisture being unable to escape. By doing this regularly, it protects the structural integrity of the roof and keeps the original design intact.
- Maintain the roof
As a property owner, you should ensure that the roofing is regularly maintained and inspected. Look out for any broken tiles or damaged sections across the roof. If spotted, make sure this is fixed as soon as possible by contacting a reputable company, such as SHS Roofing for expert roof tile repairs. Ensuring there are no cracks or holes in the roofing structure will prevent areas in which build-up can accrue.
The Importance of Cleaning Roof Tiles
If moss, dirt and algae is left unattended, it can cause serious structural damage to the roof. Moisture-absorbent organisms like moss can add a lot of weight to the roof, which puts it under stress. This can lead to moisture entering the roof space, particularly as the roof tiles won’t dry off from the sun with the build-up acting as a barrier against it.
If you have any questions regarding the upkeep of roof tiles or our roof tiling services, don’t hesitate to contact our team of highly experienced professionals at SHS Roofing. We offer free consultations, so get in touch today.