Cleaning your roof may seem like a daunting task, especially when you don’t know the best way to clean roof tiles. However, this doesn’t have to be the case! Roof cleaning can help increase your home’s curb appeal and prolong the life of your roof, as well as make it safer by preventing accidents on moss-covered tiles or in gutters that have accumulated debris and soot from years of neglect. Of course, you need to make sure that you use the best methods for cleaning roof tiles.
The Basics of Roof Tile Cleaning
If you want your roof tiles looking their best at all times, then there are a few tricks you can use to achieve just that. Cement tile roofs are beautiful, but they get dirty very quickly. The trick is to maintain them properly and keep them in top condition. After each rainy season or heavy storm it is important to inspect your roof and identify any problem areas such as moss growth, damage from debris impact or failed sealants etc. Once these issues have been addressed and rectified any loose tiles should be replaced as soon as possible before they fall off and cause injury or worse still start to rot leaving an unsightly and potentially dangerous blotch of wet concrete on your ceiling below.
It is also worth checking your skylight fittings and seals. Even if they are functioning correctly, you should get them cleaned professionally at least once a year. As with any item that is in regular use there will always be some build up of dust and grime which can affect its efficiency over time.
Why It's Important To Clean Your Roof
Dirt, dust, and grime can prevent your roof tiles from being able to adequately protect your home or business. Having a clean roof is important for both aesthetic reasons and practical reasons.
The most obvious benefit of having a clean roof is that it looks good. The majority of roofs are made of tiles, and dirty tiles look discolored, dull, and dingy. So what can you do if your roof is starting to get a bit dusty? There are actually a number of ways to clean your roof without causing damage or making a mess—both inside and outside. But before getting into those methods, let's take a look at why cleaning your roof is so important beyond roof appearance.
Just because you don't see dirt on top of your tile doesn't mean it isn't there! Tile roofs need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they're performing their job. Dirt can build up on and between tiles, blocking or reducing water from being properly dispersed throughout a roof's surface area. This can lead to damage, leaks, and other problems for homeowners and business owners alike.
Most homeowners don't realize that a dirty roof can cause water damage. You'll also want to make sure that there are no cracks or holes in your tile that would compromise its structural integrity.
High-Pressure Power Wash Roof Cleaning
One good option is to hire a roof cleaner who uses high-pressure power washers, which deliver cleaning solutions in powerful bursts. While these machines are effective at ridding your roof of grime and dirt, if not handled properly they can damage fragile tiles.
A powerful enough machine will clean your entire roof in a couple passes. The benefit of having an expert handle cleaning your roof is that they know how hard or soft you should push so as not to damage tiles. This could take several passes over sections of your home, depending on its size and number of tiles.
Chlorine-Bleach Roof Cleaning
This product is one of the most efficient and well-known cleaning solutions. It can quickly break down stains and discoloration, but it can also damage your tiles if not used properly. Before using any bleach product, always test it on a small area first. If you don’t want chlorine in your water, try diluting it with water before cleaning.
Another important thing you have to consider when using any chemical product is whether it will react with your roof tiles. Your roof could be made of multiple materials and substances, so you have to check if those chemicals are compatible with each other.
Eco-Friendly, Non-Bleach, Low Pressure Roof Cleaning
Some experts believe that these are some of best methods for cleaning roof tiles. It is possible to clean your roof tiles without toxic chemicals or pressure washers. However, it is recommended that you read and understand how each method works before beginning a project. Non-bleach products are more environmentally friendly and safe for your family and pets. When choosing a product make sure it states non-toxic, non-bleach on the label.
With these types of solutions you must follow all safety guidelines. Always read and follow label directions. Always wear gloves when handling them because they can irritate your skin and eyes.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Before you jump into cleaning your roof tiles, it’s best to consider whether you want to take a DIY approach or hire a professional. If you want help for an especially dirty roof, going with a professional cleaner is definitely a safer choice. If your tiles are moderately dirty and you have experience working on roofs, then it could be worthwhile doing some research and getting some supplies so that you can do it yourself!
Hiring a professional comes with peace of mind. If you have any doubt about your abilities, or if your roof is unusually dirty, it’s best to hire an expert. A pro will also be able to save you time and energy by doing everything they can within their area of expertise. Doing it yourself without any prior experience is a recipe for disaster. Although it seems like there are many ways to clean your roof tile, none of them are as effective as hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.
Home Advisor states the average roof cleaning cost is between $295 and $596. That's a very small price to pay compared to the thousands of dollars worth of damage you can create when attempting to do it yourself.