Year after year, the tiles on the roof of your house get exposed to the wrath of nature and if not paid due attention to, they start looking dilapidated. Mildew, moss and tree sap start accumulating on the roof tiles making the roof appear old and ugly. Most of us pay a lot of attention to cleaning windows, doors and floors of our home, but tend to overlook the roof as it is out of sight and hence out of mind.
Tile roof cleaning is essential for maintaining both the longevity and aesthetic of your home. Over time, moss, algae, and debris can accumulate, leading to potential damage. A professional cleaning service will preserve your tiles and prevent costly repairs. For more information on effective cleaning techniques, click here to learn more about the best practices and solutions.
3 reasons why should you think about cleaning your roof tiles?
Cleaning the tiles on your roof provides three main benefits:
1. Increases aesthetic value:
Stains, moss and mildew accumulate over time damaging the overall appearance of your roof as well as the entire home. Regular cleaning keeps such destructive elements at bay.
2. Early detection of damages:
When you start cleaning the roof, you can detect some of the minor damages that have been caused to the structure of the roof tiles due to age, weather or other factors.
3. Extends the life of your roof:
After cleaning, you can prime and paint the tiles which can help to prevent further accumulation of moss and dirt and hence increase longevity of the roof tiles.
Chemicals used to clean roof tiles:
Roof tiles are often cleaned with chemicals that are spread over it, and left on the tiles for a short period of time, then washed off by a pressure washer. Good roof cleaning companies recommend and use Sodium Hydroxide based products. These products are safe, eco friendly and are very effective as a cleaning and degreasing agent.
A cheaper solution is to use a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Another effective cleaning combination, is a mixture of detergent, bleach and Trisodium Phosphate in warm water. Some roof cleaning companies avoid using bleaching agents altogether and only use hot water or steam to clean the tiles on the roof.
Tile Roof Cleaning Methods:
Cleaning the roof tiles require skill and experience of a professional. A professional roof cleaning service will clean your tile roof in the following steps:
1. Initial Power Washing:
The first step is to wash the roof tiles with pressure washer to remove the loose dirt, debris including insects, leaves, twigs etc. Pressure is applied from the ridge going down towards the gutter. Then the roof is allowed to dry out completely.
2. Chemical Treatment:
Power washing again, but this time using less water pressure then the initial wash, and using a chemical mixture that is sprayed all over the dry tiles. This process lets the chemical enter the pores of the tiles. It is recommended to let the chemicals stay on the tiles for while, to let it loosen up additional debris on the tiles.
3. Final Rinsing:
The last and final washing is to rinse off and remove the chemicals, and can be the most challenging job of the entire process. It depends on the extent to which the dirt, debris and moss has built up over the years, and the toughness of the stains on the roof tiles. Strong pressure is applied this time to remove dirt and stains from top to bottom of the roof.
4. Cleaning the Gutters:
After rinsing off the dirt and chemicals from tiles, the next thing that merits attention are the gutters. The dirt and debris collects in the gutters and needs to be removed.
5. Inspection and Repairing:
The roof tiles are now inspected for cracks or breakages. Broken or damaged roof tiles should then be replaced.
6. Resealing and Repainting:
After the final cleaning, tiles are coated with a sealant to guard them against climatic elements. Another good option is to repaint the entire tiled roof to get a brighter, newer finish.
A good roof tile cleaning contractor, can make your tiled roof look almost as good as new.
