Tile roofs have a certain look about them — they appear expensive, hardy, and sturdy, mostly because they are all of these things. Not only this, but they’re aesthetically pleasing, hence their popularity.
But the truth is, tile roofs tend to gather all sorts of gunk. Whether it’s algae, mold, lichen, or dirt, they can look stained and weathered, even if they aren’t. This is why regular roof tile cleaning is a must for any homeowner.
Whether you choose a professional for the job or want to DIY it, here’s how it’s done.
Safety First
If you plan on DIYing your tile roof cleaning, you need to take safety precautions, first. Some of the most important include:
- Wearing non-slip shoes that offer decent traction, such as athletic, closed-toe trainers
- Wear old clothing, preferably a long-sleeve shirt and pants if you’re working with chemicals
- Don’t forget extra protection such as gloves and goggles
When you work on the roof, it’s important that you’re mindful of where to step and walk. While tile roofs are sturdy, you still want to play it safe. The strongest areas of your roof are where the tiles overlap. Make sure to step on the lower part of the tile if you must step on the tiles directly.
If you just don’t have the time or gear to clean your own roof tiles, there’s no harm in calling a professional to get the job done. Check out this service for more.
Four Steps to DIY Roof Tile Cleaning
So once you’re kitted out with the right gear, you’ll need a strong and sturdy ladder to access your roof. Always lean the ladder against the building, not the roof eaves or siding. And make sure to place your ladder near your cleaning start point.
Step 1
It’s important to start on one side of your roof, then work your way over to the other side. Essentially, you’re working backward. This sounds like a no-brainer, but you don’t want to walk over wet or treated tiles — for safety reasons of course.
Step 2
Next up, you need to spay your roof tiles with plain water in order to remove loose bits of debris and dirt. The best tool for this job is a high-pressure washer which you can hire from your nearest homeware/hardware/outdoor store.
Use clean water and begin at the ridge/steepest point of your roof, spraying downwards towards your gutters. Work in small sections, moving onto the next once the area’s free from dirt.
Step 3
Your next move is to apply a chemical treatment to your roof tiles in order to kill off lingering gunk, such as mold and algae. This treatment can also prevent the plant life from re-growing.
Make sure you leave your roof to dry off completely before applying the chemical solution. Fill up the pressure washer with your fungicide solution which you can also find at your nearest hardware/outdoor store. Spray the tiles on low pressure with the solution.
When you shop for fungicide, look for a solution that promises to kill off organic growth. Key terms include ”fungicide” or ”anti-moss”. Ensure the treatment soaks for the recommended amount of time (as stated in the instructions).
Step 4
Your final step is to rinse off the chemical solution with fresh, clean water. Begin at your original starting point, rinsing in a downwards motion from the steepest part of your roof so that the solution runs into your gutters.
Pay extra attention to areas of moss/algae/lichen build-up, using a higher pressure in these areas if necessary.
Get Your Fix of General Knowledge Today
Roof tile cleaning is not a complicated task if you have the right tools for the job and a good amount of designated time. If all else fails, there’s always professional roof cleaners to get it done for you.
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