Having a clean and well maintained roof not only increases the aesthetic appeal of your home but functions to protect your space from the elements. However, over time your roof may become dirty, and have moss and algae growth which is not only unsightly to look at, but can affect the structural integrity of the roof, reducing its lifespan. Here is our guide on how to clean roof tiles safely.
Preparing Your Roof
There are a few important steps you need to follow prior to cleaning your roof tiles or roof vents, firstly to ensure your safety and secondly to make sure you don’t create any further problems for yourself down the line.
Safety Precautions
Before cleaning your roof tiles, it is important to consider the various hazards involved and the safety and protective equipment required to avoid any potential dangers.
Personal Protective Equipment and Ensuring Your SafetyÂ
- Wear non-slip, sturdy safety boots
Where there may be a build-up of moss and algae, the tiles on your roof may become very slippery and this is especially important to consider on high pitched roofs. While wearing adequate footwear you should make sure to only step where tiles overlap, as this is where the tiles are most secure.
- Wear safety glasses and chemical resistant safety gloves
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is specially designed to provide a vital additional layer of protection for yourself, lessening the chances of injury. A pair of safety glasses will help to protect your eyes from dust, dirt, chemicals and sharp objects. As you will be using chemicals when cleaning your roof, it is also important for you to be wearing safety gloves, which will maintain functionality while still shielding your skin from tools, harmful chemicals and materials.
- Safety rails, lines and harnesses
Depending on the size and pitch of your roof, you may require a safety line or harness. These are essential where there are areas of moss or algae build up as it can make the tiles extremely slippery.
- Disconnect Water Tanks and Clear The Guttering
If your guttering system is connected to a water storage tank, it is important that you disconnect the two before you begin cleaning the roof tiles, as otherwise any chemicals used may find their way into your water storage.
Cleaning your roof tilesÂ
Removing Moss and Algae
You should first begin by gently scraping away any larger, loose pieces of moss, this should be done carefully to prevent any damage to your roof tiles.
Once the larger pieces of moss and algae have been removed, you can use a garden sprayer to apply a moss and algae remover. This should not only kill any existing moss and algae but prevent any future growth.Â
When applying the moss remover you should move backwards from where the product has been applied, so that you do not step onto a wet, treated tile.
Cleaning Dirt and Debris From Your Roof Tiles
When dealing with dirt and debris on the surface of your roof tiles, you should apply an all purpose roof cleaner using a garden sprayer. This should effectively remove grime and dirt without causing any damage to the tiles.
For any stubborn, hard to remove dirt, you may want to use a stiff brush to scrub the tiles thoroughly.
Some people may wish to use a pressure wash to clean their roof tiles however, the pressure of the water can in fact damage your tiles and their coating.
Maintaining Your Roof’s Cleanliness
Cleaning your roof tiles can be a rather difficult task and so once you have made the effort to clean them, there are a few steps you can take to maintain the condition of your roof
tiles, keeping them in optimal condition.
Inspect and maintain the roof
You should make sure to regularly inspect and monitor the condition of your roof, keeping an eye out for any broken tiles, cracks or gaps. This is essential as these small gaps are optimal ground for the growth of moss and algae, which if left for a prolonged period of time, could cause long-term issues.
Cleaning your roof more regularly
Making sure to clean your roof tiles more regularly will inevitably make the task easier, as it will be a much smaller job each time. Beyond just the aesthetic appeal of your roof, cleaning your roof tiles more frequently can contribute towards maintaining its structural integrity. The buildup of dirt, moss and algae can cause moisture to penetrate into your roof space, which can lead to issues such as condensation and mould.
Installing copper or zinc strips
If you experience extensive or recurrent levels of moss, algae, or lichen build-up, you may want to consider installing copper or zinc strips along your roof. These strips will inhibit the growth of organisms such as moss or algae as they are poisonous to plant life. When it rains, the water absorbs these chemicals and washes over any existent moss or algae, and prevents any new growth.
Professional Cleaning Services
Before cleaning your tiles, it is recommended that you consult with the manufacturer’s information to ensure the products and methods you are using will be suited to your roof tiles. If appropriate, it is still advised that you contact an experienced professional for any further information or advice.
If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your roof tiles, then you may want to hire a professional cleaning service for the job.
