Tile roofs are admired for a number of reasons and as a result of that, they're incredibly common. And yet a lot of people who have roof tiles simply do not know how to clean them! This leads to many people assuming that their best port of call is whipping out a pressure washer when in reality, this can lead to damaged tiles and irreversible damage to your roof as a whole
Luckily, the experts at EMS Powerwashing know exactly how to clean roof tiles without a pressure washer, and can share all the knowledge with you to help keep you and your roof tiles safe!
Dirty roof tiles can lead to potential problems with your roof. These can range from mild inconveniences to issues that will cost you money in the long run.
The accumulation of dirt, moss growth, algae growth, and other debris can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your home, changing the way your roof looks. These organic growths can cause severe discolouration and shading, and they all retain moisture. This moisture can encourage more organic growth and can compromise the durability of the tile, as well as its lifespan.
Dirty roof tiles can also make your home less energy efficient. Often, tiles are installed with the idea that their reflective nature may help the property's efficiency and that they may provide extra insulation. When the tile roof is covered in dirt or they're broken, these increases in efficiency are no longer possible.
Learn more: Is Roof Cleaning A Good Idea
Dirt and grime are another culprit for ruining your home's roof tiles. They can be caused by a number of things. The leading causes of dirt and grime are:
These can impact your home's energy efficiency and detract from the style of your home. There are a number of ways to remove loose debris and dirt from your roof tiles:
If your roof is just covered in leaves, feathers, and twigs, and there's no real grime, dirt, or moss, you can take a leaf blower up onto the roof and clean roof tiles this way. Just be sure to avoid blowing the leaves into the gutters!
As mentioned, zinc is great for roof cleaning. Zinc strips are a good alternative to a pressure wash, but you can also use zinc oxide to properly clean roof tiles and remove any filth that is embedded in your tile roof.
If you want to painlessly remove dirt and clean roof tiles, soft washing is a great choice. It is, however, hard to do without the help of professionals like EMS Powerwash.
The process involves applying a cleaning solution designed for a tile roof at low pressure. Applied with a sprayer or a pump, this chemical solution should get your roof clean in no time at all.
Uncover more: What Is Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
One alternative to pressure washing roof tiles is to steam clean them. You can use steam cleaning to get a really deep clean that pressure washers would struggle to safely achieve on your tile roof. Be sure, when considering steam cleaning, to check that your roof tiles can handle it. The hot temperatures used can damage some tile materials, so it is always worth checking with your roof tile manufacturers first!
Using a stiff brush, you can remove most dirt and debris from tile roofs. You should scrub gently to avoid causing any damage to your tiles and work in sections to ensure an even clean.
When roof tiles are particularly dirty or stained, professionals like EMS Powerwash will often rely on an expert cleaning solution to tackle the tough grime and stains without causing any damage to the tile roof.
These organisms thrive on roof tiles. They require dark, shaded conditions in order to grow, and these can often be found on the roof surface. Birds and the wind can carry moss and algae spores onto your roof, where, given the chance, they will grow and spread, covering the roof structure entirely if left unchecked.
There are three ways to remove moss and algae without a pressure washer:
If your roof tiles are suffering from lots of moss, you can simply remove it by scrubbing and scraping it away. Using specially designed tools like a moss scraper, you can gently remove moss without damaging the tiles at all.
You should work in small sections when removing moss, and make sure that you regularly remove any debris that you have cleaned off the roof tiles. Ensure, when you are working, that you are safe.
There is a large range of chemical products out there specifically designed to remove organic growth from masonry surfaces, tiles, and roofs. Products like algaecides, fungicides, or even carefully diluted bleach can work wonders on smaller patches of moss or algae.
When using these products, you should be very careful. Be sure to always follow any manufacturer's instructions and to always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the roof tiles first. While cleaning roof tiles, you should spray the chemicals across the moss evenly to allow it to work best.
Zinc strips are a great roof cleaning method. By installing zinc strips at the peak of the roof, you allow zinc particles to run down the roof tiles when it rains, cleaning roof tiles without you needing to get out the ladder. The zinc particles create an environment that is unsuitable for organic growth, preventing any algae, mildew, or mould from forming.
Find out more: How To Clean Roof Moss
There are a few different things that you should always consider when cleaning roof tiles without a pressure washer.
Roofs can be slippery, and cleaning them can be dangerous. That's why EMS Powerwash's teams are always trained in how to keep themselves safe.
If you decide to clean your roof tiles without specialist help, you need to make sure you are wearing good footwear with traction, using a safe, tall ladder that is positioned carefully, and you may need to wear a harness. You should be mindful of any electrical wires while working.
The right day is almost as important as the right tools. You need to make sure the weather is calm, with no rain and no strong winds. This will help to keep you safe.
Different roof tiles are made up of different things. Some are sturdier and can handle a harsher cleaning solution or a real work down with a stiff brush. Others, however, will not withstand such force. It is important you look into this before you begin.
You may also find that some tile materials, like concrete or clay, might require specific cleaning routines in order to properly care for the material.
If you've never done something like this, or you aren't sure if you have the right gear (maybe you don't have quite the right sturdy ladder!) then it is always worth just hiring a team of experts. Trained and knowledgeable, the EMS Powerwash time will manage your tile roof cleaning without even thinking about pressure washing, and will deliver a perfect clean every time.
Contact EMS Powerwash today for a free quote.
