Cleaning roof tiles: 3 techniques at a glance
Roof tiles can be cleaned in different ways. Read this article to find out what to look out for in each case and how best to proceed.
What are the options?
Cleaning roof tiles with a pressure washer
Homeowners who want to give their roof a new shine can clean it themselves. It should be noted, however, that such work is not free of controversy, as damage can quickly occur.
The tool of choice is a pressure washer with a suitable brush attachment. With this, you can not only work quickly, but also thoroughly. Make sure that you do not direct a jet of water at the roof tiles and that you keep a suitable distance from the surface. Without the attachment, this should be at least 20 cm. It is also essential to secure yourself on the roof to minimise your own risk of injury. Assign a second person to supervise the cleaning.
Cleaning roof tiles without a pressure washer
In some cases, you should refrain from using a pressure washer. This applies, for example, to certain types of roof tiles or coatings that could be damaged by the high water pressure. Of course, it is also possible that you want to save yourself the cost of hiring or purchasing one. Then you can opt for good old cleaning by hand.
When walking on the roof surface, first spray it with a vinegar solution or cleaning agent before applying the root brush. It is best to rinse continuously with the water hose to keep an eye on the outstanding areas. At the end, you should also clean the gutters so that rainwater can continue to flow away optimally.
Have roof tiles cleaned
The cleaning of roof tiles is controversial, not least because of the purely visual improvements and the high risk of damage due to improper procedures. Therefore, in some cases it is worthwhile to rely on professional roof cleaning by experts.
This option protects the material and in many cases ensures that you would be protected from an insurance point of view against damage and subsequent water ingress. However, the costs are comparatively high and are often estimated at 10 to 25 pounds per square metre. If there is a suspicion of asbestos in the roof, you are not allowed to clean it yourself – in this case, a special team must be called in, which is even more expensive.
Product recommendations
The choice of the right products for cleaning roof tiles depends above all on the material. Choose a pressure washer that has a power of at least 800 W and can develop a pressure of 100 bar. The fuse for work on the roof should have a DIN certificate. Both the cleaning agents and the sealant must match the roof coating.
Smartseal Roof Tile Sealer - for Concrete, Slate & Clay Roof Tiles - Creates a 10yr Water Repellent Barrier, Protecting...
- ️ 10-YEAR WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR ROOFS, WON'T CHANGE APPEARANCE - Experience the convenience and durability of our Roof Sealant, specially formulated for long-lasting protection. With its recommended two-coat application, you can quickly and easily create a waterproof seal that can withstand the test of time. This high-quality sealant is designed to provide an expected lifespan of 10 years, ensuring peace of mind and reliable performance.
This roof sealant can be used as a final step after cleaning and prevents renewed soiling by green deposits, lichen, algae, etc. The sealant is suitable for various materials, including tiles, slate and natural stone. The product is supplied in a canister with a capacity of 5 l, which is sufficient for a roof tile area of about 15 to 25 m2.
Kärcher K 7 Premium Smart Control Home high-pressure washer: innovative Bluetooth app linking - our most powerful solution for every...
- Powerful pressure washer: The Kärcher K 7 Premium Smart Control Home cleans cars, mobile home, bicycles, motorcycles, fences, paths, steps, walls and outdoor furniture with a maximum 180 bar pressure
- App control: The pressure washer can be operated via the application consultant in the Kärcher Home & Garden app, Commands are simply transmitted via Bluetooth
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Anyone who decides to clean with a high-pressure washer will find this appliance an ideal candidate. The pressure washer delivers a power of 1,500 W and a pressure of 125 bar. The maximum flow rate is stated at 360 l/min. Thanks to the integrated quick connections, installation is done in no time. The weight is also low at 6.8 kg.
Silverline 250482 Fall Arrest Harness 2-Point
- Polyester webbing harness
- Dorsal attachment D-ring and front attachment webbing loops
- Adjustable chest, thigh and sit straps for extended comfort
- Conforms to EN361
- Includes storage bag
Safety is paramount on the roof, which is why you should choose this full body harness. It is made of a durable webbing made of polyester fabric, combining high wearing comfort with strong reliability. The harness complies with DIN EN 361 and can be individually adjusted to your body size. The manufacturer gives a ten-year guarantee on the product.
Patio Magic! Concentrate: Ideal for Patios, Paths and Driveways (Kills Algae and Lichens), 2.5 Litres
- Patio Magic! Liquid Concentrate Mould, Algae and Moss Killer can be used on hard surfaces indoor and outdoor, and can be used as a pre-paint fungicidal wash
- Patio Magic kills green mould in 2-4 days, and gently cleans the exposed surfaces in the weeks to come
For a stubborn lichen and moss on the bricks, this green coating remover can be used, which can be purchased in a package size between 0.5 and 5 l. The cleaner is universally suitable for most materials and removes both visual defects and rapid new lichen formation. Apply the green plaque remover pure or diluted, depending on the degree of soiling.
SPHIRES Pack of 2 Wooden Hand Scrubbing Brush Bassine Bristle Brush and A Pair of Orange Latex Palm Work Gloves...
- Scrubbing brush with bassine bristles is useful for domestic and professional hardy scrubbing tasks.
- Stiff brush curved design handle increases comfort and perfectly fits in the left or right hand.
- Orange Latex safety gloves for work keep your hands safe from soap water and other lubricants.
For mechanical roof cleaning, this scrub brush can help. It is made with a wooden handle in an S-shape, which increases the comfort of use and is gentle on nature. The sturdy bristles can loosen impurities quickly and effectively. The root brush is also durable as well as stable and is made in Europe. The length is 20 cm.
This vinegar essence consists of 60% pure acetic acid in technical quality, so that it is perfectly suitable as a household remedy for roof tiles. The product is colourless and clear. The delivery includes two canisters with a volume of 5 l each, which is sufficient for most roofs (diluted and undiluted). This acetic acid is not suitable for consumption.
Kärcher 2643-233.0 Soft Washing Brush - Pressure Washer Accessory
- Machine washable up to 60ºC.
- Food holder machine washable up to 60ºC.
- Hand wash or cold wash with a damp cloth is recommended.
- Easy cleaning.
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Matching the pressure washer, this attachment can be used to provide a soft wash brush for cleaning large areas. The brush attachment also allows for optimal detergent application – this ensures better dirt dissolution and more efficient cleaning. A surrounding protector ring also protects sensitive surfaces from scratches. The working width is 248 mm.
Instructions: Cleaning roof tiles in 3 steps with a pressure washer
1. Preparation
Safety first. When cleaning the roof, safety should come first. Use suitable safety harnesses and – depending on the roof and type of construction – provide scaffolding, which should of course be stable. Self-made ladders or board constructions are out of the question. Also wear safety shoes with non-slip soles. A second person helps to keep an overview.
Spray the roof tiles. Then go onto the roof and pre-treat the roof tiles with vinegar or with a special cleaner. This makes it easier to remove moss and lichen. Be sure to pre-treat all areas generously. When using chemical cleaners, it is important to prevent them from running off into the garden (e.g. via the gutter).
Brush off moss and algae. After a short soaking time, you can already reach for the root brush or a brush attachment. Now it’s time to scrub. Remove the dirt mechanically in this way and pay attention to whether you notice defective roof tiles or porous areas. These can be replaced later to prevent leaking roof tiles.
2. Blasting roof tiles
In the next step, use a pressure washer with a brush attachment and blast the roof tiles with warm water. Proceed from top to bottom so that no water gets under the roof and could even damage the roof tiles. Remove the loosened moss and algae residues, as these could otherwise clog the gutter and downpipe.
3. Seal and rework the roof tiles
Afterwards, the roof can be extensively sealed, for which various agents come into question. Match the sealant to the tile material and apply it with a paint roller. Some products can also be sprayed, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also check that no roof tiles have been damaged.
Tools:
- Pressure washer with brush attachment
- Root brush
- Safety equipment
- Scaffolding
- Paint roller
- Bucket
Materials: Vinegar or chemical detergent, Water, Sealant
Possible problems & solutions
The main problems when cleaning roofing can include stubborn mosses, lichens and algae. Sometimes these cannot be scrubbed off with a household remedy (such as vinegar) or with a brush. In such a case, use special cleaning agents that should match the material of the tiles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use.
More on the topic: Roof Moss Removal Techniques
FAQ
How often should the roof be cleaned?
For roof tiles, it is not worth keeping a regular cleaning interval. The materials usually last about 60 years, so cleaning them can be a significant expense. Simply orientate yourself on the degree of soiling and use the roof cleaning to check the roof tiles for damage.
Are chemical cleaners useful for roof cleaning?
In principle, both natural and chemical agents (mostly based on copper sulphite) can be used. The latter, however, requires separate disposal of the residual water, which can quickly become difficult, especially on the roof. If the impurities can be dissolved with white vinegar, you should preferably resort to this home remedy.
What does it cost to have the roof cleaned and sealed?
The cost of a professional roof cleaning and sealing depends on many factors, including the total size of the roof surface, the slope, the material and coating of the tiles, as well as the degree of soiling and the need for scaffolding. Assume prices between 10 and 25 pounds per square metre.
How to clean roof tiles properly?
Ensure that the roof is adequately secured before spraying the roof tiles with the cleaning agent and loosening coarse dirt with a root brush. Then blast the roof tiles with a pressure washer, whereby a suitable distance is elementary. Finally, the roof should be sealed and checked.
