It’s important that you clean your roof tiles regularly to retain the roof’s overall structural integrity. Cleaning your roof tiles can be dangerous and difficult, so make sure you have the necessary equipment and skills before beginning.
If you feel competent tackling your roof tiles yourself, follow these steps:
1. Invest in Safety Equipment
This is the most important step and must be heeded to above all else. Minimise the risk of danger or accidents happening by investing in the correct safety equipment. This includes:
- A safety harness
- A sturdy ladder
- Non-slip shoes
- Grip gloves
In the event that something does go wrong, you’ll want the help of someone else. Recruit a partner who can alert you of any safety hazards and direct your efforts accordingly.
2. Inspect your Roof for Faults
Before getting on your roof, climb your ladder and inspect your roof. Examine the structure for any broken or cracked tiles that may cause problems.
Other potential faults to look out for include cracked sarking, cracked window edges, damaged roof flashings, and broken caulk.
3. Access your Roof
Remember, your roof is likely to be slippery – especially if it has algae or moss growing on it. Therefore, exercise caution when accessing your roof.
Only access your roof if there are no concerning faults. Place your ladder against the roof close to the area where you’ll begin work.
Make sure your partner holds the ladder as you ascend and descend the ladder. If you can get access to lower roof tiles whilst remaining on the ladder, we recommend doing so.
4. Use a Pressure Washer or Towel
The most common method used to clean roof tiles is pressure washing. This involves using a high-pressure jet washer that blasts away dirt from your roof tiles.
Put your pressure washer on a suitable setting. This setting should be enough that you can see your roof tiles getting cleaner without breakages occurring. Always start on a lower setting and build your way up to find the correct setting.
Place your feet in between tiles for greater stability on the roof and avoid standing near areas with large patches of moss or algae. We recommend starting at the top corner and working your way down.
An alternative method to pressure washing is using a trowel to manually scrape away dirt. This is becoming an increasingly popular option as it reduces the chance of accidental damage being caused to your tiles or their coating by high-pressure washer settings.
5. Apply Anti-Moss Spray
Sometimes, you’ll come across stubborn moss or algae that refuse to move – irrespective of your pressure washing or manual cleaning methods.
In this instance, use anti-moss treatments that are designed to kill existing plant life on your roof and prevent them from growing again. Some pressure washers have a product insert that allows you to disperse chemical products through them.
Make sure you wear gloves for this step to prevent chemicals from touching your skin. Leave the anti-moss treatment to set for five minutes and then check to see if the moss has become more compliant. Clean the product off with water.
Please note that, if you have a rainwater tank or guttering pipes that lead to green garden areas, be sure to divert the pipes first before applying anti-moss treatment. This ensures that your plant life is protected and prevents contamination from occurring in your pipes.
We recommend cleaning your roof tiles every two years to prolong your roof’s lifespan. For peace of mind that the job is done correctly and to keep yourself out of harm’s way, get in touch with Recycling Roof Tiles today.
Contact Us
We can ensure that the right amount of pressure is used when cleaning your roof with a pressure washer and prevent damages from occurring. Call 0427241224 or email us at [email protected].
