When should I clean my roof tiles?

A clean roof will enhance your property

There are many benefits to having a clean roof in terms of aesthetics and structural integrity. We are often asked “When should I clean my roof tiles?” The answer to this question will depend on when your roof was last cleaned and how it was carried out. A professional roof clean could last you over a decade. So, let’s look at some different scenarios…

Many people have never cleaned their roofs, and this can create serious problems in the long run. From a seasonal perspective, you should always check your roof after winter in case of any storm damage. If you want to sell or rent, a clean roof will help you attract buyers and tenants. If you are planning to extend your property, it’s useful to check your roof for any potential problems. A roof clean and treatment will bring it up to a good standard.

Why is roof cleaning important?

There are lots of environmental factors that can affect your roof tiles. During the year, storms can take their toll on your roof. Windy weather can result in debris accumulating, particularly in gutters, which can damage the roofline. Heavy rain, extreme heat, snow and ice can affect the surface integrity of the tile.

Mild weather encourages micro roots to grow. Over time, you could see lichen and moss growing in between your roof tiles. When a deep frost occurs, this organic matter can freeze and expand, putting pressure on the tiles causing cracks. By keeping your roof clean and applying a suitable coating, you can prevent micro roots from taking hold.

What is the best roof cleaning method?

There are lots of ways to clean a roof, but few methods are safe and effective. Never risk your health and safety by climbing onto a roof or out from a skylight. This is extremely dangerous and could also compromise your roof structure.

Below is our step-by-step process so you can see how a roof clean should be carried out:

1. Clear the area

   First, our team will check your garden area and carefully move any pots and garden furniture out of the way.

2. Inspect the roof

   Using specialist equipment such as CAT ladders, we will inspect your roof without ever stepping foot on any of your roof. Our team will check to see if you are missing any tiles. We will also check the condition of any cement work (known as pointing) surrounding ridge tiles and chimneys.

3. Repair roof tiles

   If we spot any missing roof tiles, we will let you know before we continue our cleaning work. Our team can source reclaimed clay roof tiles that match your existing ones from our vast network of suppliers. We will then replace these for you.

4. Clean the roof

   Using a fungicidal wash, we will kill any micro roots growing in between the cracks or on the surface of your roof tiles, such as moss, algae and lichen. Next, working across small areas, we will gently wash your roof without using any damaging, high-pressure water jets.

5. Treat roof tiles

   The last stage involves applying two coats of the RENOTEC roof coating, which protects the roof tiles from weather conditions. This roof coating will leave your roof with a high-quality finish, and you can choose from a variety of shades. There is also a clear treatment for clay roof tiles, which allows the natural hue to shine through.

Improve your property with a roof clean

To conclude, at different times of the year, your roof will be exposed to varying seasonal elements that can cause wear and tear. Debris, dirt and micro roots can easily build up, risking the integrity of your roof tiles. If you have not had one for many years, it’s worth booking a roof clean. Our team will inspect your roof as part of our process.
A professional roof clean not only enhances the visual appeal of your property, but it will expand the lifespan of your roof too. The RENOTEC coating we use is waterproof with a fungicidal quality and is guaranteed for 10 years. So, you won’t have to clean your roof again for a decade or more.

If you are selling, renting or extending your home, a clean roof will help you achieve a quality aesthetic for your property. Always use an experienced roof cleaning company who will respect your home and take great care when carrying out your clean.