Roof tile cleaning - the benefits are many
Roof cleaning. It’s probably not at the top of your priority list, but a clean roof offers many benefits: Aesthetic value, damage prevention and extending the lifespan of your roof.
So, how much does roof tile cleaning actually cost? For a small area, the roof tile cleaning cost can be well under $1,000, but there are still some serious savings to be made if you do it yourself.
Roof cleaning may not sound exciting, but a sparkling clean roof will get noticed. Picture: Getty
So, why is cleaning your roof so important?
A roof that’s free of moss and stains can seriously elevate your home’s facade, and do wonders for your curb appeal. Looks aside, keeping your roof clean can help prevent damage (a little investment now, saves you a lot in the long run) and extend the lifespan of your roof (roof replacement can cost some big bucks, and should be avoided).
Your roof is a major part of your home’s facade – and curb appeal counts. Picture: Getty
We chatted to roof cleaning expert and founder of Mott Group, Garry Mott, to seek his tips and tricks on the best way to clean roof tiles.
How to clean your roof: Getting started
Before cleaning begins, a full roof inspection is necessary to identify any faults, such as cracked and broken tiles, as well as to check roof flashings (i.e., pieces of material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure) are all sound.
The ridge of a roof (i.e., the high point where two tiled roof surfaces meet) should be checked and cleaned, along with the integrity of all cement bedding under each tile. Any identified faults need to be repaired before roof cleaning commences, because high pressure spray could cause roof leaks if the tiles are compromised.
Assess the condition of your roof tiles before cleaning. Picture: Getty
High pressure roof cleaning
Heard of pressure cleaning roof tiles? Garry says that high pressure water cleaning is the best method for cleaning tiled roofs. No chemicals are used in this process and gutters need to be flushed and cleaned for the job to be complete. Stormwater disposal systems should also be checked to confirm they’re clear and working properly.
High pressure water cleaning is the most effective, chemical-free method to clean your roof tiles. Picture: Getty
Roof tile cleaning chemicals
Ever wondered if you can clean a roof with bleach? Seasoned experts like Garry have heard it all before from handy homeowners and DIYers looking for the right roof cleaning chemicals.
When it comes to chemical treatments for the roof, anti-moss treatments and membrane seals are the most common, however.
An anti-moss treatment will prevent moss and mould from forming on your roof; it comes in the form of a residual fungal/algal treatment, which is applied to the roof after a high pressure clean, says Garry. This leaves an active effect on the surface for a long-term period, which helps prevent spoilage and costly repairs to your roof.
Chemical cleaning is necessary if you want to remove mould or stains from your roof. Picture: Getty
As for anything post-clean? Garry says the final step is an optional application of a membrane seal, which waterproofs the colour and improves its appearance immediately.
Source: realestate.com.au
