Roof Cleaning and Maintenance
The below provides general advice to help maintain the longevity of your tiled roof.
Walking on roofs can be dangerous and may result in injury, damage, or void warranties. Monier strongly recommends engaging a qualified roofing professional to carry out any inspections or work, ideally every five years, to help prevent major issues.
Causes of cleaning and maintenance
While roof tiles are known for their durability and minimal maintenance requirements, but regular care can help prevent problems.
Moisture
Moss and lichen spores can settle on roofing materials where moisture and dirt accumulate.
Damage
Damage can occur due to extreme weather or improper maintenance methods.
Environment
UV exposure and environmental conditions can dull the appearance of your roof over time. Light-coloured roofs and roofs under trees may show dirt and debris more quickly without regular cleaning.
Efflorescence
Sometimes natural salts in concrete tiles rise to the surface, causing a whitish-grey film. This is temporary and usually disappears naturally.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Engage a Professional
We recommend that you do not attempt to clean your own roof tiles due to the risk of falls and potential tile damage. A qualified roof cleaner will be able to safely clean your roof using appropriate methods.
Painting & Respraying
Repainting concrete tiles can refresh their appearance but must be redone every five years or so to maintain the look. Repainting does not improve waterproofing. Terracotta tiles, on the other hand, do not require respraying as their colour is baked into the tile through firing process. The colour will not fade and naturally retains its vibrancy.
Leaks & Gutters
Blocked gutters, downpipes, and valleys are common sources of leaks. Clean these areas regularly—annually at a minimum—and more often if your roof is surrounded by trees. Trimming overhanging branches and installing leaf guards can reduce debris and damage.
Tile Replacement
Replacing tiles or performing roof repairs should always be handled by a qualified roofing professional. Even walking on a tiled roof can risk damaging tiles or personal injury.
Bedding & Pointing
Bedding is the mortar that holds ridge caps in place, while Pointing is the top layer that seals and finishes the joints. Pointing can crack or loosen due to weather exposure.
Regular inspections can help identify early signs of wear. Repairs should always be done by a roofing professional using modern flexible compounds for better durability and performance.
High pressure washers
Monier strongly advises against the use of pressure washers for roof cleaning. These devices pose a significant risk of tile damage due to the high-pressure of water against tiles – which is why we recommend a qualified roofing professional perform roof tile cleaning.
Check out our Find a Roofer page and search for a local roofer with the technical know-how.