Jet Wash Roof Tiles? The 48 Correct Answer

Tile roofing behaves much better than many other roofing materials in harsh climatic conditions. They are highly resilient to damage from earthquakes, hurricanes, and other weather extremes. Roof tiles are also fire resistant and carry a Class A rating. However, algae and bacteria will create black streaks on your tile roof and ruin its attractiveness.

These unsightly streaks not only detract from the aesthetics of your roof, but also eat away at your roof. Because your roof is one of the most expensive components to replace, you need to have it cleaned regularly to prevent rapid deterioration.

Five reasons to stay away from pressure washing

There are many methods of cleaning tile roofs, but the most common is pressure washing. However, the problem with pressure washing a tile roof is that it ruins your roof. Here are some reasons why you should avoid pressure washing.

1. Your roof guarantee is void

The number one reason not to hire cleaning companies that use pressure washing is the way they clean your roof, which will void your warranty. The pressure used will damage your roof beyond repair.

2. It only cleans the top layer of algae

Pressure washing your tile roof only removes the top layer of algae, leaving the spores alive in the porous tiles. This means that the black streaks will only disappear for a short time and will reappear after a few months to a year. Meanwhile, the algae are still eating your roof.

3. Pressure washing damages your roof

A high-pressure cleaning can cause enormous damage to your roof. When regular pressure washing companies clean your roof, they often apply up to 4,500 psi of water to your roof. As a result, the tiles can shift easily and allow a lot of water to splash under the tiles, ultimately shortening the life of your roof. Other roof cleaners will also walk on your tiles a lot, which can cause tiles to crack, crack, or shift.

4. High pressure washing can dull the glazing

Pressure washing can dull or remove the glaze on the tiles. As a result, the tiles begin to fade, leaving dull tiles. Eventually your tiles will start to show bare cement, detracting from the attractiveness of your roof.

5. High pressure cleaning costs more

It actually costs a lot more than you think to clean your roof with regular roof cleaners rather than a certified roofer. They can end up causing major damage to your roof, leading to more leaks and more money down the road. They want to make quick money. Not being licensed roofers, not only do they not understand the critical component of your roof, they also cannot perform repairs (contracting without a license is a third degree felony) and will literally kill your roof by ignoring necessary repairs.

Hire a professional roofer to clean your tile roof

Always hire a professional roofer to clean your roof to ensure it lasts a long time. Having your tile roof cleaned by a roofer gives your roof all-round care, from pre-clean repairs to a sparkling clean roof. Working with Kelly Roofing to clean your roof means issues are addressed, not ignored.

We use the right products without putting pressure on the tiles. First an all natural gentle cleaning product and then a time-activated roof rain algae prevention solution to protect your roof. Every time it rains, your roof continues to clean itself and form a protective barrier against algae. You only need to apply Roof Rain every two years to keep your tile roof looking fresh and streak-free for a lifetime!

The benefits of professional roof cleaning include:

Never have a dirty roof for life

Restores the appearance of your roof

Increases the attractiveness of your home

Extends the life of your roof

Prevents evil HOA Grams

Maintains the value of your home

Extends the life of your roof

Schedule a roof inspection every two years

Most tile manufacturers require documented periodic inspections to maintain warranty coverage. Such inspections may only be carried out by a certified roofer and not by a cleaning company. A roof inspection will help keep your roof healthy and fresh and double its lifespan. It also helps identify small problems and make the necessary repairs before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems. This extends the life of your roof and saves you money in the long term.

If you own a home with a tile roof in South Florida, Kelly Roofing is your ultimate roofing partner. Our roof cleaning services cost the same as others, but we use high flow pumps which allow us to clean your roof faster than a traditional pressure washer cleaner. The difference is how we take care of your roof. We are qualified roofers who fix any problem we discover during the cleaning process rather than pretending we didn’t see it. Even if a pressure washer fixes a broken tile, they are being hired without a license and could potentially get you in trouble or void your warranty. Our time-activated roof rain algae prevention solution will keep your roof clean and healthy for up to two years. Contact us today to arrange a free inspection and estimate.

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Regular roof cleaning preserves the life of a roof’s shingles and tiles, removes harmful algae, grit, dirt, moss and grime, and also restores the roof’s color. Roof washing is especially important for homes in tropical areas or near large beach or waterfront properties, since sand and grit from a nearby beach can settle into the nooks and crannies of a roof and cause serious damage.

Here are five things every homeowner should know about washing residential roofs:

Roof cleaning is not a do-it-yourself job, it requires skill and know-how.

Older roofs are best cleaned with a soft wash system. Moss and algae are not only unsightly, they also cause serious damage to shingles. Debris doesn’t have to be visible from the ground to be heavy enough to damage your roof. Roof cleaning is not an overpriced service, it is a valuable investment in the condition of your home.

To ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect the appearance and condition of your home, consider five things you need to know about residential roof cleaning in Sarasota and beyond, and some general but important information about cleaning the roof Overall exterior of your home. Be sure to discuss this information with professional roof cleaning contractors so you know how best to care for your home and all exterior surfaces of your property.

Proper roof cleaning is not a do-it-yourself job

Never assume that you can rent a pressure washer and do the roof cleaning yourself. There are many reasons why cleaning the roof of a home is not a DIY job; Here are some of those reasons:

Trying to balance on a roof is dangerous in itself; Attempting to handle a clumsy and powerful pressure washer while standing on a sloping and smooth surface is very difficult and virtually impossible for those inexperienced in roofing. A fall from a roof can result in serious injury, if not death.

While balancing on a ladder is also difficult but slightly more manageable with a pressure washer, spraying roof tiles from below can loosen their nails and staples. These shingles are then more likely to come loose in strong winds and storms! Spraying shingles from below can also create dangerous and annoying splashes.

A proper and thorough roof cleaning requires some skill and experience to reach dirt and debris hidden between the cracks and crevices of roof shingles or obscured by the dark color of these roof tiles. You can’t watch how to clean roof shingles videos and learn all about roof cleaning! A professional pressure washer knows how to thoroughly clean around chimneys, vents, roof flashing, and other such features of a roof without damaging those areas.

” videos and learn everything you need to know about roof cleaning! A professional pressure washer knows how to thoroughly clean around chimneys, vents, roof flashing, and other such features of a roof without damaging those areas. If you apply too much pressure when washing a roof, the granules on the shingles can come loose, making those tiles thin and brittle. You can even loosen old and loose shingles or blow shingles right off a roof with too much pressure from a pressure washer!

A professional pressure washer will know the right detergent or surfactant to use on a roof to loosen dirt and grime without drying out the shingles and causing damage.

For all of these reasons, it’s best to leave the roof cleaning to a professional exterior cleaning company or someone who has roof cleaning and cleaning experience.

Older roofs are best cleaned with a soft wash system

Gentle laundry cleaning begins with the application of certain surfactants or detergents. These cleaning agents seep into the pits and pores of a home’s roof and work their way along the undersides of roof tiles and shingles, as well as around sheet metal and other roofing materials. Soft wash cleaners are gentle but strong, loosening up thick sand, dirt, dust, grime, mud, grime and other such residues.

Gentle car washes use a low-pressure rinse to remove dirt. This pressure is usually only slightly greater than the force generated by a garden hose with a spray nozzle. The low-pressure flush will not loosen or damage old, brittle roof tiles or wash away damaged granules along their surface. A professional pressure washer can determine if a gentle cleaning is recommended for your roof, based on the age and amount of debris being cleaned.

Moss and algae damage the roof of a house

Moss and algae are particularly harmful to the roof of a house. These contaminants hold extra moisture against shingles and felt; This extra moisture causes shingles to soften and become brittle, and roofing felt can crack, leading to water leaks.

Unlike other debris on a home’s roof, moss, algae, mold and mildew continue to grow over time! These contaminants can work their way under a home’s roof shingles and eventually loosen those roof tiles as it spreads further. Never assume that you can ignore moss, algae and similar growths on your roof as neglecting the necessary cleaning can result in a damaged roof and dangerous internal water leaks.

Don’t wait until algae and other debris is visible to schedule a roof cleaning

A homeowner should never wait until they see rows of algae or moss along a clapboard or roof edge to schedule a power wash for their home. Here’s why, and when to get your home’s roof washed:

Algae, moss, mold and mildew thrive best in damp, dark spaces away from air and sunlight. In a residential roof, these spaces are typically located under and around roof tiles and shingles, in areas that cannot be seen from below or during an occasional visual inspection.

Once algae and other such deposits begin to form, they grow and spread, loosening and softening roof tiles. The wetter the environment, the faster these pollutants multiply, so that a roof then suffers a lot of damage in a short time.

Consistent washing of a roof removes wet leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris that can cause algae, mold and other contaminants to grow in the first place! Regular washing with a pressure washer can then prevent damage to the roof and ensure that it always looks good.

Washing a roof after a particularly stormy season will remove all of the storm debris and debris that can lead to mold, moss, and other buildup.

Hiring a professional roof cleaning company is an investment in your home

Regular, professional roof cleaning will restore the overall appearance of your roof, removing accumulated soot, dirt, dust and other debris, as well as various stains and discolorations. Shingles and tiles will look fresh and vibrant, making your entire home look cleaner and newer.

A gentle washing system also removes algae, mold, moss and mildew that cannot normally be reached with a standard hose or pressure washer. The detergents and surfactants used during a gentle pressure wash are designed to penetrate every nook and cranny of a roof, dissolving dirt and debris trapped under shingles and around eaves. Low pressure flushing does not remove any loose tile or grit on the shingles themselves, while still protecting those tiles from damaging storm debris.

Thorough high-pressure cleaning also reveals damaged areas along the roof surface. A home’s roof may have soft spots that indicate the need for structural repair, hidden under water stains or layers of soot and dirt. A professional cleaning will reveal damaged areas so repairs can be made promptly, preserving the home’s framework and preventing roof leaks and eventual water damage.

Why Power Wash a House

Your roof cleaning expense is an investment in the structure and condition of your home, as is pressure washing the entire facade of your home. Consider why it’s good for any homeowner to pressure clean their home regularly:

Consistent cleaning of the gutters, windows, exterior walls, pool deck and exterior concrete and pavers can restore the color of painted concrete, brick walls and pavers, and remove unsightly streaks and dirt from exterior windows. Regular cleaning then improves the overall appeal of a home and keeps those finishes and materials looking new and in good condition.

Washing a house with the power machine reveals areas that need repairs, just like a roof! Cleaning the exterior walls of a home can reveal cracks in the brick or cracks in aluminum siding, while washing concrete driveways and sidewalks can also reveal cracks, chips, and other such damage.

Accumulated dust, dirt, mud, silt, sand, and soot can soften and otherwise damage brick, concrete, and patio stone. Dirty windows become thin and brittle over time. Regular washing of these materials extends their lifespan and reduces the need for otherwise unnecessary repairs.

Power washing a home’s gutters removes built-up dirt and debris that causes clogs. Clogged gutters allow rainwater to spill over their sides, damaging a home’s exterior walls and foundation. Clean gutters are especially important in tropical areas or those prone to severe, frequent storms to prevent this water damage.

related questions

Why Clean a New Roof?

A roof of any age can be covered in harmful soot, sand and dirt, and it doesn’t take long for algae and other contaminants to start growing under and around roof shingles. Regular pressure washing of a roof, no matter how old, will maintain its condition and appearance.

Can you wash clay roof tiles?

Clay roof tiles should be pressure washed regularly to remove harmful dirt, grime, silt and other such residues. Gentle cleaning is an excellent option for older or brittle tile and clay roofs that are covered in thick dirt and grime.

Does a cleaning agent or surfactant dry out roof shingles and tiles?

A cleaning product or surfactant intended for the roof or exterior surfaces of a home will not dry out the clapboard or tile. A professional pressure washer with experience cleaning roofs will also flush out all traces of such cleaning products, leaving the roof of the house clean and in good condition.

Oct 17, 2019 11:53 am

The high-pressure cleaning of roof tiles requires the right technology. Whether you’re pressure washing your roof for moss buildup or just general cleaning, it’s important to be clear about what you’re doing before you begin. While it won’t damage your roof if done right, it can also have serious consequences for your roofing if done wrong.

It is important that moss and algae do not build up on your roof as this could cause leaks. However, we always recommend being careful with high-pressure cleaning and, if in doubt, perhaps leaving it to a specialist – you don’t want to damage your roof unnecessarily.

Get the right pressure

If you decide to pressure wash your roof yourself, it is important to remember that the pressure of your washing machine cannot be too high. The main reason for this is that high pressure can peel the surface of your roof tiles. This will drastically reduce the life expectancy of your roof and you could end up paying for a new roof much earlier than expected.

Choose your detergent

When washing your roof we recommend that you first apply a quality cleaning product as this will make it easier to remove any moss or dirt that has built up on the roof. The detergent is a good base for cleaning the roof and means you don’t have to use high pressure when washing.

The pressure washing process

After applying the cleaning agent to the roof, it is a good idea to spray the roof clean with low pressure. First you need to make sure you’ve chosen the right tip for your pressure washer and a safe and dry place to stand on your roof. This will help prevent injury as wet roof tiles can be incredibly slippery.

Remember to spray down toward the gutters to make sure the water doesn’t get trapped under the tiles. You should also keep the pressure washer a reasonable distance from the roof while spraying so you don’t damage the tiles.

How often should you pressure wash your roof?

Less is more when it comes to cleaning your roof as too much water can potentially damage the tiles. Therefore, it is recommended to do this process only once or twice a year.

While you might want to try it yourself, we always recommend hiring a roof cleaning professional. Your roof is too big an investment to damage unless you know what you are doing. If you are looking for more information on roof tile pressure washing, contact us today.

Author: Amy Freeman

November 4, 2019

You look at your roof and notice black stuff growing on some of the clapboards. What is it? Mold, mildew or earth that has somehow nested up there? Is a roof cleaning necessary?

Worker cleaning a tiled roof with a hose

Most likely, this unidentifiable sludge is algae. Algae grows on roofs in areas where water or moisture collects, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). The spores reach the roof through a combination of birds and wind.

On the other hand, if you notice green fuzzy areas on your roof, it is most likely that moss is growing. Shade and moisture create an ideal habitat for moss growth.

If you see moss or algae on your roof, what should you do? Is a roof cleaning necessary or should you leave it at that?

Advantages and disadvantages

One reason to clean your roof is to prolong the life of your shingles or other roofing material. While algae is not harmful to asphalt shingles, ARMA says moss is. Moss can cause the edges of the shingles to curl up, making them more likely to be blown off the roof in windy weather.

Although algae won’t harm your shingles, they can negatively impact its performance. This is especially true if you have a reflective or cool roof. The growth of black algae affects the reflective properties of the roof.

One of the downsides to roof cleaning is that it can be a chore. You probably don’t relish the idea of ​​climbing onto your roof and hosing it down or using a chemical cleaner to kill algae or moss. Luckily, the National Roofing Contractors Association discourages any home improvement job on your roof, including cleaning it. Roof cleaning is a job that should be left to the professionals.

Another potential problem with roof cleaning is that the cleaning product used (usually bleach) can damage garden plantings or plants that grow near your home. Your roofer should water any nearby plants and cover them to protect them from chemicals before cleaning your roof.

What is roof cleaning?

When cleaning the roof, killing and removing the algae or moss growth is the priority. Chlorine bleach, the same kind you use to whiten laundry or scrub your toilet, is enough to kill moss and algae spores. The ARMA recommends a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water to clean a roof. They also advise against using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles because the force of the water can damage them.

After allowing up to 20 minutes on the roof surface, the bleach solution should be rinsed off with clean water. A few rain showers should be enough to wash any remaining algae off the roof. The person cleaning your roof can also use a leaf blower to remove any leftover bits of moss.

Should you clean or replace your roof?

If you look at your roof and think it looks a bit worn, maybe it just needs a good cleaning. Sometimes the accumulation of algae and moss on a roof can make the shingles appear like they are in worse shape than they really are. A professional roofer can inspect your roof and talk to you about its condition. If they think cleaning is the best option, they can either do the job themselves or refer you to a reputable roof cleaning company.

If your roof turns out to need replacing, your contractor may recommend shingles that contain copper or another material that helps ward off algae growth. A roofer can also give you tips on how to keep your roof clean and how often you should schedule a cleaning.

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Cleaning a tile roof is an excellent way to ensure its true color and natural beauty shines through, while providing protection from damage such as cracks, chips and other breaks. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off cleaning the tile roof, either because they believe it is somehow harmful to the tiles or because they are unsure how to perform this cleaning and how often it should be performed.

Clean a tile roof every two years or as often as needed with a soft pressure washer to remove dirt, dust, algae, lichen, and other debris. While this job keeps a tile roof looking its best, using a pressure washer safely and effectively is more complicated than many homeowners realize, and being on a wet roof is downright dangerous for even the untrained person. To ensure your safety and a thorough cleaning, leave this work to high-pressure cleaners.

Before you go another month, or worse, a whole year, without a proper tile roof cleaning, you might find a few reasons why this job is so important to every home. It’s also beneficial to be aware of some signs that a roof cleaning may be needed, as well as some tips on how to get the job done properly.

A homeowner could also offer some suggestions on how to keep their tile roof clean and in good condition, as well as suggestions on how to maintain all of their property with regular pressure cleaning services. You can then discuss your options with a pressure washer in your area, knowing your home will always be in good condition and looking great too.

Does a tile roof need cleaning?

To understand the importance of regular roof cleaning, you can remember why a tile roof needs cleaning and what happens if you neglect this important task. A roof cleaning company in your area can also identify specific risks to your home’s roof if the necessary cleaning of a tile roof is neglected.

Moss acts like a sponge, collecting and holding water. Moss growth on a tile roof, in turn, often leads to softening, and then cracks and cracks on the tiles.

Once tiles crack and splinter, they allow moisture to penetrate decking and other building materials and also risk damage.

Also note that roofs are usually pitched or pitched to allow for proper drainage of excess moisture. Moss, algae, lichen and other such growths will block the moisture path, resulting in standing water and the risk of serious roof damage.

Moss and other biological growth also attract birds and insects. Insects are particularly troublesome for anyone trying to enjoy the outside of your property, while sharp bird claws and their droppings can risk roof damage.

As with all roofs, a tile roof usually contains a lot of dust, pollen, soot, air pollution residue and other such debris. These materials are particularly troublesome for those with allergies, asthma and other health conditions that make it almost impossible to enjoy your outdoor space!

Storm debris, fallen leaves and twigs, acorns, moss, sap and other debris on a roof can work their way between and under the roof tiles, loosening them and increasing the risk of losing them in a storm.

Layers of dust, dirt and similar debris spoil the appearance of a roof! Homeowners are often surprised at the like-new appearance of a recently cleaned roof, which also improves the overall appeal of your home in an instant.

Neglecting storm debris, dirt, mud, and other debris on a roof can cause it to roll into the attached gutters, risking clogs and resulting water damage.

How to clean a clay tile roof

The best tile roof cleaning method is to call a pressure washer in your area that specializes in gentle pressure washing! As previously mentioned, a professional pressure washing company will ensure a safe and effective cleaning, and your tile roof cleaning costs are often a lot lower than you might think.

If you want to try cleaning tile roofs yourself, make sure you wear protective gear, including shoes with good traction and safety goggles. When you are on your tile roof, note that the strongest point is where the tiles overlap. So try to keep yourself within these areas at work. You should also plan your work so that you can stay in a dry place rather than walking on a wet roof. If necessary, spread the cleaning over several hours or even two days to allow one area of ​​the roof to dry thoroughly and give you a safe walking surface.

Start by spraying your tile roof at very low pressure to loosen and remove as much dirt, dust, and other debris as possible. Make sure you spray this dirt towards the gutters and not onto the roof top or over the side of a gutterless eaves!

If you need to control moss, mold, algae, lichen, or similar growth, invest in a roof cleaner that is designed for clay tiles and specifically kills these biological materials. Some may need to be diluted and left on for a few minutes after application to penetrate the roots and spores of these growths.

When flushing, start with a very low pressure, no more than 60psi or the power of a standard garden hose spray nozzle. Work slowly to ensure all fouling and chemicals are completely removed. As with your first spray, flush everything towards the gutters and then flush the gutters as well to keep dirt and debris off your lawn and the outside walls of the house.

Consider applying a fresh coat of sealer immediately after cleaning a tile roof. Sealers protect clay tiles from harsh sunlight, wind and rain, and coarse dirt in the air. The sealer also helps keep the color of clay roof tiles fresh and new, keeping your home looking its best for as long as possible after the roof has been cleaned!

How often should you schedule a tile roof cleaning?

Most homeowners find it best to clean a tile roof within five years of its installation and every two years thereafter, or every three years at most. While cleaning a tile roof every two years is often sufficient, your home may need above-average tile roof cleaning for a variety of reasons!

For example, homes in the tropics or overly humid areas often have a higher risk of moss and algae growth. Annual cleaning can kill any developing moss and other biological growth and ensure it stays clean and clear year round.

Homes in overly dusty areas or those that are close to manufacturing facilities and construction sites may also need more consistent cleaning. Waiting a few years before planning tile roof cleaning can mean layers of dried dust and other debris can build up on a roof, risking damage and reducing your home’s appeal.

You may also notice that the roof of your home is covered in dirt and other such debris after an unusually strong storm season, after installing an outdoor kitchen, or because a neighbor was doing work on their home and heavy construction dust got into your home! Whatever the reason, don’t put off the required tile roof cleaning as well as other required pressure washing services.

Quick tips to keep a roof clean and in good condition

Regular tile roof cleaning is a great way to keep your home’s roof in good condition and looking its best, but a homeowner can also reduce debris on a home’s roof by cutting back tree branches, especially if they hang directly over the roof. Trees drop leaves, branches, seeds, moss, sap, acorns, needles and other such debris onto the roof of a house while providing a place for birds to roost; These birds then leave caustic, noxious, and unsightly droppings on the roof!

While there’s not always much you can do about airborne dust and other debris generated by nearby manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and roads, you can reduce the dust and debris around your property with regular pressure washing services. The more layers of dirt that cover the outside walls and driveway of your home, the more dirt can get airborne and end up on the roof!

When moss, mold, and other growth forms and spreads along a home’s exterior walls and under eaves, it can also mean that this debris is making its way to the roof. Regular pressure washing, gutter cleaning and whitening, and other property cleaning will kill growing mold spores and other debris, reducing the risk of roof moss and algae.

related questions

Can you use bleach to clean a tile roof?

Chlorine bleach is very drying and potentially harmful to any roof or exterior construction material including wood, concrete and stone. However, oxygenated bleach is usually safe and not as drying or damaging. If you’re not sure which cleaner and moss killer is best for your home’s roof, check with your local roof cleaning company.

How long is the expected service life of roof tiles?

With proper care and regular tile roof cleaning, concrete tiles can last around 50 years before needing replacement. However, some clay tile roofs have been around for over 100 years! High-quality materials, professional installation and regular cleaning and repairs can mean that a clay tile roof actually outlasts the homeowner.

Can you hire pressure washers to clean a tile roof?

Homeowners can usually rent pressure washers to clean a tile roof, but it’s important to avoid applying too much pressure to the tile, clapboard, roofing sheet, vent, chimney, and other materials. Use the lowest pressure setting possible and make sure you always keep the pressure washer wand at least 12 to 18 inches from the tiles.