How do you maintain a concrete tile roof?

How do you take care of a concrete roof?

Be sure to have pros trim any tree branches hanging over your roofs. And as previously mentioned, remove the leaves and moss that have accumulated on the surfaces of the tiles. Replace or repair all missing and broken tiles to prevent water from damaging the roof structure itself.

How long does a concrete tile roof last?

Typically, a concrete tiled roof can last for as long as 50 years. Making this work depends on several factors, including adequate maintenance, regular inspection, using good-quality underlayment, and getting the right contractor or professional roofer.

Are tile roofs hard to maintain?

Tile roofs require minimal maintenance – Because of how durable and resistant tiles are, very little maintenance is required. Tile roofs last a long time – A brand new tile roof will last a lifetime. In fact, it isn't unheard of for tile roofs to last upwards of 50 years.

How often does a tile roof need to be cleaned?

Most homeowners find it's best to clean a tile roof within five years of its installation, and then every other year or every three years at most, after that. While cleaning a tile roof every other year is often sufficient, your home might need more consistent tile roof cleaning than average for a number of reasons!

How To Properly Clean Your Concrete Tile Roof

Should I seal my tile roof?

In order to protect concrete roof tiles from moisture, mold, mildew, efflorescence and weathering you need to seal them. The initial cost of a tile roof is more expensive than wood shake or asphalt shingles, but over the life span of a tile roof, wood shakes and asphalt shingles will need to be replaced 2-3 times.

Should I pressure wash my tile roof?

Pressure Washing Damages Your Roof

As a result, the tiles can easily shift and allow a lot of water to spray underneath the tiles and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your roof. Other roof cleaners will also walk a lot on your tiles, causing tiles to break, crack, or shift.

Why do concrete roof tiles crack?

Any tiles that break subsequent to curing are due to mishandling, improper installation, misuse, improper foot traffic or severe impact or force. Severe impacts or forces, such as a tree branch or a heavy tool dropped onto a roof, can crack or break roof tiles.

Do concrete roof tiles deteriorate?

Though their use was widely adopted due to the durability of the material, concrete tiles do in fact deteriorate over time. Concrete cures and hardens over time, however for roofing tiles the curing process lasts around a year from the creation of the tile itself.

Are concrete roof tiles any good?

On average, concrete roof tiles work out to be roughly 20% cheaper than machine made clay versions. However, there are other benefits too: Unlike clay, that can, in very cold temperatures, crack or shatter, concrete tends to hold up better in extreme weather conditions.

How often should you replace concrete tile roof?

On average, your concrete roofing tiles will last up to 50 years, while the underlayment will only last about 20 years. This means you will have to go through replacing this layer every-so-often, which adds to the maintenance and cost of concrete tile roofing.

Can you pressure wash concrete roof tiles?

Using a pressure washer – not recommended

Using a high powered pressure washer could cause more damage than good, because the strength of the water stream can remove the finish of the roof tiles.

Do concrete roof tiles become porous with age?

All roofing materials have a lifespan and, as they age, certain materials may fade, become brittle, or their weatherproofing properties may deteriorate. However, concrete and terracotta tiles do not become porous over time – in fact, concrete tiles seem to become more resilient over time, as they harden in the sun.

What is the best way to clean a concrete tile roof?

The best method for cleaning and maintaining concrete and clay tile roofs are exterior cleaning solutions like Bio-Shield®. A simple application will kill and remove the growths and keep the surface clean for extended periods.

How do you remove moss from concrete roof tiles?

Hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. Then, use a long-handled soft-bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles.

Does concrete tiles need to be sealed?

No, concrete tiles do not need to be re-sealed, the process is entirely optional. I have seen concrete porous tiles on very old roofs and not one drop of water has entered the property. The pitch of the roof and the way tiles overlap means water cannot seep through them directly.

Should concrete roof tiles be painted?

“Tiled roofs need painting or coating.” This is not generally true, unless you are concerned about the appearance of the roof, or want to change its colour. “The CSIRO recommends our paint treatment.” The CSIRO does not recommend products or roof- coating businesses.

How do you know when roof tiles need replacing?

Exterior warning signs include: Damaged tiles – if roof tiles are cracked, rotting, buckling, torn, missing, worn, curled, or loose, they will need replacing. Age – over time, weathering and the elements take their toll on your roof. If your roof is over 20 years old it will most likely need replacing.

How do you seal cracks in roof tiles?

Using roof cement is one of the best sealants for cracked or broken roof tiles. Roof cement works best in dry conditions and the method involves brushing away any bits of debris from the hole in your roof before filling it in with the cement.

Can you walk on tile roofs?

It's important to know that one wrong step can crack and damage the tile on your roof. The flat-smooth surface of tiles makes them slick when wet. To avoid a serious fall, only walk on completely dry tiles. For steep roofs, use a safety harness that will anchor you to the roof in case you slip.

Will bleach damage concrete roof tiles?

A solution of bleach and water is a more effective way of cleaning shingles. However, you must not use a chlorine-based bleach, as this can harm both the roof and any plants below or around it.

Is painting roof tiles a good idea?

For roofing tiles, water-based paints, especially meant for roofs are your best bet. However, painting roofing tiles is far more dangerous and involves the use of scaffolding, jet washing, fungicidal wash and finally an airless sprayer to paint them, so it is best left to the professionals.