Safety and Cleaning Tips for Cleaning a Tile Roof

Year in, year out, the roof of your home is exposed to the elements and if not tended to could give a home a dilapidated look. Learning how to clean a tile roof safely can overcome this and take away the fear and uncertainty experienced by many home owners. The mildew, tree sap and moss can make a roof unsightly and although you may generally clean your windows, paint or varnish the front door and windows, the roof often gets overlooked.

Knowing how to clean a tile roof is important and, as a form of maintenance, could prevent leaks from occurring. The first course of action to take is to gather together the tools needed to be used. Tools such as a sturdy ladder that reaches the roof comfortably, a garden hose with an attached brush, a bucket of hot water, a power washer and a cup of detergent, bleach and trisodium phosphate are all necessary. Plastic garbage bags should be tied around the bottom of the rainwater down pipes to prevent any chemicals spilling onto the garden.

The detergent, bleach and trisodium phosphate should be mixed into the hot water and when mixed thoroughly, poured into the power washer reservoir. This solution is then sprayed all over the roof, taking care because it is a toxic substance and it should be left for over an hour. Then it needs to be washed off using the hose with the brush attached. It must always be remembered that whether using the power washer or hose, the process should always start from the top of the roof and work down. Failure to comply with this rule could result in damage occurring.

This is the best way to clean a tile roof and after this process has been followed any stubborn stains and marks can be removed by just repeating the process. When the results are satisfactory, the guttering and down pipes should be cleaned with clean water to remove any residue that may remain. This cleaning should be carried out every season to maintain a clean and maintenance free roof. This is also the most productive and safest way of how to clean a tile roof.