Terracotta Roof Tile Cleaning: A Guide
This blog provides a step-by-step guide to how a roofing contractor may clean terracotta roof tiles. Read on to discover more!
1) Assessing the condition of the roof
The first thing the contractor will do is assess the roof's condition and the terracotta tiles. Doing so will allow the contractor to determine the potential cause of whatever problem they may be facing. The roof tiles are inspected by tapping them with a rubber hammer to avoid causing damage. Usually, the tile's surface is firm, but any weak tiles will easily crack or fall apart. A fully trained contractor will know where these potentially vulnerable areas are located on your roof. If any loose, cracked, or broken tiles are present, they will be taken out and replaced before cleaning commences.
2) Cleaning
The contractor will then work to remove any loose materials such as moss or other debris from the roof surface. Once all loose materials have been removed from the roof tiles, the contractor will clean the roof with a stiff brush and water.
3) Clearing irrigation channels
Dirt and debris can get trapped in your roof's drainage channels, causing water to build up on the roof surface. If you notice that some dirty water is still accumulating on your roof even after rainfall, it may be due to a poorly maintained or clogged irrigation channel on your roof-top. Once these channels are properly cleaned, they should be left open to allow excess rainwater to escape. The contractor can also advise you on how you can keep them free of blockages (e.g., by putting fine mesh near downpipes to prevent dirt and other foreign materials from becoming trapped inside them again.
4) Flushing the roof
The contractor will be careful to not damage any tiles as they flush water from the top of the roof, down through drainage channels and off the property.
5) Sealing the tiles
As a final step, once the contractor is happy that the excess dirt and grime have been removed from every nook and corner, sealants are applied to the tiles. Not only does this protect your terracotta roof tiles from harsh weather conditions, but it also makes cleaning easier in future.
If you would like to find out more, you should contact a local roofing contractor today. A dedicated member of staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this subject. Contact a terracotta tile cleaning service near you to learn more.
