Maintenance of Tile Roofs

Avoid Walking On It

• The most basic step in maintaining your tile roof is to avoid walking on it unless absolutely necessary. While a tile roof holds up extremely well to inclement weather, it's not like other types of roofing that you can move freely on while performing repairs. If you aren't careful, the tile can easily break or crack under foot. Broken tiles may allow UV rays from the sun and water to reach the roof's underlayment and cause serious problems. If you must walk on your roof, try to remain on the bottom 3 inches of the tile, which has the support of lapped tile beneath it, and balance your weight evenly. Step as softly as possible and move in a horizontal direction. Should a tile break while you're walking on the roof, have it replaced immediately to prevent further damage.

Inspect Regularly

• Because it's crucial to replace damaged tiles quickly, you should inspect your roof on a regular basis for signs of broken or cracked tile. To avoid walking on the roof, you can use a ladder and pair of binoculars to perform a visual inspection. Begin at the front of your home and look at each row of tiles for signs of damage. Move the ladder around the house so you have a prime view of all the tile.

Use a Pressure Washer

• To keep your roof clean and maintain its appearance, wash it on an annual basis. However, if you live in a warm, humid climate, you may need to wash more frequently since a tile roof can easily grow algae, mildew and moss in that environment. For the most effective cleaning, a pressure washer is recommended. Make sure that washer's pressure is set no higher than 1,200 pounds per square inch (psi), though, or you may damage the tile. Keep the nozzle of the pressure washer at least 1 to 2 feet from the tile to prevent breakage. If your pressure washer has an induction system to spray a mixture of water and a cleaning product, use a 10 percent chlorine-to-water solution to help rid the tile of algae, mildew and moss.

Use a Sealant

• When you clean your tile roof each year, it's a good idea to apply a clear acrylic sealer. Start with a clear alkyd primer product to prepare the tile. If you live in a warm, humid area, you may want to use a sealer specifically designed to prevent algae and moss growth. Coat the entire roof with the sealer to preserve its appearance and protect it from the elements.