Is It Ok To Pressure Wash Roof Tiles In Reading?

If you are a resident of Reading, Berkshire or any other city in South East England for that matter, you know that moss growth on roofs is a common occurrence, which can be frustrating. Your roof is an important part of the house, and roofs that have moss, algae or lichen often look unsightly or dirty.

If you have a tiled roof, cleaning it can quickly become quite an arduous task. It's difficult to clean between tiles, and this can be a time-intensive process that requires a lot of elbow grease.

One of the most common ways of cleaning a tiled roof is using a pressure washer to blast away moss, dirt, and debris. But is it safe for your roof?

A1 Roofing Reading - Tile Roofing Specialists in Reading

At A1 Roofing Reading, we understand the importance of a good roof. We specialise in roofing services, including installing, maintaining and cleaning roofs in Reading, Berkshire and the South East of England. With over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry, we have seen our fair share of moss growth, dirt, and debris on tiled roofs.

With our experience, we advise that pressure washing a tiled roof can cause more harm than good.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Roof

It is important to remember that without proper maintenance, a roof can become damaged easily, leading to leaks and expensive repairs. The life span of a roof can be dramatically shortened due to negligence; this is why the team at A1 Roofing Reading offers advice and guidance for residents of Reading and Berkshire on how to take care of their tile roof.

One way to maintain your roof's pristine condition is through regular cleaning. It ensures that moss, algae, and any other debris do not take root in between the tiles, which would otherwise compromise the roof's integrity.

The Reason for Moss Growth on Roofs

Moss tends to thrive in damp and humid environments, so parts of your roof that do not receive much sunshine or have overhanging trees may be particularly prone to this issue.

Do not underestimate the impact of moss growth on your roof. Not only does it unsightly, but it can also damage the roof. When moss takes hold, it has a damaging effect on the tiles and weakens them, leading to long-term water ingress that can ultimately damage the underlying timbers.

How Do You Clean a Tiled Roof?

Traditionally, the most effective way of cleaning a tiled roof is using a hand scraper, brush and pressure hose. This involves climbing the roof and scaling it in some cases to get to every nook and cranny of the tiled roof.

This can be a dangerous task, and not all homeowners have the technical know-how, appropriate gear or inclination to perform this task themselves.

Professional roofing companies, such as A1 Roofing Reading, can take on this task by using the appropriate cleaning products, tools and equipment to clean the roof surface without causing any damage.

Why Pressure Washing a Tiled Roof is Not The Best Idea

Using a pressure washer may sound like a quick and easy method for getting rid of moss on a tile roof. However, pressure washers can be more harmful than beneficial in the long run. Unless you use the right pressure settings, you may do more damage than good.

Tile roofs are delicate and can be easily damaged if not handled with care. When pressure washing, high water pressure can break or displace tiles or push water under the tiles, leading to water ingress that can cause the timbers to rot.

Moreover, pressure washing can damage the protective glaze on the tiles, which is meant to protect them from wear and tear. When this sealant is lost, the tiles become porous, leading to debris and water infiltrating the tiles.

A Better Alternative

At A1 Roofing Reading, we use a low-pressure cleaning system that inhibits the growth of moss on tiled roofs without causing any destruction or damage to the tiles. Our cleaning solution is an anti-fungal agent, which stops the growth of moss and lichens without using high-pressure water.

Our team of professionals to access your roof and identify the best solution for your roof type, including lightweight or low pitch tiles.

Conclusion

If you are worried about the growth of moss on your tiled roof, you might be wondering if it is okay to pressure wash it. However, despite the simplicity and accessibility of using a pressure washer, it is not the safest method to clean a tiled roof.

The best way to clean your tiled roof is to use a professional roofing company, such as A1 Roofing Reading, that will use the appropriate tools, equipment and cleaning solutions to get the job done without damaging your roof.

Contact A1 Roofing Reading today by phone 0118 449 2361 or by email at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help you keep your tiled roof in pristine condition.