While pressure washing is an effective technique to remove moss and other build-up, it demands extreme care and caution. So if you want to avert the risk of water damage, it’s wise to choose a soft washing technique for your clay or concrete tile roof.
As a tile roofing expert at Miller Roofing and Renovations, I’m excited to share my professional expertise with homeowners like yourself. In this blog post, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to clean tile roofs without a pressure washer.
So, let’s get your roof shining without risking any damage!
How to Soft-Wash Your Tile Roof Like a Pro
The soft washing technique doesn’t have the potential for water damage, but it requires more personal safety measures and the use of proper cleaning solutions and tools. Therefore it should be done by, or under, the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable roofing professional. It’s also important to note that if you are planning to address this yourself, another person will be needed to assist you.
Here are the steps to clean a tile roof using the soft-washing technique:
👉🏼Step 1: Inspect the Roof’s Condition
A professional will always check for any loose, cracked, or missing tiles that need to be fixed or replaced. If the plan is to wash your roof yourself, you should also start with this and determine if you need tile roof repair services before continuing. If this stage is skipped and cleaning begins on damaged tiles, it can harm the inner layers of your roof, attic, and foundation.
👉🏼Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Safety Gear
Before cleaning roof tiles, make sure you have all the materials together and in one place, so you or anyone else doesn’t have to run errands in between. Here’s a list of items that you need for cleaning roof tiles:
Safety Gear
- Goggles
- Non-slip shoes
- Rubber gloves
- Helmet
- Safety harness
- Tarping sheets
Cleaning Tools
- Cleaning solution designed for the type of tile roof you have (clay or concrete)
- Sturdy ladder
- Long garden hose with spray nozzle
- Compatible spray bottle (medium or large)
- Spray nozzle pipe extension
👉🏼Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Cover the ground with tarps to avoid damaging the grass, plants, and porch with falling debris and water. After that, fetch your spray bottle and tile roof cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dilute the solution inside the container. Put the spray bottle in a place where you can easily reach it and get ready to climb the roof.
👉🏼Step 4: Clean the Roof Using Low Water Pressure
Carefully climb up the ladder, carrying your hose and spray container. Adjust the hose to low or medium pressure and ask your helper to turn it on. Spray the roof with low-pressure water, which will remove loose debris and prepare the roof for the cleaning solution. The best way to clean roof tiles is by keeping the water pressure on low or medium, as it averts the risk of water damage, extending the life of your tile roof.
👉🏼Step 5: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Now attach the pipe extension and spray nozzle to the container and start spraying the cleaning solution on the roof. Cover the entire surface, starting from the center. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to dissolve and remove stubborn dirt and stains.
👉🏼Step 6: Rinse the Solution and Debris
Finally, rinse the roof thoroughly with a gentle stream of water using the hose. Repeat this process until the solution and dissolved debris is off of the roof and the surface looks neat and clean. Make sure you don’t leave anything up there and climb down carefully.
Wrap up the tarps carefully, dispose of them, and voila! That’s how you can clean roof tiles without using a pressure washer.
Do you need professional guidance on cleaning your tile roof in Memphis, Tennessee? We’re here to help you! Miller Roofing and Renovations is among the most trusted tile roofing contractors in Memphis and the surrounding areas of Tennessee. We do our best to help our community, and would love to help you too! Call us at (901) 457-9405, and one of our experts will help you with a free consultation.
