Few roofing materials make as strong of a statement as terracotta, and indeed these timeless roofs are fairly popular in Australia. The Mediterranean charm and elegance of terracotta suits a wide variety of homes looking for a Spanish Colonial aesthetic, but the unique way that terracotta roof tiles are installed can make them a challenge to clean and maintain.Below are some tips on how to clean and maintain terracotta roofs so that you can enjoy their charm for many years to come:
What Makes Terracotta Roofs Special?
Terracotta is unique because it isn’t made of non-porous natural rock like slate, but it isn’t a specifically engineered product either like metal roofs or synthetic slate tiles. Instead, terracotta uses the time-tested technique of cooking clay, which is quite literally where its name comes from in Italian, terra “earth” cotta “baked/cooked.”This means that terracotta is somewhat porous and can absorb water up to a certain saturation point. Since water and moisture attract bacteria, terracotta tiles often require more care and maintenance than materials such as slate, for example.Lastly, the way that terracotta tiles connect in an interlocking pattern is different from any other roofing material. The repeating valleys and troughs along the profile of a terracotta roof can make maintenance more time-consuming than for flatter and more uniform materials.
How to Spot Damage to Terracotta Tiles
Regular inspections of your roof can help you to identify any visible signs of damage. This can sometimes be evident from simply looking up from the ground, but getting on top of the roof and inspecting the tiles more closely might yield some cracks, chips, or dislodged or missing tiles more clearly. Always exercise caution when getting on top of your roof and consider hiring a roofing contractor in Melbourne to inspect and maintain your roof instead.
How to Clean Terracotta Tiles
Cleaning a terracotta roof requires care and the right techniques and products. The undulating surface has a tendency to attract all sorts of dirt and debris as well as algae and moss. Typically, the most effective way to clean a terracotta roof is with pressure washing equipment that uses enough pressure to dislodge soil and debris whilst not being too strong as to damage the surface.Generally, it is best to avoid harsh detergents and chemical products. Furthermore, cleaning by hand is generally far too laborious to be worth it. Gentle sweeping and pressure washing should leave your terracotta roof looking pristine.
Minimise Algae on the Roof’s Surface
Humid climates and areas with ample shade and moisture such as in Melbourne can pose unique challenges for terracotta roofs, much like how they can in old homes in Portugal, Spain, or Italy where terracotta is widely used. Moss and algae thrive in these environments and there are only two practical ways of effectively dealing with moss and algae.The first method is to routinely have your roof pressure cleaned to knock away any buildups of moss or algae; the second is to apply a coating to the roof. Zinc and copper-based solutions are commonly used for metal roofs (zinc is typically used in the alloy of ‘tin’ roofs) and can repel the growth of moss and algae.
Keep Your Roof Sealed and Protected
As mentioned in the previous point, protective sealant or coating – while not absolutely necessary – can be desirable for some homeowners. Firstly, protective barriers help to resist the growth of moss and algae. Secondly, they can slow down the signs of ageing and help your roof look great for longer. Lastly, sealant can reduce how often you need to have the roof cleaned.
Guardian Roofing
Keep your roof in pristine condition with services from Guardian Roofing.
