How to Clean Roof Tiles
Cleaning and maintaining your roof is important, not only to improve the aesthetics of your home, but also to preserve the integrity of the roof’s structure.
Your roof is exposed to harsh weather conditions from rain and snow to wind and sun, as well as dirt and debris from animals and vegetation. This constant change between moisture and warmth, paired with decomposition of leaves and other animal waste, provides the perfect breeding ground for mould, algae, lichen and other biofilms.
Biological growth can wreak havoc on your roof; causing the delamination and cracking of roof tiles, threatening the structure of the roof, or even allowing water to enter the home through the sub-roof are all issues that can occur.
In this article we’ll be discussing the importance of roof maintenance and exploring effective cleaning techniques that will protect your roof from future problems.
How Does Biological Matter Damage Roofs?
Delamination: Some roof tiles, such as clay tiles, are particularly susceptible to delamination. This is where the surface of the tile separates from the main body which makes your roof more vulnerable to damage from weather. Biological matter absorbs moisture which causes the tiles to remain damp, making this more likely to occur.
Cracking: Cement roof tiles are prone to cracking because some biofilms thrive on mortar. As the biofilms grow, they penetrate the cement which causes the mortar to crack, exposing the sub-roof to moisture and other damaging conditions.
Blocking Channels: Where roof tiles meet, it creates a series of interlocking channels that allow proper airflow so that the tiles can “breathe”. If these channels are blocked by biological matter then the airflow is jeopardised. This causes the roof space to overheat in warmer months, and suffer from damp in cold and wet conditions.
Weight Increase: Thick layers of biological matter can be very heavy, especially when it rains and the moisture is absorbed. By increasing the weight of the roof, this can threaten the structure of the house as it is not built to withstand this influx in weight.
Should I Clean My Roof Regularly?
The rate at which you need to clean your roof is dependent on the environment. Biofilms love damp conditions and thrive in shady places. If you live somewhere that experiences heavy rainfall, or that’s shaded by vegetation, for example, then you may require more regular cleaning.
It is advisable to check your roof at least once a year so that you can see if there is any cause for concern. For many, you may not need to take action for a few years at a time, but this depends on environmental conditions.
How to Effectively Clean a Roof
We would always advise hiring a professional cleaning service provider to access and clean your roof.
If your roof has suffered from damage due to biofilms then you could be at risk of slipping. Algae, mould, fungi, lichen and other biofilms can be slippery underfoot. If they have caused the roof tiles to crack then you may also be at risk of these tiles dislodging and causing you to fall.
The most effective way to clean your roof is to use a specialist cleaning product that has been formulated to remove bacteria, algae, lichens, fungi, moulds and other biofilms from roofs, such as GK Pro.
GK Pro is a Quaternary Ammonium concentrate liquid, broad spectrum biocide for professional use only. GK Pro is primarily designed to combat moulds, algae, lichens, and various biofilms, and has quickly become a favourite within the professional cleaning and maintenance sector, establishing itself as the preferred choice for tackling stubborn biological growth.
How Does GK Pro Work?
GK Pro is a gentle yet powerful cleaning solution. Applied with low pressure, it effectively removes dirt and grime without damaging surfaces, making it a favourite within the professional cleaning and maintenance sector and establishing itself as the preferred choice for tackling stubborn biological growth.
Unlike harsh methods like scrubbing or water blasting, GK Pro preserves delicate materials such as historic thatch. GK Pro is chemical-free and won’t harm hard surfaces, including lead, UPVC, and seals. It's a versatile cleaner suitable for most hard substrates, excluding green or sedum roofs.
Beyond cleaning, GK Pro is a potent sanitiser. Targeting living cells, it eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, making it a hygienic choice for various surfaces.
At the core of GK Pro's effectiveness lies its active ingredient, DDAC, ensuring residual activity that actively prevents premature regrowth.
How to Apply GK Pro
GK Pro is a professional cleaning agent - conversation with your preferred GK Pro applicator will determine the right course of action for your property.
Wear necessary protective clothing whilst applying GK Pro.
Roofs: dilute 1 part cleaner to 25 parts water.
GK Pro should be applied during a dry, relatively wind free day with no likelihood of rain for at least 12 hours and in temperatures above 8°C.
A spray treatment with GK Pro works in conjunction with natural weather cycles of UV, to desiccate the now dead, bacterial staining while rain will remove the powdery residue. This process, being weather driven, can take many weeks before your building will look “as new”, but the process is predictable, and it will happen.
This is a no rinse formula.
Key Features of GK Pro
Versatile Hard Substrate Use: Suitable for almost any hard substrate (excluding green or sedum roofs), making it ideal for historic and fragile surfaces, including thatch.
Gentle Low-Pressure Application: Applied at low pressure, GK Pro minimises the risk of damage often associated with harsh scouring, scrubbing, or water blasting.
Chemical-Free Assurance: Free from harsh chemicals found in bleach-based cleaners, GK Pro, when used as instructed, does not oxidise or negatively impact hard surfaces, including lead works, UPVC windows, and seals.
Effective Sanitisation: Acts only on living cells, serving as an effective sanitising agent for 99.9% of bacterial matter.
HSE Certification: Following a routine check from the HSE (no.10766), we confirm that our product formulation aligns with the stated information.
Final Thoughts
To effectively clean roof tiles, and minimise the risk of damage to the tiles and sub-roof, we would recommend using GK Pro. This professional cleaning product eliminates 99.9% of biological matter, transforming your roof to a like-new appearance and increasing its structural integrity and longevity.
