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How to clean roof tiles

Outdoor cleaner being applied to a roof

Overview

It is possible to give your tiled roof a facelift just by cleaning it. We'll teach you how to prepare your roof tiles and show you the safest way to do the cleaning yourself. You will also learn the best way to walk on roof tiles. 

Steps

1Prepare to start cleaning roof tiles

There are three pieces of advice worth knowing before you start cleaning roof tiles. Firstly, try and always walk where the tiles overlap as it's the strongest part of the roof. Secondly, the surface of the roof gets slippery while you are cleaning, so install a safety rail and wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. Finally, you will save a lot of time if you have someone stay on the ground to pass things up to you.
Roof tiles covered in moss and mould

2Use anti-moss spray on roof tiles

Before you start this step, disconnect any water tanks from the gutters so no chemicals get in to your water storage. Now apply the anti-moss spray across all the tiles on your roof. When you are spraying on a roof, always start on one side and carefully walk backwards away from where you have sprayed. That way you always walk onto a dry tile. Ensure to take extra care while walking backwards, making sure you have installed a safety rail and are wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes. 


Outdoor cleaner being applied to a roof

3Clean the roof tiles with a high pressure water spray

Give the anti-moss spray time to do its job, and then use the high pressure cleaner to wash the tiles down. This will remove all the moss and lichen as well as any built up dirt. As you did in the previous step, walk backwards when you are spraying, away from the wet tiles and onto the dry ones. We recommend maintaining a safe nozzle distance when using high-powered units to minimise the risk of any damage to your tiles
A pressure hose being used to blast clean roofing tiles
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.