Cleaning a Tile Roof – How to Clean a Tile Roof?

Many people only glance at their tile roof when moss starts taking over shaded areas and rainwater no longer drains properly. That’s when the question arises: should the roof be cleaned – and how should the job be done so that the tile covering lasts for years to come?

Cleaning a tile roof certainly improves the roof’s appearance, but above all, it strengthens the roof’s performance and protects it from wear. In this article, we explain how to clean a tile roof properly and why cleaning should be done in time.

Key takeaways from the article

• Cleaning a tile roof is important because the tile surface accumulates dirt, moss, and other growth over the years, which absorbs moisture and accelerates deterioration.

• Cleaning a tile roof usually takes one to two working days, but the duration depends on the size of the roof, the amount of growth, and how easily you can move around on the roof.

• You can clean a tile roof yourself, but the job often proves more challenging than expected.

• At Väriset, we only use a pressure washer when the roof is to be coated after cleaning, because the coating seals the pores exposed by washing and restores the tile’s protection.

• Cleaning a tile roof is not just a cosmetic renovation, but a way to slow down deterioration and extend the roof’s lifespan.

Why is cleaning a tile roof important?

Cleaning a tile roof is important because the tile surface accumulates dirt, moss, and other growth over the years, which absorbs moisture and accelerates deterioration. When the tile’s pores fill with water and the temperature fluctuates, the surface gradually crumbles and weakens the roof’s performance. Cleaning restores the tile’s ability to dry quickly after rain and prevents growth from spreading. At the same time, the roof looks neat and retains its color better. Timely cleaning gives a tile roof additional years of use and makes later maintenance work, such as coating or painting, easier.

How often should a tile roof be cleaned?

A tile roof should be cleaned approximately every 3–6 years, but the need often becomes clearly visible before this. Moss, leaves, and other accumulating debris indicate that maintenance is becoming timely.

If water no longer runs off the tile surface but absorbs into it, cleaning together with coating helps restore the tile’s functionality. Regular cleaning keeps the roof drier, prevents deterioration, and extends the coating’s lifespan. When the cleaning interval remains moderate, later maintenance is easier and the tile roof lasts significantly longer.

How to clean a tile roof?

At Väriset, tile roof cleaning proceeds in a precise order so that the tile gets a clean and durable surface without excessive wear. Mechanical cleaning works particularly well when painting is no longer possible in the cool autumn weather, but the roof needs maintenance. The work restores the roof’s drying ability and significantly extends the coating interval when cleaning is done regularly every few years.

1. Moss is removed mechanically with a plastic scraper so that the tile surface is not damaged.
2. Debris is blown away and gutters are emptied so that water can flow freely.
3. The yard is cleaned so that traces of washing do not remain in the surroundings.
4. A growth inhibitor is applied to the surface, which prevents moss and lichen from returning for 3–6 years.

Can you clean a tile roof with a pressure washer?

Cleaning a tile roof with a pressure washer is not always advisable, but it works as long as the job is done in a controlled manner and with the right technique. Too much pressure easily damages the porous tile surface, so the spray is directed gently from top to bottom and the pressure is adjusted appropriately. As we explain in a previous article:

“If you don’t intend to coat a tile roof after washing, you shouldn’t use a pressure washer. A pressure washer wears down the tile’s coating, exposing its porous surface. Therefore, a pressure washer isn’t part of the equipment for standard annual maintenance.”

At Väriset, we only use a pressure washer when the roof is to be coated after cleaning, because the coating seals the pores exposed by washing and restores the tile’s protection. This way, cleaning and coating together form a durable whole that prevents deterioration and slows the return of growth.

Can you clean a tile roof yourself?

You can clean a tile roof yourself. However, the job requires a lot of precision and planning. Moving around on the roof is often slippery, and moss is usually very firmly attached, so removing it requires care. Simply removing dirt is not enough, as the tile’s protective layer must be kept intact: too much pressure or the wrong technique can permanently damage the surface.

A professional identifies the tile’s weak spots and adjusts the cleaning accordingly, so the roof is cleaned safely and lasts longer.

How long does cleaning a tile roof take?

Cleaning a tile roof usually takes one to two working days, but the duration depends on the size of the roof, the amount of growth, and how easily you can move around on the roof. Mechanical cleaning alone proceeds quickly, but abundant moss or algae slows down the work because the surface must be treated more carefully before actual washing.

The washing phase itself can be over quickly, but finishing also includes emptying gutters and applying growth inhibitor, which take their own time. When the job is done carefully and with the right methods, the roof is cleaned evenly and has time to dry properly before subsequent treatments.

What does cleaning a tile roof cost?

The price of cleaning a tile roof depends on the size of the roof, its condition, and how much growth and dirt has accumulated. As we mentioned in a previous article, the steepness of the roof and the ease of work also affect the price. Generally, cleaning can be obtained starting from a few tens of euros per square meter, for example 15–25 euros per square meter is a typical price range including labor and material costs.

Since some projects require additional work in removing growth or working on difficult-to-access roofs, the final amount can rise significantly higher.

What is the price of tile roof cleaning and coating through Väriset?

The price of tile roof cleaning and coating is based on the size of the roof, its condition and slope, and how much preparatory work is needed before the actual coating. The more moss, dirt, or broken tiles on the roof, the more time and materials the work requires. As we state in a previous article:

“A rough price range for painting and coating the tile roof of a standard-sized detached house is 3,000–7,000 euros, and for protective coating, 2,000–4,000 euros.”

Cleaning and coating cost significantly less than a complete roof renovation, and when done correctly, they extend the tile roof’s lifespan by several years. Feel free to contact us, and we will come for a free assessment visit and provide a clear quote for your specific project.

Cleaning a Tile Roof from Moss – FAQ

Moss appearing on a tile roof raises many questions, as its growth often accelerates insidiously in shaded and moist areas. Moss is not just an aesthetic nuisance, but indicates that the tile is absorbing more water than it should. That’s why the formation of moss and its removal are of interest in both new and older houses.

Next, we’ll explore the topic in more detail and delve into why moss attaches to tiles and what should be done about it.

Summary

Cleaning a tile roof is an important part of roof maintenance. When moss and dirt are removed and the tile can dry properly, the roof starts to function as it should: water-repellent, neat, and durable year after year. Cleaning is not just a cosmetic renovation, but a way to slow down deterioration and extend the roof’s lifespan without heavy and expensive renovations. Regular maintenance also makes future cleanings easier and provides a good foundation for roof coating.

At Väriset, we clean and coat tile roofs throughout Finland with over ten years of experience. If your tile roof needs maintenance and you want quality that lasts, contact us – we’ll assess the roof’s condition and provide a clear quote.