Terracotta Roof Tiles

Terracotta roof tiles are typically cleaned to have the visible moss and lichen removed. Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay which is a naturally moist material. Moss and lichen is attracted to the roof tiles surface, and if left will continue to grow and most likely restrict the flow of rain water over the tiles surface, into the roofs gutters. An application of an environmentally friendly anti-fungal solution should be applied to all moss and lichen, prior to undertaking the roof cleaning process. I use a product called ‘Roof Ripper’ to kill the moss and lichen prior to its high pressure clean.

Once the anti-fungal treatment is applied, the roofs tile surface is high pressure cleaned using around 3000psi of straight water pressure. A turbo type nozzle should be used when using any high powered water pressure.

Removing the moss and lichen will bring the tiles natural colour to light and will help ensure the roof performs the way it was designed.

Old Terracotta roof tiles will become brittle over time and if so should not be cleaned; as the tiles may break underfoot and water will enter the roof cavity as a result, creating more issues. It is also difficult to walk on and work with brittle roof tiles, which makes it difficult to achieve any effective result.

Some Terracotta roof tiles may show evidence of “Tile Fretting”, and depending on the extent of this problem, will not benefit from any application and should not be cleaned.

Terracotta roof tiles which have glazing evident should not be sealed; painted or coated as an application such as this would have trouble with any mechanical adhesion.

Any one promoting the re-glazing/sealing/painting of terracotta roofing tiles should be avoided.

Brittle or Fretted Terracotta roof tiles should be replaced when required, as money spent on roofs with these problems would mean money wasted.

Alan’s Roof Restoration can provide the best advice for Terracotta roof restoration & replacement.

Click here for additional advice on your TerraCotta roof tiles.

Terracotta Tiles Step-by-Step Restoration Process

1. Remove all broken roof tiles and replace using a similar age and type tile

2. Apply ROOF RIPPER environment friendly product to all moss and fungal soiled areas

3. Pressure clean the entire roof area from top to bottom using 3000psi of straight water pressure using a turbo type nozzle

4. Clean out all surrounding gutters and wash down all external walls and paths affected by roof grime

5. Remove all badly rusted valley irons and replace with new and treat all others

6. Repair or replace lead flashings or damaged timber battens, also installation of quality extras such as ventilation kits

7. Strip off all existing ridge capping tiles and gable end verge tiles and completely re-bed or re-bed where required as specified

8. Re-point all ridge capping and gables using the Flexi-Point Ridge Security System, AS2050-1995

9. Inspect repairs and air-blow clean the entire roof area in preparation for the coating system

10. Clear Costing: Apply 2 coats of NUTECH Terra-Glaze or Aqua Stop Clear coating using the Air-less spray system OR Colour Coasting: Apply 1 coat of NUTECH Membrane Sealer to the entire roof area using the Air-less spray system\

11. Apply 2 separate coats of SRR Aqua-Shield Finish exclusive by NUTECH in a selected colour using the Air-less spray system ensuring minimum dry film thickness of 250 microns is achieved

12. Hand paint all gables and flashings to avoid any over spray. Clean up and remove all residue from site

13. A final inspection and job report is performed by either Alan or one of his trained employees. WARNING: The coating, re-sealing or painting of vitrified surfaces such as Terracotta roofing tiles, where glazing is evident, should not be attempted