Three Reasons Why Power Washing Roof Tiles Is Not a Good Idea

Published: July 28, 2023 by Steven Griffin

Looking for professional roof cleaning services? Call Sugar Land Roofing at (832) 944-7663 today!

If you’re a homeowner looking to increase your house’s curb appeal or transform its exterior to satisfy updated style, you may have questions about the roof cleaning process. How often should you clean your roof? What materials should you use to ensure a safe, thorough cleaning job?

When considering roof cleaning, you may have considered power washing as a viable option – and understandably so. Pressure washers quickly and efficiently clean dirt and grime from sidewalks, siding, and more, so it stands to reason that power washing roof tiles is a good idea, right?

Not quite. Power washing roof tiles may provide a decent cleaning in the short term, but doing so can cause various problems down the line. 

Why You Shouldn’t Power Wash Your Tile Roof

A power washer provides a fantastic cleaning method when it comes to removing algae growth on the sidewalk or grime on the side of the house, but that’s because these exterior surfaces can withstand the intense pressure from the water jets. Your roofing materials, on the other hand, may not be a good match for that amount of force, and the results can be quite troublesome.

Power washing roof tiles comes with various risks, such as the following:

1. You Might Void Your Warranty

Power washers use highly pressurized streams of water to provide a concentrated clean. This level of power is useful in many scenarios but presents a significant risk to the structural integrity of your roof, which may, in turn, void the warranty you have on the roofing materials.

2. You Might Damage the Tiles

The forceful jets of a power washer might create etches in the tiles. These crevices create the perfect place for grime buildup and increase the risk of algae growth.

3. You Might Damage the Roof’s Underlayment

The damage caused by power washing roof tiles doesn’t stop at the tiles themselves. It’s possible that you could damage the roof’s underlayment as well, which increases the risk of leaks.

Safer Roof Cleaning Methods

Power washing roof tiles isn’t the safest or most effective way to clean them. Instead, stick to gentler cleaning methods that don’t introduce the risk of long-term damage, such as using a leaf blower to remove leaves and dirt or a cleaning solution spray to remove surface stains.

Aside from the lifespan of your roof, the other most important factor is your safety. It can be dangerous to clean your roof without the proper equipment and experience. Depending on your needs, it may be best to call a professional team to do the job for you.

Roof Cleaning From Sugar Land Roofing

Instead of power washing roof tiles, the safest and most effective way to clean your roof is to hire a professional roofing company in Sugar Land, Texas. At Sugar Land Roofing LLC, we provide comprehensive roofing services that will transform your home’s exterior and ensure long-term structural health.

To schedule a service with our top-notch team, call Sugar Land Roofing at (832) 944-7663.

About Steven Griffin

Steven Griffin has been in the roofing industry for over 30 years. He has worked with a host of roofing companies throughout Florida and Texas. He started Sugar Land Roofing with a vision of bringing quality roofing services at an affordable price to those living in the Greater Houston, Texas area.