DIY Roof Repairs for Homeowners

Dangers of Overlooking Terracotta Roof Tile Cleaning Once It Is Infested with Moss

16 September 2021

Fernando Silva

Terracotta roofing tiles remain a top choice for many Aussie homeowners for various reasons. Foremost, this roofing material is renowned for its durability and can last for decades when provided with proper upkeep. Moreover, terracotta roof tiles are fire resistant, and this makes them an ideal choice for homeowners living in locations that are susceptible to bush fires, not to mention the eco-friendly nature of this roofing material. However, one of the drawbacks of terracotta tile roofing is that it is vulnerable to moss. And while some homeowners assume that this plant growth is merely a cosmetic problem, the reality is that leaving it unchecked can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, you must enlist terracotta tile cleaning services to maintain the structural integrity of your roof. Below are some of the dangers of overlooking terracotta roof tile cleaning.

Excessive exposure to moisture

As mentioned earlier, terracotta roofing supplies are popular due to their intrinsic longevity, but this does not mean they are immune to structural damage. While these roofing tiles are designed for optimum drainage of water, this quality will be compromised when the tiles are covered in moss. Moss is particularly hazardous to this type of roofing since it forms a thick layer on the surface of the tiles. As a result, not only is rainwater not draining as it should be, but the moistness of the moss is also contributing to the buildup of water on the roof tiles. If this problem is not addressed, the terracotta roof tiles will steadily absorb moisture, which leads to their disintegration. Rather than wait until you need to replace the roof, you must hire terracotta tile cleaning services so that the moss is scrubbed off and your roof is treated with oxygen bleach.

Structural changes to the terracotta tiles

The second hazard posed to your terracotta tile roofing when you allow moss to grow unhampered is gradual structural damage to the tiles. What you may not know about moss is that this plant grows through the formation of rhizoids. These rhizoids function similarly to roots. Hence, once the rhizoids start growing, they will extend under the tiles and through spaces on the sides. This intrusion will not only cause the terracotta tiles to shift out of place but can also lead to warping and cracking, depending on how far the rhizoids spread. You should also be cognizant of the fact that when the terracotta tiles are displaced, they become vulnerable to damage caused by freeze and thaw cycles as water makes its way into the spaces created by the rhizoids. To prevent the growth of these rhizoids, you must hire qualified personnel to undertake terracotta tile cleaning.

Share

Search