# Tile roof cleaning: how to clean roof tiles without damaging them (2026)

> How to clean concrete, terracotta and glazed roof tiles without cracks or leaks: the safe method, what to avoid, DIY vs pro, and our $500 to $1,200 price.

Canonical: https://rnrroofrestorations.com.au/blog/tile-roof-cleaning
Last updated: 2026-11-02

You can get a tiled roof clean without cracking a tile or starting a leak, if you work in the right order. Treat the moss, lichen and algae first, then wash down the slope with only as much pressure as the dirt needs, never up under the tile overlaps. Keep your weight off the tiles, and keep the runoff out of your rainwater tank and the stormwater drain. The tile maker Monier goes further and recommends you don't clean your own tiles at all, because of falls and tile damage. At R&R Restorations, our [roof cleaning service](/services/roof-cleaning-gold-coast) covers concrete and terracotta roofs across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Northern Rivers. We match the method to your tiles and their condition.

Dirt rarely hurts a tiled roof. A bad clean does.

Boots crack tiles. A wand pointed the wrong way pushes water up under the overlaps and into the ceiling. A worn concrete tile can lose what's left of its colour coat in one pass. None of it shows on the day. It shows at the next big storm, as a brown ring on the ceiling.

## In summary

- **The safe order:** check the tiles and ridge caps, treat the growth, wash down the slope, rinse the valleys, then look at what the clean has uncovered.
- **Material matters:** concrete tiles carry a colour coat that wears thin; terracotta holds its colour in the fired clay; glazed terracotta isn't a painting candidate.
- **Most damage is avoidable:** cracked tiles from walking, water driven under the laps, blasted pointing, stripped coatings and chemicals in the tank.
- **DIY is possible but risky:** Bunnings shows a spray, wait and pressure clean method; Monier advises homeowners to hire a professional.
- **Our price:** high-pressure roof cleaning across our regions generally costs **$500 to $1,200** (our published 2026 cost guide), on its own or as the first stage of a roof restoration.

## What's the safest way to clean roof tiles?

The safest way to clean roof tiles is to check the roof before any water touches it, then treat the growth so it lets go. After that, wash from the top down with the tile overlaps, so water runs off the roof rather than under it. Pressure is set for the tile and its condition, not for the stubbornest patch of lichen.

A careful tile roof clean follows this order:

1. **Check the roof first.** Look for cracked or slipped tiles, gaps under the ridge caps and crumbling pointing (the top layer of mortar sealing the ridge joints). Water pushed through a broken tile goes straight into the roof space.
2. **Protect the tank and the garden.** Bunnings' guide says to "disconnect any water tanks from the gutters so no chemicals get in to your water storage" before you spray anything. Cover or wet down plants under the eaves.
3. **Treat the moss, lichen and algae.** A roof treatment loosens the growth so it doesn't need to be forced off. Follow the label for dilution, dwell time and tank reconnection, and never mix products.
4. **Wash down the slope.** Start at the ridge and work towards the gutter, spraying with the fall of the roof. Spraying upwards drives water under the laps, where one tile sits over the next.
5. **Keep the nozzle back.** Too close and too hard eats into the tile surface and the pointing. A patch that won't shift gets more treatment and more time, not more pressure.
6. **Rinse the valleys.** Moss and grit wash into the valleys and gutters. Left there, they dam water back up under the tiles in heavy rain.
7. **Inspect what the clean uncovered.** A clean roof shows the faults the moss was hiding: hairline cracks, bare patches on concrete tiles, loose ridge caps. Most DIY jobs skip this step.

Our process starts with that first step. We assess the roof's material, condition, pitch and access, then itemise the cleaning and any repairs in the quote before the work is booked in. You know what's happening to your roof before anyone climbs onto it.

## How do you clean concrete, terracotta and glazed roof tiles?

Concrete, terracotta and glazed tiles all take the same basic method, but the pressure, the care and what comes after the clean change with the material. Here's what each one can take and what the clean will tell you.

| Tile type | How to spot it from the ground | Cleaning care | What the clean often reveals | Usual next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (cement) tiles, original finish | Thick tiles with a coarse, sandy look where the colour has worn | Moderate pressure only; a worn colour coat can lift with the dirt | Pale, patchy or chalky areas where the coat has gone | Sealing and recoating if the coat has worn through |
| Concrete tiles, painted before | Even colour, sometimes peeling or flaking | Gentlest workable pressure; loose paint will come off | Flaking or bare patches in the old coating | Recoating over a sound, prepared surface |
| Unglazed terracotta | Clay tiles, earthy red, orange or brown right through | Careful pressure; older clay can chip at the edges | The original colour, plus any cracked or broken tiles | Tile replacement and ridge work; a coating is optional |
| Glazed terracotta | Shiny, glassy surface that catches the light | Gentle wash that leaves the glaze alone | The original glaze, plus any chipped tiles | Repairs only; no paint |

Those differences come straight from the tile maker. [Monier's FAQ](https://www.monier.com.au/faqs/) says the colour of concrete tiles "will fade and weather over time", and that this coating is "purely decorative" with no waterproofing role. Terracotta is different: its colour is "baked into the tile" in the kiln, so it doesn't fade. Monier doesn't recommend painting terracotta, and says only unglazed tiles can be painted, after which they need ongoing recoating.

That's why a freshly cleaned concrete roof can look worse in patches. The wear was already there, and the clean showed it to you.

One more concrete tile quirk: a whitish grey film is often efflorescence, natural salts rising out of the concrete. Monier says it doesn't affect the tile's performance and should disappear over time, so it doesn't need blasting.

## What damages roof tiles during cleaning?

Roof tiles are mostly damaged during cleaning by weight in the wrong place, water forced under the overlaps, pressure that's too high or too close, and chemicals going where they shouldn't. Every one of them is avoidable, and every one shows up later as a leak, a patchy roof or a dead garden bed.

| What goes wrong | How it happens | What you notice later | How it's avoided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracked tiles | Stepping in the middle of a tile instead of where tiles overlap | A drip or ceiling stain at the next heavy rain | Walk only on the overlaps, or stay off the roof |
| Water under the laps | Spraying uphill or sideways into the joins | Wet insulation and fresh ceiling stains | Spray down the slope, with the fall of the roof |
| Blasted pointing | High pressure held on the ridge caps | Loose ridge caps and mortar crumbs in the gutter | Check the pointing first; repair it as part of the job |
| Stripped surface | Nozzle too close on worn concrete tiles | Blotchy, pale patches and a rougher surface | Moderate pressure and more treatment time |
| Chemical harm | Treatment running into tanks, garden beds or drains | Tainted tank water, scorched plants, a council fine | Disconnect the tank, protect plants, contain the runoff |
| A fall | Wet, mossy tiles and no edge protection | An injury, often with a broken tile under you | Proper access and fall protection, or a professional |

The runoff point reaches past your own yard. Fraser Coast Regional Council's [roof cleaning fact sheet](https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/council/fact-sheets/documents/water_pollution__roof_cleaning_and_restoration.pdf) sets out the law. Under Queensland's Environmental Protection Act 1994, letting polluted wastewater into stormwater drains, roadside gutters or waterways is an offence that can bring fines or prosecution. Roof wash water carries algae, paint flakes and concrete sediment down the downpipes and out to the creeks.

How much pressure is too much depends on the tile, its age and its surface, so there's no single safe PSI figure for every roof. Our [guide to roof pressure cleaning](/blog/roof-pressure-cleaning) goes deeper on pressure, soft washing and the roofs that should never be pressure cleaned.

## Can you clean roof tiles yourself?

Yes, you can clean roof tiles yourself, but you take on the fall risk, the tile damage and the tank and runoff problems yourself. Monier's advice is blunt: "We recommend that you do not attempt to clean your own roof tiles due to the risk of falls and potential tile damage." It points homeowners to a qualified roofing professional instead. We match the cleaning method to the roof's material and its condition.

The DIY method most people find is Bunnings'. Its how-to video, posted in April 2015 and viewed more than 420,000 times, shows a spray-on treatment left for 30 seconds, then a high-pressure clean. The written guide adds the safety rules. Walk where the tiles overlap, because "it's the strongest part of the roof". Install a safety rail, wear non-slip shoes and keep a helper on the ground. And walk backwards, so you always step onto dry tiles.

That's sound advice. It's also a long list of things that have to go right while you're standing on a wet slope.

| | DIY with a pressure washer | R&R Restorations roof cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Who checks the tiles first | You, if you know what to look for | We assess the material, condition, pitch and access before quoting |
| Safety at height | A ladder, shoes and whatever rail you set up | Extra safety setup for two-storey and steep roofs, priced in the quote |
| Pressure and method | Whatever the machine does | Method matched to the roof material and its condition |
| Broken tiles and loose ridge caps | Usually found after the next rain | Listed in the quote, so you decide before work starts |
| Cost | Equipment, chemicals and your weekend | Generally $500 to $1,200 for high-pressure roof cleaning |

The one job every homeowner should do is the ground check further down this page. It takes ten minutes and you never leave the lawn.

## How do you get moss, lichen and algae off roof tiles?

Moss, lichen and algae come off roof tiles best when they're treated first and washed off second. The treatment kills and loosens the growth, and the wash carries it away. Blasting live lichen straight off a tile is how surfaces get chewed up.

From the ground, they look different:

- **Moss** is soft, green and cushiony, and loves shady faces and valleys.
- **Lichen** is flat and crusty, in grey, yellow, orange or white circles, and grips the tile hard.
- **Algae and mould** show as dark streaks or a black film running down the roof.

Monier says moss and lichen "will not affect your tiles in any way" and can be "easily removed by professional cleaning". The real trouble is where the growth ends up. Thick moss washes into valleys and gutters, and Monier's [roof cleaning and maintenance page](https://www.monier.com.au/roof-cleaning-and-maintenance/) names blocked gutters, downpipes and valleys as common sources of leaks.

Lichen often leaves faint marks after treatment that take time to weather off. Our [guide to lichen and moss on roof tiles](/blog/lichen-on-roof) explains why.

## When is the best time of year to clean roof tiles?

The best time to clean roof tiles in South East Queensland is a dry, mild spell. On the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, July to September is the driest stretch of the year. Dry weather lets the treatment work and the roof dry out, and the tiles are safer underfoot.

The Bureau of Meteorology's station averages show it. September is the driest month at both stations, with 41.9 mm at [Gold Coast Seaway](https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040764.shtml) and 27.6 mm in [Brisbane](https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040913.shtml). February is the wettest, at 183.2 mm and 171.7 mm.

Don't hold off for winter if moss is already filling a valley, though. A blocked valley leaks in the first storm.

## Is cleaning enough, or does your roof need more?

Cleaning is enough when the tiles are whole, the ridge caps are tight and the colour is still sound under the dirt. If the clean uncovers cracked tiles, failed pointing or a worn coat across the roof, you need repairs or a tile roof restoration as well, because water doesn't fix any of those.

### The 10-minute ground check

Do this from the lawn, ideally the morning after rain, with your phone camera zoomed in. Stay off the ladder.

1. **Look at the colour.** Even and dark under the dirt, or pale and patchy in places? Patchy concrete tiles usually mean a worn coat.
2. **Zoom along the ridge caps.** Look for gaps, cracked pointing or mortar crumbs in the gutter.
3. **Scan for broken tiles.** Cracks, chipped corners and tiles sitting higher than their neighbours.
4. **Check the valleys.** Moss, leaves or a green stripe down a valley means water is being held back.
5. **Look inside.** Ceiling stains, a musty smell at the manhole or damp insulation point to a leak, and cleaning won't fix that.

Then match what you found to the work below.

| What you found | What it usually needs | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Growth and dirt, tiles whole, ridges tight | Roof cleaning only | $500 to $1,200 |
| Growth plus a few broken tiles or a loose ridge section | Cleaning plus a focused repair | Focused repairs commonly $350 to $1,500 |
| Patchy, chalky concrete tiles and tired pointing across the roof | Tile roof restoration: clean, repair, repoint, seal and recoat | About $6,500 to $9,500 for a medium home |
| Sagging roofline, rotten battens, crumbling tiles everywhere | A replacement assessment, not a clean | Quoted by a re-roofer; we'll tell you straight |

These are our published 2026 ranges for the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Logan, and the Tweed and Northern Rivers. They're indicative, and your price follows a look at your roof. Size, pitch, height, access and the amount of growth move a cleaning price within its range, and our [roof cleaning cost guide](/blog/roof-cleaning-cost) shows what a fair quote includes.

When the answer is the third row, the clean is still step one. Our [tile roof restoration](/services/tile-roof-restoration-gold-coast) starts with high-pressure cleaning of the whole roof. Then we replace broken tiles, rebed and repoint the ridge caps with flexible pointing, and seal and recoat the roof in the colour you choose.

Julie described that kind of job in her Google review of 20 October 2026:

> "They did a phenomenal job bringing our tired roof back to life, including fully cleaning it and completely repointing the ridge caps. The ridge line looks incredibly clean and secure now, and the whole roof is completely watertight."

## Is R&R Restorations right for you?

R&R Restorations is a good fit if you own a concrete or terracotta tile roof in our regions and want it clean without new cracks, leaks or bare patches. We work across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Logan, and the Tweed and Northern Rivers. We're owner-operated by Alex Rowe, licensed (QBCC Licence No. 15404087) and insured, and rated 5.0 from 10 Google reviews.

**We're a good fit if:**

- You want the tiles and ridge caps checked before the water goes on, and to hear what we find.
- You'd like the clean and any repairs in one itemised quote, with any extra work agreed with you before it goes ahead.
- You're getting ready to sell, or the roof looks tired, and you want the colour back where the tiles still have it.
- Your roof might need more than a clean, and you'd rather one crew handled the roof restoration too.

**We're not the right call if:**

- You want a roof blasted the same afternoon with nobody checking the tiles first.
- Your concrete tiles have lost their colour and you expect a clean alone to bring it back. That needs sealing and recoating.
- Your roof is fibre cement sheeting that may contain asbestos. We don't do asbestos work, and [WorkSafe Queensland warns](https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/alerts/incident-alerts/2026/high-pressure-water-cleaning-on-an-asbestos-roof) that using high-pressure water on asbestos is illegal.
- The roof structure has failed. Cleaning a roof that needs replacing wastes your money, and we'll say so.
- You're outside our service regions.

Dylan Robinson has used us on more than one roof. His Google review of 21 October 2026: "Alex and the team have completed over five roof restorations for me, and the quality of their work has been excellent every time."

Pick R&R Restorations if you want your tile roof clean and its colour back without a new leak, so the next storm is only rain on the roof.

## Frequently asked questions

### How often should roof tiles be cleaned?

There's no fixed schedule. Clean when growth spreads across a roof face or starts filling the valleys. Monier recommends a professional roof inspection ideally every five years, and clearing gutters, downpipes and valleys at least once a year, more often under trees.

### Does cleaning roof tiles stop leaks?

Only when the leak comes from a blocked valley or gutter. Cleaning doesn't fix a cracked tile, a slipped tile or failed ridge pointing, which are the usual causes. Those need a repair.

### Is it safe to walk on roof tiles?

Not without risk. Bunnings says to step only where tiles overlap, the strongest part of the roof. Monier warns that even walking on a tiled roof can damage tiles or injure you, and recommends a roofing professional for tile work.

### Can I use bleach or a hardware store roof cleaner on tiles?

Use a product made for roofs and follow its label for dilution, dwell time and tank reconnection. Never mix products. Protect your plants, disconnect the tank and keep the runoff out of the stormwater drain.

### What pressure should I use to clean roof tiles?

There's no single safe number. The right pressure depends on the tile material, its age and its surface, plus the nozzle and the distance. Treat the growth first so you need less force, and always spray down the slope.

### Should roof tiles be sealed after cleaning?

Not by default. Concrete tiles that have lost their coat are usually sealed and recoated as part of a tile roof restoration. Terracotta keeps its colour in the clay and often needs no coating at all.

## Get your tile roof cleaned without the damage

Send us your suburb, your roof type and what you've noticed through our [roof cleaning enquiry form](/services/roof-cleaning-gold-coast#quote), with up to three photos taken from the ground. Or call us on 0422 630 075. We'll tell you whether a clean is all your roof needs, and itemise the price before anything starts.


## Related

- [Roof restoration advice](https://rnrroofrestorations.com.au/blog)
- [Get a roof restoration quote](https://rnrroofrestorations.com.au/contact)