Extraordinarily robust and naturally insect and weather resistant, concrete roofing tiles can be left alone for long periods of time to do their job efficiently and aesthetically. However, occasional cleanings or resealings will be needed and, in some cases, seasonal decorations desired. Here are a few simple tips for each.

First, whenever you are accessing your tile roof, make sure to follow the steps laid out in How to Walk on a Tile Roof.

For general maintenance, there is no need to access the roof at all. Simply remain on the ground and, at least once a year, give your roof a visual inspection to make sure there are no broken tiles. If so, concrete tiles are easy to repair or replace without need for specialized tools.

For cleaning, the valleys are the main areas that may need to be addressed. Depending on your local environment and the presence and types of trees, leaves and twigs can collect in this area. Simply use a blower to safely remove any debris that has accumulated. If you don’t have trees where you live, there is no cleaning required. However, if you live in a very humid climate, you will need to clean your tiles every few years to prevent the build up of moss. Technologies exist that limit the need for this: both spray-on sealants and copper ridges inhibit the growth of moss. Sealants also exist that are purely for aesthetic purposes. For example, if you want your tile roof to have that glossy or “wet” look, this can easily be done.

But not all roof access needs to concern upkeep. Some homeowners enjoy decorating their roofs to celebrate events such as weddings, birthdays and holidays. Often, this does not even require walking on the roof to do so. Most Christmas lights, for example, can be attached to the soffit fascia transition or the drip edge below the roof. For decorations that do require getting on the roof, make sure to follow the safety guidelines in How to Walk on a Tile Roof. Most decorations are lightweight, but, just like people, the weight of any heavy decorations will need to be evenly distributed by first mounting on a flat piece of plywood and then securing safely to prevent any accidental damage or injury to property or people. While our regular weight and Super Duty tiles can handle substantially more weight than their tested minimum of 250 pounds per square foot, it’s a good idea to make that minimum mark your maximum weight for any decorations going up.