How cement tiles age
Cement tiles can lose their factory-applied surface finish and appear faded, patchy or porous while ridge work deteriorates separately.
- Faded surface
- Tile sediment in gutters
- Colour restoration may be possible
How terracotta tiles age
Terracotta is fired clay. Moss, lichen, glaze condition and brittleness are more relevant than treating it like faded cement.
- Natural variation is normal
- Older tiles can be brittle
- Treatment must suit terracotta
Cleaning and repair differences
Pressure, walking methods and replacement-tile availability must suit the material and profile.
- Material-appropriate cleaning
- Profile-matched replacements
- Separate ridge and junction inspection
What the quote should confirm
The quotation should identify the material, cleaning method, repairs, proposed finish and limitations.
- Tile material and profile
- Exact treatment product
- Expected appearance and warranty
See this on a Melbourne roof
These completed projects show how the work changes with the roof material and the faults found.
- Kew natural terracotta restoration
Cleaning, broken-tile replacement and ridge repointing restored the roof while retaining the natural terracotta finish.
- Blackburn cement tiles painted Terracotta
This cement tile roof was cleaned, prepared and repointed before receiving a Terracotta colour coating.