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Clay tile roofs require minimal maintenance, as they stand up very well to the elements and often won’t fade in direct sunlight. They also don’t need sealing. Concrete tiles are also relatively low maintenance, but you will need more maintenance than with clay. You’ll need to seal concrete every few years to improve water resistance, and the color will fade a bit more quickly than with clay.

It may require stronger cleansers or chemicals, higher-pressure spray, or scrubbing to completely remove algae from a metal roof. Start with a mild cleanser; if that doesn’t work and you're comfortable doing so, use a stronger mix of ⅓ cup of laundry detergent, 1 quart of bleach, and 3 quarts of water to gently scrub the algae with a soft-bristled brush. If algae is present across large portions of your roof, doesn’t come off with gentle scrubbing and cleansers, or is in hard-to-reach areas, this may be a job better left to a pro.

For most people, summer is the best season to clean roof shingles. You want a day with dry weather and comfortable temperatures. In hot climates, late spring may work better for washing shingles. Avoid cleaning roof shingles at any time where ice could form from applying water in low temperatures.

You should not clean roof shingles if the roof has damage like missing shingles or low spots where water may accumulate. You should focus on repairing the roof before any cleaning process occurs. If you notice roof damage as you’re climbing on the roof to clean it, stop immediately. Call a roofing pro to make repairs. Cleaning a roof that has damage could lead to pooling water or water damage to the roof decking. The roof cleaning process removes mold and mildew, making the roof look better. It is not going to fix physical damage, though.