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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.

Bleach and vinegar can both kill moss effectively. However, if you’d rather use a non-chemical option that’s better for the environment, vinegar is the choice. Depending on the paver material you use, vinegar and bleach can also stain or discolor the surface. When unsure, test and use the option that doesn’t react with your paver material.

Other than it looking like a dirty car, there are some other signs you need to clean your roof. Moss growth, algae (often black streaks), grime buildup, buildup under shingles, and leaf buildup are all classic signs a cleaning is overdue. If you have neighbors, take a look around. If your roof appears different in any way, that’s another sign to call a pro to have it cleaned.

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.