Often we are called out to restore terracotta roofs. And we love restoring terracotta roofs. (Truth is, we like restoring most roofs! Because it adds value for the homeowner, improves the look and feel of the property and I get a kick out of it )
Here’s two questions I get asked most often when it comes to Terracotta Roofs:
- “Should I Spray paint my terracotta roof?” followed by
- “What can I do about my terracotta roof?”
To Spray or not to Spray?
Many customers are eager to spray there terracotta roof.
We are not keen to spray paint terracotta roofs. Here’s why!
- We want you to avoid wasting your money.
(and I want you to be happy)
Allow me to explain, why spray painting a terracotta roof is not such a good idea.
Terracotta roof tiles, in the overwhelming majority of cases, are finished with a glaze. This glaze is baked on when the tiles are firing in the kilns.
The advantage of this glazing is that it gives them a very strong shiny finish.
The glazing also gives terracotta roof tiles that characteristic sheen that makes them so popular. Many Adelaide home owners used them as their choice of roof cladding.
However, there is a downside of this glaze. This glazed finish is almost “glass-like” in its appearance.
So if you ever painted glass then you will not be a proper long lasting bond between the tile and the coating. A sprayed terracotta roof will look fine initially. Then it will decay quickly after a few months. The roof will take on a flaky translucent look.
A terracotta tiled with a white flaky appearance has probably been sprayed.The whole house can look quite unattractive.
And so, if we do not spray then we both will not need the lawyers and the litigation. You will be happier. You will have avoided wasting your money.
This does not mean that a terracotta roof cannot be restored.
A pressure clean to remove the accumulated moss, lichen and dirt with re-bedding and re-pointing can extend the the life of a terracotta roof dramatically.
It can keep that special character that terracotta tiles can bring to a heritage home at a significantly lower cost than replacing the roof tiles.
If you need advice on your terracotta roof or require an free obligation quote please do not hesitate to contact us.
