When you live in a beautiful coastal community like Landfall in Wilmington, NC, you want your home to look its best year-round. For many homeowners here, that includes maintaining their distinctive clay tile roofs. These roofs don’t just protect the home—they’re a statement piece. They add timeless elegance, enhance curb appeal, and can last for decades when properly cared for.
But clay tile roofs also require a special touch. You can’t just blast away dirt and algae with high-pressure water. Doing so risks cracking the tiles, stripping away protective coatings, and even creating leaks. That’s why soft washing is the preferred method for cleaning clay tile roofs, and it’s the method Shark Power Washing uses to ensure your investment is protected.
Recently, our team completed a tile roof cleaning project in the prestigious Landfall community. The before-and-after results speak for themselves. The roof went from having a dull, weathered appearance to a vibrant, clean look—restoring the home’s elegance without causing a single chip or crack.
Why Clay Tile Roofs Need Special Care
Clay tiles are a premium roofing material. They’re strong, durable, and capable of lasting 50 years or more. However, they are not invincible. Over time, Wilmington’s humid, coastal climate encourages the growth of algae, moss, mildew, and lichen. This organic matter doesn’t just affect appearance—it can shorten the roof’s lifespan by retaining moisture and creating micro-cracks.
The challenge? Clay tiles are brittle compared to asphalt shingles. They can break if walked on carelessly or if blasted with high-pressure water. That’s why a gentle, targeted cleaning method—soft washing—is essential.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning technique that uses low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, algae, mold, and mildew from delicate surfaces. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which can exceed 3,000 PSI, soft washing typically uses water pressure similar to a garden hose—usually under 500 PSI.
The cleaning power comes from specially formulated solutions that break down organic growth at the root level. Instead of just rinsing away the surface layer of algae, soft washing kills the spores, which helps keep the roof cleaner for longer.
For clay tiles, this approach is a game-changer. It cleans thoroughly without the risk of breaking tiles or washing away the protective glaze many clay tiles have.
Our Soft Washing Process for Clay Tile Roofs
At Shark Power Washing, we follow a careful, step-by-step process to ensure your clay tile roof gets the attention it deserves.
1. Inspection and Preparation
Before starting, we inspect the roof to identify any cracked or loose tiles. We also note areas with heavy algae or moss buildup. If we find damaged tiles, we recommend they be repaired before or after cleaning to prevent leaks.
We also take measures to protect landscaping and nearby surfaces by rinsing them with fresh water and covering delicate plants.
2. Applying the Soft Wash Solution
We use a biodegradable cleaning solution specifically designed for roof cleaning. It’s safe for your tiles, your landscaping, and your pets. Using specialized equipment, we apply the solution evenly across the roof, ensuring every tile is coated.
This isn’t a quick “spray and pray” job—the solution needs time to work. It penetrates algae and moss, breaking them down at the root so they can’t regrow quickly.
3. Gentle Rinse
Once the solution has done its job, we use low-pressure water to rinse away the loosened dirt, algae, and debris. The roof immediately starts to look brighter and cleaner.
4. Final Inspection
We inspect the roof again to ensure no areas were missed and that all cleaning residue has been removed.
The Landfall Project – A Transformation from Top to Bottom
The clay tile roof we cleaned in Landfall had built up a noticeable layer of dark streaks and organic growth. From the street, the home’s roof looked faded and tired.
After our soft washing process, the difference was remarkable:
- Before: The roof had black algae streaks and patches of moss dulling its rich terracotta color.
- After: The tiles’ warm reddish tones popped again, giving the home a refreshed and upscale look.
Standing on the roof, the contrast between the “before” and “after” was clear even to us—and we’ve cleaned hundreds of roofs.
Why Homeowners in Landfall Choose Shark Power Washing
There’s a reason we’re trusted in communities like Landfall. Homeowners here care about quality, and so do we. We don’t rush jobs or take shortcuts. Instead, we:
- Use professional-grade, eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
- Have specialized equipment designed for roof cleaning.
- Bring years of experience handling delicate materials like clay tile.
- Carry full insurance for your peace of mind.
We also understand the local climate. Wilmington’s salty air and high humidity mean algae and mildew grow faster than in many other areas. That’s why our approach doesn’t just clean—it helps protect your roof from regrowth for as long as possible.
Benefits of Soft Washing Your Clay Tile Roof
Regular soft washing offers more than just cosmetic benefits:
- Extends Roof Lifespan – Removing algae and moss prevents moisture retention that can lead to cracks and leaks.
- Boosts Curb Appeal – A clean roof makes the entire home look well cared for.
- Prevents Costly Repairs – Catching and addressing minor damage early saves money in the long run.
- Protects Property Value – In communities like Landfall, appearance matters when it comes to home value.
- Environmentally Safe – Our cleaning solutions are biodegradable and safe for surrounding plants and pets.
How Often Should You Clean a Clay Tile Roof?
In Wilmington’s coastal environment, we recommend having your clay tile roof soft washed every 2 to 3 years. This keeps algae and moss from gaining a foothold and preserves the tiles’ natural beauty.
If your roof is under heavy tree cover or consistently shaded, you may need cleaning more often. On the other hand, if your roof gets plenty of sunlight, you might be able to go a little longer between cleanings.
The Bottom Line – Gentle Cleaning, Lasting Results
Cleaning a clay tile roof is not a DIY project. It requires the right equipment, the right cleaning solutions, and the right technique. Done incorrectly, it can lead to costly damage. Done correctly—like the Landfall project we completed—it can restore a home’s beauty and protect the roof for years to come.
At Shark Power Washing, we take pride in delivering the right kind of clean for every surface. Whether it’s a tile roof in Landfall, a shingle roof in Wrightsville Beach, or siding in Carolina Beach, we approach each job with the same level of care and professionalism.
If your clay tile roof is looking tired, stained, or overrun with algae, it’s time to take action. Let our team bring back its original beauty without risking damage.
Call Shark Power Washing today to schedule your clay tile roof cleaning in Wilmington, NC. We’ll give your home the kind of curb appeal that makes it stand out in the best possible way—safely, effectively, and with results that last.