Roof Glazing, Painting, and Sealing: What's Best for Concrete Roof Tiles vs Terracotta Roofs

Over time UV and weather can wear down and cause damage to your roof. Not only does this result in an unsightly home, it can also lead to more extensive damage and structural failure if left unmaintained.

With preventative maintenance you can prevent damage and leaks by acting at the first sign of wear.

Issues like loss of protective coating, moss/lichen growth, tile damage, and more can be repaired easily and affordably, protecting your home from even greater damage.

How?

Well, that depends on the kind of roof you have on your home. In this article we will look at ways to maintain and extend the lifespan of concrete tile roofs and terracotta roofs.

As always, if you think your roof is in need of some preventative maintenance or emergency repairs, contact us and we'll take care of the rest.

Terracotta Roof Tiles: Long Lasting and Aesthetic

Pros of Terracotta Tile Roofs

Many homes in Melbourne have terracotta roof tiles. Terracotta roof tiles are excellent for Melbourne's climate. Their natural insulation qualities help keep homes cooler in the summer. Pair that with a long lifespan (often 50+ years when maintained properly) and their aesthetic beauty, it becomes obvious why they are so popular.

Common Issues with Terracotta Tile Roofs

Unfortunately no roof tiles are perfect. Overtime terracotta roof tiles tend to lose their protective coating which makes them prone to moss and lichen growth until they are resealed. With age and exposure to the elements they tend to become brittle and crack easily which can open your roof up to the dangers of Melbourne weather.

Compared to other options like concrete roof tiles, terracotta roof tiles tend to be more expensive.

Concrete Roof Tiles: Durable and Cost-Efficient

Pros of Concrete Tile Roofs

While not considered as aesthetically pleasing as terracotta tiles, concrete roof tiles are also a popular choice for homes in Melbourne. They are strong and heavy which makes them the perfect choice for areas prone to storms.

Concrete roof tiles have a much lower installation cost compared to other options like terracotta roof tiles, and unlike terracotta roof tiles that typically only come in a few colours and styles, there are a wide variety of colours and styles available for concrete tiles.

Common Issues with Concrete Tile Roofs

Of course no roofing material is perfect. Concrete roof tiles tend to absorb more moisture which leads to staining and moss or lichen growth. 

While there are more colour options available, concrete roof tiles tend to fade more over time than terracotta roof tiles. 

The weight of concrete roof tiles is perfect for mitigating storm damage, but this weight can also be a problem for some homes because can be too heavy for some roof structures.

Preventative Maintenance Makes all the Difference

When it comes to roofing, most often maintenance is more important than the material used. Terracotta roof tiles may last longer, but that is only if they are properly glazed and sealed. Concrete roof tiles fade faster, but they can easily look brand new again with professional painting and sealing. That's why no matter whether you choose concrete or terracotta tiles for your roof, it's important to remember to maintain them.

So when it comes to maintaining concrete tile roofs and terracotta tile roofs, what methods or techniques can be used for each?

What's the Difference?: Glazing, Painting, and Sealing

Glazing
Glazing is used to treat terracotta roofs. A special glaze is used to add shine, water resistance, and colour protection. It also seals up pores and prevents the growth of moss and lichen.

If your terracotta roof is looking worn out or has started to grow moss or lichen, now is the time to clean and glaze your roof, otherwise the damage will continue to worsen until you end up with cracked or damaged tiles, followed by leaks that penetrate the roof and cause potential structural damage to your home.

Painting

Painting is most commonly used to treat concrete tile roofs. Painting not only revitalises the appearance of your roof, it also adds a protective coating which increases the lifespan of your roof and prevents the growth of moss and lichen.

Modern roof paints are highly durable and can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof by protecting the roof from UV rays and the elements.

If you start to notice any growth of moss or lichen, or you notice discolouration of your concrete roof tiles, now would be a good time to look into painting your roof to prevent more severe damage.

Sealing

Sealing can be used on concrete or terracotta tiles. Sealing adds a water-repellent barrier that keeps water out and helps prevent the growth of moss and lichen. Sealing extends the lifespan of your roof by strengthening its weakest points.

Just like glazing and painting, if you start to notice any growth or discoloration, it might be a good time to consider sealing your roof tiles.

Early Warning Signs

Below we've prepared a list of signs that your concrete or terracotta roof may need maintenance. 

1. Fading, patchy, or uneven colour

2. Chipped, cracked, or misaligned tiles

3. Moss or lichen build-up (severe or not)

4. Gutters clogged with debris from tile erosion

If you spot any of these signs, we recommend a quick professional inspection. Our team offers free, no-obligation quotes across Melbourne. Contact us today for more information!

Want a Roof that Lasts? Pick a Professional Team for Your Maintenance Needs

Is your roof in need of maintenance? We have more than 5 years experience cleaning, maintaining, painting, glazing, and sealing numerous types of roofs across Melbourne.

Whether you have concrete or terracotta tiles over your head, Bayside Roof Cleaning can help provide peace of mind with the safety and security of a sound and well maintained roof.

Whether you need roof cleaning, solar panel cleaning, gutter cleaning, leak detection, or roof maintenance and repairs, we've got you covered.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote.

Roof Glazing, Painting, and Sealing FAQs

Can you paint or glaze old concrete or terracotta roof tiles, or do they need replacing?

In most cases unless there is physical damage to the tiles you don't need to replace them. You can usually get away with cleaning, glazing/painting, and/or sealing them to restore their appearance and extend their life. Glazing, painting, and sealing all add protective coatings that help repel water, prevent the growth of moss and lichen, and revive faded colour.

What's the difference between sealing and painting a concrete tile roof?

Sealing helps by creating a clear, water-repellent coating that protects your tiles from moisture, stains, weather, and moss/lichen buildup. Painting does that too, but it also improves the colour and finish of your roof. In many situations it makes sense to clean, seal, and paint a concrete roof for the longest lasting protection.

How often should I reseal or repaint my tile roof?

When dealing with most tile roofs in Melbourne, we recommend resealing every 8-12 years depending on exposure and tile type. Painted concrete tiles can last longer and typically need a fresh coat every 10-15 years. If you notice signs of fading, water absorption, or moss/lichen growth, now might be a good time to look into cleaning and treating your roof. Contact us for a free quote.

Can you match the colour of old tiles when repainting or repairing?

Yes, when we paint concrete roofs we can match the original colour. We can also help you find additional colours to match your style if you prefer.