There are two types of roof tiles available for any roof. Those are clay or cement. Many of the requests we receive relate to painting tiles and although the majority of tiles are suitable for painting, the exception is glazed clay tiles.
The reason for this is poor paint adhesion to the glazed surface and subsequently in time, the paint peels. We have come across dozens of examples where glazed clay roof tiles have been recently painted and within a few years are already showing signs of peeling.
We took these photos last week as an example to show our clients what happens when paint is applied to a glazed surface. We recommend high pressure cleaning is the best way to restore a glazed clay tile, which removes moss, lichen and discoloration. The only clay tiles you can paint are the non glazed variety. In contrast, all cement tiles are suitable for painting, even if they have been previously painted.
We took these photos last week as an example to show our clients what happens when paint is applied to a glazed surface. We recommend high pressure cleaning is the best way to restore a glazed clay tile, which removes moss, lichen and discoloration. The only clay tiles you can paint are the non glazed variety. In contrast, all cement tiles are suitable for painting, even if they have been previously painted.
These photos were taken of peeling painted glazed clay tiles at a house in Canning vale.