It is easy to improve the appearance of your house by painting.
So, you might wonder, "Can terracotta roof tiles be painted?"
You must educate yourself about terracotta roof tiles before knowing the response to this question. Terracotta tiles Melbourne are made from natural clay, which is by its very nature a moist substance. Moreover, they are naturally porous materials that can resist years of exposure to the elements and last for a long time.
There are two types of terracotta: glazed and unglazed. Terracotta roof tiles can be painted, although it is not a good idea to paint unglazed tiles.
So, how can you paint terracotta roof tiles?
- After manufacturing, terracotta roof tiles are "glazed" with a specific paint covering. This ceramic glaze is applied in a similar fashion to paint.
- After applying it to the porous terracotta clay, they are "fired" and cooked at extremely high temperatures in a specialised kiln.
- The glaze permanently melts, fuses, and joins with the clay throughout this process.
- The terracotta tile solidifies once taken from the kiln, resulting in a smooth, robust, nonporous surface.
This is a required procedure for roof tiles since untreated terracotta clay is porous and prone to damage from moisture and rain, as well as algae, moss, and other microorganisms.
- The coating can be translucent to keep the original, rustic colour of your roof, or a variety of artificially colored glazes can be used to modify the appearance of your tiles.
However, since the glaze forms a robust, durable, and nonporous surface, it is not feasible for the paint to adhere adequately to the underlying tile and connect to the terracotta. Instead, the paint will attach to the glaze and flake off in less than a year.
So, you should call a roofing specialist Melbourne and get the glazed terracotta tiles of your colour choice.
What are unglazed terracotta tiles?
Unglazed terracotta tiles are porous. As a result, they are vulnerable to harm when exposed to wind, salt, and erosion. This is a regular phenomenon with unglazed terracotta tiles. They also require regular maintenance.
However, most homeowners prefer unglazed terracotta tiles because of their natural appearance and appeal.
How to restore an old terracotta roof to make it look new?
- Change broken tiles
Replace any cracked or damaged tiles. Even if they are fractured, they must be replaced.
- Moss and lichen removal
Lichen and moss are effortlessly enticed to terracotta roofs. If left untreated, they can develop to the point where they obstruct the flow of rainfall to your gutters.
- High-pressure cleaning
The procedure includes utilising water and a high-pressure nozzle to restore the natural colour of your roof.
- Repointing and re-bedding tiles
Ridge cap tiles will be re-bed and repointed. A roofing specialist Melbourne will also evaluate your roof to look for any additional broken tiles and repair them.
The final verdict!
Terracotta tiles Melbourne can be painted. It is, however, not recommended.
After production, terracotta roof tiles are typically coated with a specific paint finish called glazing. The glaze might be transparent to retain the original colour of the roof. However, artificially tinted glazes can also be applied to vary the appearance of the tiles.
As the glaze provides a firm, resilient, and nonporous surface, the paint will not cling to the tile effectively, preventing it from adhering to the terracotta.
