The Danish Technological Institute confirms: Surface treatment extends the lifespan of concrete roof tiles
At Nowocoat, we have been saying the same thing in the industry for years: professional roof coating is about more than aesthetics. When concrete roof tiles are properly cleaned and surface-treated, it protects the roof against weather exposure and deterioration. This view is now supported by a new analysis from the Danish Technological Institute.
The study compares two concrete roof tiles taken from neighbouring properties in the Danish town Vinderup, where both roofs were constructed in 1983. One roof had never been treated, while the other was cleaned and surface-treated in 2013 in accordance with the treatment guidelines issued by DI Byggeri Tagmalergruppen.
The purpose was simple: can a measurable difference be seen between a treated and an untreated roof after many years of exposure to the Danish climate?
The answer is yes.
Two roofs from 1983 – two very different outcomes
Using advanced thin-section analysis, the Danish Technological Institute examined the microstructure of the roof tiles in remarkable detail. Cross-sections of the tiles were ground to a thickness of just 0.02 mm and analysed under a petrographic microscope.
The analysis shows, among other things, that concrete roof tiles typically contain small inherent surface defects, which over time contribute to deterioration. On the untreated roof, the analysis revealed organic growth, severe flaking and weathered surfaces resulting from many years of exposure to rain, frost and moisture.
On the treated roof, however, the analysis shows that the cleaning process removed both weather- and frost-related damage as well as any remaining initial defects. The subsequent surface treatment effectively protected the cleaned surface.
13 years later, the surface coating remains intact
Perhaps the most interesting finding of the study is that the surface coating applied in 2013 still shows no signs of deterioration after 13 years of exposure to the Danish climate.
The Danish Technological Institute concludes:
“Overall, it is assessed that the surface treatment will extend the service life of the concrete roof tiles.”
At the same time, the report emphasises that the analysis does not provide a basis for determining a general expected service life.
Quality workmanship matters
For us at Nowocoat, the analysis is interesting because it underlines the importance of properly executed cleaning and surface treatment of concrete roof tiles – particularly when the work is carried out in accordance with the treatment guidelines issued by DI Byggeri Tagmalergruppen.
The study is also an important reminder that quality workmanship is crucial. Products, cleaning methods, treatment systems and execution must all work together to achieve a result that protects and maintains the roof surface over time.
The analysis not only documents the difference between treated and untreated concrete roof tiles – it also underlines the value of professionally executed roof treatment as part of long-term roof protection and maintenance.
Want to learn more? Read the full report here.
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