If you recently had a new concrete tile roof installed, there’s a slight possibility that you may notice chalk-like residue, or what appears to be color softening on your tile. No need to worry! Your concrete tile roof is undergoing a natural process called efflorescence.
All concrete products, including sidewalks and bricks, can experience this process. It is simply a chemical reaction caused by the nature of the cement. Manufactured cement contains free lime, and when water is added, a series of chemical 
reactions take place. These reactions are accompanied by the release of calcium hydroxide, which has the potential to form an overall white, chalky crystalline salt deposit on the tile surface when reacting with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If this reaction is to occur, it can appear as a “bloom” (overall softening of color) or as concentrated patches on the roof. It doesn’t matter who the manufacturer of your concrete tile roof is, this is a process that can occur with concrete products overall.
In the unlikely occurrence that your concrete tile roof does show signs of efflorescence, Eagle Roofing Products wants you to rest assured that this is superficial and in no way affects the quality, functional properties, or the structural integrity of the concrete roof tile. Your concrete tile roof will continue to be energy efficient, visually stunning and durable, withstanding the elements of rain, snow, high wind and scorching heat for the life of your structure. Simply allow the natural reaction to run its course and within time, rain water and carbon dioxide will wash away the chalky residue and the original color of the tile will reappear without further efflorescence occurring.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your concrete tile roof, please contact your local Eagle Account Representative, or refer to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance’s technical brief on efflorescence.
