Roof tiles are subject to constant exposure to the elements, which facilitates the growth of algae, moss, and lichen that stain and damage them. Manual cleaning can be a dangerous and daunting task, but what if there was a way for roof tiles to clean themselves? Well, science may have found the answer in nature, specifically in lotus leaves.

The lotus effect, or superhydrophobicity, is a phenomenon seen in the lotus plant. Despite growing in muddy conditions, the leaves of the lotus plant remain clean and dry thanks to their unique microscopic structure. This structure is such that it repels water and dirt, causing droplets to roll-off, taking surface dirt with them.

But, how can we apply this to roof tiles? Well, the researchers from de SMARTROOF have been inspired to develop a coating for tiles that mimics this effect, making the surface super-water repellant, thus enabling dirt and organisms to be washed away by rainwater. Essentially, the tiles clean themselves whenever it rains - thanks to the lotus effect.

Not only is this a revolutionary concept for maintaining the aesthetics of our homes, but it also holds significant potential in areas such as power usage and polluting emissions. Buildings with self-cleaning tiles can reduce the need for power-intensive cleaning processes, thereby saving energy.

So, next time you spot a lotus leaf, remember that it’s more than just an interesting plant; its unique properties have implications way beyond its natural life - giving your roof tiles a new way to maintain their integrity.