How to Clean Your Roof to Avoid Damage
A roof is vital to ensure your home’s longevity and structural integrity. Regular roof maintenance will make your home look better and enhance the curb appeal. In addition, you will also increase your roof’s lifespan by identifying any issues early and tackling them early on before they can escalate to expensive repairs.
Whether you choose to clean your roof, it’s important to do some research for the type of roof you own. Using the wrong chemicals will damage the roofing material and cause significant damage. Here, we will show you what you need to know about cleaning your roof properly.
Does a Roof Need to Be Washed?
Without a doubt, the answer is yes. As dirt, leaves, and other debris build up on roofs over time, moisture can be trapped, which can result in mold growth, water damage, and weakened structural integrity. Regular cleaning keeps your roof in better condition and increases its lifespan.
How to Properly Clean Your Roof
Now, let us look into the cleaning solutions for the types of roofs there are:
Flat Roof
Before you start the cleaning process, ensure you remove any standing water on your roof. In addition, remove any large debris from the roof and gutters as well before you start cleaning.
Now, you are ready to clean your roof:
- One of the options is to use a pressure washer that can effectively remove moss and algae growth. Pressure washing does not use any chemicals, so you won’t have to worry about contaminating the soil and plants around you.
- The second option is a chlorine-based wash. Chlorine washing is less time-consuming, but chlorine can be toxic to animals, plants, and even humans.
- The last option will be to use sodium hydroxide instead of chlorine. Using this method requires more extensive rinsing than the chlorine solution, and you must ensure that your concentration is not too concentrated.
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Many houses have asphalt roofs, leading to various cleaning products available in the market. Before you choose your cleaner, perform general maintenance on the roof, such as cleaning your gutters. Remember, you should not use a pressure washer; instead, use a sprayer attached to a garden hose to avoid loosening the shingles and damaging your roof.
One method is cleaning asphalt shingles with a bleach solution. You can use a higher or less concentrated solution, ranging from 25% sodium hypochlorite and 75% water for lighter stains to 75% sodium hypochlorite and 25% water for tough algae, lichen, and fire moss, depending on the condition of your roof at the time.
Remember to work from top to bottom and double-treat areas with heavy algae and moss growth.
Should You Rely on a Professional for Your Roof Cleaning?
Although DIY roof cleaning is possible, there are various advantages to hiring a professional. Cleaning a roof can be physically taxing and sometimes dangerous, particularly on steep slopes. Professional cleaners are better equipped than amateurs to ensure a complete and secure cleaning procedure. They can also spot hidden problems that may need rapid treatment, which can ultimately save you time and money.
Additional Roof Maintenance Tips
Now that you know how to clean your roof, here are some additional tips to consider:
- Trim any overhanging tree branches to stop leaves and other debris from gathering on the roof.
- To avoid obstructions and water accumulation, examine and clean the gutters on a regular basis.
- To stop additional deterioration, address any damage indications immediately, such as loose or missing shingles.
- Consider putting zinc or copper strips to stop algae and moss from growing along the roof ridge.
Work with Connell Roofing
When it comes to roof cleaning and maintenance, Connell Roofing is your trusted partner. With years of experience in the industry, our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the health and longevity of your roof. We offer professional roof cleaning services tailored to your specific roof type, using the latest techniques and equipment. Contact us today, and let us help you!
