Roof cleaning is often overlooked but is as crucial as cleaning any other part of your home. Regularly maintaining your roof not only enhances its appearance but also prolongs its lifespan. Neglecting your roof can lead to costly repairs in the future. A clean roof contributes to the overall health and aesthetics of your property. Make it a routine, just like your other household chores.
Roof Cleaning Essentials
The roof, often considered the shield of a home, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding its occupants from extreme weather conditions. Surprisingly, despite its significance, it’s frequently overlooked in regular maintenance routines. Proper and consistent care ensures that the roof serves you efficiently for years to come. Regular cleaning is not just a recommendation but a necessity.
Keeping it in optimal condition not only prolongs its lifespan but also enhances the overall value and safety of your home. Make it a priority to inspect and maintain your roof, for it is more than just a structure; it’s your home’s primary line of defense.
Following is a list of some roof cleaning essentials that you must be aware of as a homeowner:
1. The Cleaning Methods
There are lots of cleaning methods available in the market according to different roof types. However, they can be categorized into two major methods.
- Cleaning With a Pressure Washer
This is a simple method in which a pressure washer is involved to clean the roof. You can easily do this on your own. A pressure washer is a simple machine that comes with different nozzles and pressure control buttons. High pressure is used for metal roofs while low pressure is recommended for asphalt shingles in order to prevent any damage to the material.
- Chemical Cleaning Method
This is not a DIY method and a professional roof cleaner should be hired to perform the job. Not all types of chemicals are suitable for all roofing materials therefore, you should not take the risk for yourself.
2. Algae, Fungus, Mold should not be Ignored
Some of the nightmares for a homeowner are algae, moss, fungus, and mold, etc. they usually happen due to trapped moisture in your roof but they can prove to be very dangerous if not removed on time. Algae can spread fast and can do more damage than you can expect. It can also spread indoors and is not easily visible while standing on the ground. Therefore, the only solution is proper roof cleaning that can help you clean these enemies easily.
3. Roof Cleaning is Not a DIY Task
Many roofers suggest that roof cleaning is a task that needs the services of a professional and it should not be assumed to be a DIY task. There are several reasons for this:
- Balancing on a roof is a difficult task and not everyone can manage to work on heights. Therefore, it would be a risk to try to clean it by yourself.
- Standing on a ladder and spraying from an angle with a pressure washer can loosen the staples and nails of tiles. There will be a risk that the tiles will come off in storms or strong winds. Therefore, pressure washing from below is also not recommended.
- A thorough wash is something that your roof needs. A proper wash can only be done by an expert roof cleaner who has the skills and expertise to perform the job. Moreover, dirt or debris can only be found by a professional cleaner.
4. Old Roofs Need a Soft Wash
Old roofs are the ones that need cleaning more as compared to the new ones. However, they need to be cleaned with a different technique in order to prevent further damage to the roofing material. The soft wash method is used for old roofs so that the brittle or loosened tiles or granules will not be affected any further. In the soft wash method, detergents or surfactants are used to clean the area first. They are gentle but strong enough to remove the dirt, debris, grime, grout, etc from the roof, shingles, flashings, and under the tiles. After that, low pressure is used to rinse the surface to prevent it from further damage. A professional roof cleaner can recommend if your roof needs a soft wash according to its condition.
5. Roof Cleaning is not an Expense but an Investment
Roof needs to be maintained through proper cleaning. If you invest in roof cleaning then you could save yourself from future repair and replacement expenses. You can prolong the life of your roof by regularly getting it cleaned by roof cleaning experts. Roof cleaning helps to remove not only the dirt and grime but also the oss and algae hidden behind the shingles and under the flashings.
6. Regular Cleaning means Prolonged Life
Suppose that your roof is filled with moss and algae, it will keep on destroying the roof’s surface as long as it remains there. When winter comes, the moisture gathered from the moss and algae will make cracks and holes. It will affect the strength of your roofing material thus making it weak over time. When the storm comes, shingles or tiles will start to come off because they are already loosened due to moisture. However, regular roof cleaning in Norwich can remove these enemies easily and prolong the roof’s life.
Summing Up
If you do not invest in professional roof cleaning services, you are actually risking the huge investment of your life that is your house. Moreover, if you try doing it yourself (DIY) then you are also risking yourself alongside your house. Therefore, keeping the above-mentioned tips in mind, hire a professional through a roofing contractor to make your roof last longer.
