Frequent roof cleaning is beneficial for several reasons. Regular cleaning preserves the lifespan of your tiles and shingles, removes the damaging grime, algae, moss, and soot, and restores the roof to its original color. Routine roof cleaning is specifically important for properties in tropical areas or near water bodies. To protect your home, you should understand the following important tips from roof cleaning Bellevue experts.
Proper Roof Cleaning Isn’t a DIY Job
Most homeowners take the importance of cleaning their roofs lightly. As such, they quickly jump on their roofs with pressure washers, ready to take on roof contaminants. However, pressure roof washing shouldn’t be done as other DIY roof tasks for the following reasons:
- Balancing on the roof with a powerful pressure washer is dangerous. Working with a pressure washer while standing on a sloped roof is virtually impossible for inexperienced persons. You can fall off and sustain serious or fatal injuries.
- While you can balance from the ladder while using a pressure washer, spraying tiles and roofing shingles from below loosens their staples and nails. As such, they can easily fall off, especially after strong winds and storms.
- Proper power roof washing requires a lot of skills and expertise. Removing dirt and hidden debris between roofing cracks and crevices isn’t a simple task. Professionals also know how to clean around the chimney, flashing, vents, and other roof extensions without damage.
- Cleaning your roof with too much pressure can loosen shingle granules. Over time, the tiles become thinner and brittle.
- Professionals know the right surfactant and detergents to use for your roof.
Old Roofs Should Be Cleaned With Soft Wash Systems
While soft washing isn’t preferred for cleaning roofs, it is the best method of cleaning old roofs. Soft wash for cleaning roofs begins with applying a detergent or surfactant, which seeps into the pores or pits of the roof into the undersides of shingles, tiles, flashings, and other roofing materials.
Unlike power wash, soft wash uses gentle but strong cleansers that dissolve even the thickest dirt, grime, soot, and other residues. Once the detergent settles, the low-pressure wash is then used to rinse the dirt. The pressure is strong enough to clear the loosened dirt without damaging old, brittle roofing shingles.
Don’t Wait Until Moss, Algae, and Other Residues are Visible to Schedule Roof Cleaning
Homeowners shouldn’t wait until lines of algae, moss, and mold are visible on their roofing shingles to schedule a roof cleaning. Algae, mold, moss, and other debris grow well in dark, damp areas. For residential roofs, these spaces are under roofing shingles, which can hardly be seen.
Once these growths start forming, they spread, soften, and ultimately dislodge your roof tiles and shingles. Humid environments, especially during rainy seasons, promote the growth of these contaminants. This explains why regular roof cleaning is important. It eliminates twigs, seeds, leaves, and other contaminants that promote the existence of roof growth. Your roof should be washed, particularly after storms, to remove storm debris and residue.
Endnote
Hiring a professional to clean your roof regularly restores your roofs’ appearance by removing dust, grime, built-up soot, and other discoloration stains. Roof shingles and tiles also look fresh, enhancing the overall appearance of your home.
