Since your roof is part of your home’s appearance and curb appeal, it’s vital to have a clean roof. Every so often, you need to clean your roof to keep it in prime condition. Cleaning helps prevent moss & algae on the roof, though the right roof cleaning techniques should always be employed.
Safe roof washing methods will protect you from harm as well as avoid damage to the roofing system. Pinnacle Home Improvements is a reputable roofing company that provides quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We aim to give our customers roof maintenance & repair tips as well as residential roof cleaning tips to help you protect your investment.
The Importance of Regular Roof Cleaning
Every roof will need roof cleaning at regular intervals throughout the years. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s something you shouldn’t neglect. Why do you need roof cleaning?
Roof Cleaning Prevents Damage
In time, dirt, debris, moss, algae, and other organic materials will cling to the roofing materials. These things can trap moisture, which damages shingles, eventually causing leaks and even wood rot.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof
Remove harmful substances from your roof with a roof cleaning, and you’ll likely be extending its lifespan. This will save you money by preventing you from having to replace your roof sooner rather than later.
Boosted Curb Appeal
If you’re planning to sell your property, roof cleaning is one of the easiest ways to make your home look revived. A clean roof makes a grand first impression for any buyer in the market. Even if you’re not moving, you will enjoy how quickly it makes your home look like new again.
Improve Energy Efficiency
When you clean your roof, the roof surface is cleared away from debris, which reflects sunlight more effectively. It will be less likely to absorb heat, too, which restores your home to an energy-efficient residence.
Deters Pest Intrusions and Health Hazards
If you have overhanging branches, roof cleaning and making it clear of debris will deter insects, rodents, birds, and other critters. Even in the absence of animals, mold, mildew, and algae can thrive on a dirty roof, which will increase the risk of these things causing health hazards inside your home.
Guide on How to Inspect Before Cleaning a Roof
Before you clean your roof, you should inspect it first. Respected professionals in the roofing industry advise an inspection first to ensure no damage needs to be repaired before the cleaning.
Don’t start cleaning until you follow these steps:
Conduct a Visual Inspection
Safely from the ground, grab a pair of binoculars or even use a drone to get an aerial view. You’ll want to check your shingles to see if any are missing, curled, or cracked, or if your shingles are missing most of their granules.
Flashing, especially around vents, chimneys, and skylights, needs to be checked for signs of damage, such as rust. Even your gutters and downspouts should be inspected and have debris cleared away. They’re integral for proper water flow away from your home.
If you see algae and moss, or other growth, dirt, and debris, you should try to remove anything you can safely reach. Up in your attic, take a look to see if you notice water stains or mold, which can indicate a leak.
Remove Debris from Plants and Trees
Homeowners with trees near their roof’s perimeter often find branches and leaves covering the roof. You can’t properly check the rest of your house for issues with these items in the way. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to remove these materials from the roof’s surface before continuing.
Make Repairs Before You Start Cleaning
Before roof cleaning, you must address damaged shingles, flashing issues, and gutter problems. Ignoring them will lead to more extensive damage during the cleaning, potentially causing water buildup that can intrude into your home.
Follow Proper Safety Precautions
Always take necessary safety precautions when inspecting and cleaning your roof. Many homeowners wind up in the emergency room because they use the wrong type of ladder or fail to position it correctly for the task. Additionally, the weather is a huge concern too since rainy days can make the ladder and roof slippery, and high winds create dangerous conditions.
Even on a calm day or a sunny day, make sure you’ve got non-slip shoes, gloves, and other protective gear to keep you safe. You’ll be less likely to get hurt and more likely to have success cleaning a roof.
Recommended Tools and Materials Needed for Effective Roof Cleaning
When it comes to the actual cleaning, these tools and materials can help you clean your roof:
- Soft-bristle brush: A soft-bristle brush is great for scrubbing away moss, algae, and dirt without causing harm to asphalt shingles.
- Garden hose: Use a garden hose with a sprayer attached, which can help you better aim the flow of water to rinse your roof clean.
- Cleaning solution: You’ll need a cleaning solution that’s suitable for the roofing materials on your roof. Eco-friendly cleaners are the kindest, though some homeowners choose a chlorine bleach solution to effectively clean a roof. There are also commercial cleaning products that may be most effective for removing unsightly black streaks from your roof.
- Pressure washer: A pressure washer can be used to clean your roof; however, care must be taken when pressure washing, as high-pressure settings can cause damage.
- Protection for landscaping: Tarps should be placed over your shrubs and garden items, as the cleaning agents can destroy them.
Step-By-Step Instructions on Cleaning Methods for Different Roof Types
Each roofing material requires specific care. Here are instructions for how to clean your roof for the following types of roofs:
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Your asphalt shingle roof can look like a new roof when you prepare a bleach solution of one part water mixed with three parts bleach. Spray it evenly onto the surface, concentrating on the most stained areas, and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Once your bleach solution has had time to break down the dirty and organic materials, gently rinse it away, taking care to rinse all of the cleaning solution off. You can repeat the process for stubborn stains until they’re gone or even use a soft brush to gently scrub them off.
Tile Roof
The process for cleaning a roof with tile is very similar. You’ll want to use your hose or a low-pressure setting on a pressure washer to gently wash away any dirt and grime. It can be beneficial to get a devoted tile roof cleaner if you notice tough stains. If you use one, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You can also use a brush to gently scrub stubborn stains before rinsing.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs are incredibly easy to clean using a hose or low water pressure. You can simply rinse it with the hose or add a special outdoor cleaner made for use on metal roofs. Make sure you rinse all cleaning solution away before you finish cleaning a roof made from metal.
Flat Roof
Since a flat roof can cause water to pool on it, which can lead to sagging and roof collapse, you must clean all drains and gutters first. This will ensure water from the roof cleaning flows away from your home. Mild soap and water can be used to clean this type of roof, then rinse it away until it’s all clear.
Safety Precautions to Take When Cleaning Your Roof
Cleaning a roof is a challenging project. If you don’t have the right tools or safety materials, don’t take on this project yourself. Some homeowners feel they can save money by doing it themselves, though they wind up causing damage to the roof or sustaining a serious injury. There’s no shame in hiring a professional to clean your roof with the right tools and materials, and it may just be the ideal solution.
Common Roof Problems That Can Be Prevented with Regular Cleaning
Regular roof cleaning is a must-do for homeowners who don’t want to have to replace their shingle roofs prematurely. Even with other materials, they can suffer far more without being cleaned. Leaks and pest infestations are also common when homeowners fail to clean their roofs.
Ignoring these issues leads to costly repairs, and it also makes a home look unkempt. If you’re planning to move soon, you shouldn’t ignore the need for a clean roof for a more beautiful presence in the neighborhood and attracting buyers at the right price point.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Roof in Top Condition Post Cleaning
Cleaning your roof is an important part of its maintenance plan, though once you get it all clean and fresh, upkeep is the next step through regular inspections with a professional. Keep your gutters clean and consider installing gutter guards, and work with your landscaper to keep branches from causing issues in the future.
