Until and unless you are not cleaning the roof, your house cleaning is not completed.
Roof cleaning is also an important task of house cleaning. You can’t say that, you have cleaned the hosed from the inside and you are done.
The roof is the most important component of your house which protects from climate to your family around the year.
You have to clean the roof for dust, dirt, algae, moss, mildew, lichen, etc.
Over the period dirt and dust accumulate on the roof and by taking support from the dust and dirt, other biomass also grows on the roof. Again biomass grows in a typical range of the roof mostly. The North-west side of the roof gets more infestation as compared to the other area.
If you are searching for a way to clean your roof, you are in right place.
You can soft wash or pressure wash the roof if you want to clean the roof on your own. You can also deploy the robot for cleaning but is quite the costliest affair.
If you think that, your roof is too dirty and needs a professional to deep clean your roof, you can hire professional roof cleaning services.
Methods of cleaning the roof.
Mainly roof cleaning can be done by soft washing or pressure washing. You can easily clean the roof by following the cleaning methods and steps here.
Some special roof cleaning types of equipment are also available like roof cleaning robots.
However, we are discussing soft washing and pressure washing method.
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Soft Wash of roof:
In the process of soft washing the roof, you have to use low-pressure water for cleaning. In this type of cleaning, chemicals are also used. You can use detergent while cleaning the roof in the soft wash method.
Though, we call it a low-pressure wash, the pressure of water is more than your garden hose pipe.
Hence it cleans better than when you clean the roof with a garden hose pipe.
This type of cleaning is used to clean roofs made of shingles that are older.
Soft washing of the roof helps to avoid damage to the roof while cleaning. If the roof is delicate and used power wash, delicate roof tiles can be damaged.
Pressure roof wash:
Pressure wash is used to clean tougher roofs which are made from robust materials or comparatively new. In such a scenario, there is less possibility of damaging the roof due to
water pressure.
Pressure wash is always machine operated by electric power. It creates more power and pushes water forcefully.
Pressure washing of the roof is very useful to clean biomass such as moss along with dirt and dust.
Also, due to the presence of moss, the roof area becomes slippery, in this case, pressure washing helps to get rid of slippery moss from the roof.
While cleaning the roof with a pressure washer, you can identify minor damages and can fix them immediately to avoid major damage.
This immediate action of damage control helps you to save your money by avoiding water slipping through the walls of the house.
Which is the best time to Clean the Roof in a year
Summer season is the best time to clean the roof without any doubt.
Naturally, the sun takes care of reducing the moisture from the roof. It helps to reduce the slipperiness of the roof.
The less slippery roof helps you to clean it properly without any danger. Moss fungus and algae can easily be cleaned as there is less moist.
In winter and during rainy days, it is not a good idea to clean the roof. As the roof is more slippery during this time, you may slip and acquire injuries during the cleaning process.
Unfortunately, if you need to clean the roof other than the summer season, divide the roof cleaning area into small packets and clean them one by one. It will provide you with a place to stand while cleaning. It will help you from slipping from the roof.
Why roof cleaning is necessary?
You have clean the roof at regular intervals, say yearly or as per dirtiness of the roof. It helps you in the following manners.
- Regular and proper cleaning improves the lifespan of the roof. Due presence of dirt, microbes and other biomass gets to flourish. It damages the limestone filter of the roof and results in major damage to the roof.
- Roof cleaning always makes you feel that you have a new roof Even, if you want to clean the roof brand new, you can call a professional roof cleaner. They will help you to make it like a new one.
- When biomass increase on your roof along with the dust and dirt, insects get attracted to it. Subsequently, due to the presence of insects, birds came along to capture and eat the insects. This gathering of birds and insects may damage your roof by causing small holes in the roof. Hence regular roof cleaning is important.
- Sunrays get absorbed when the roof is dirty. A clean roof reflects sunrays and less heat gets absorbed. Thus, cleaning the roof also helps you to reduce energy consumption by maintaining the temperature.
Precaution while cleaning the roof
- Please note that roof cleaning needs special skills. Don’t think that it is a ‘Do It Yourself (DIY)’ thing. Basic cleaning knowledge is a must.
- Take due care while cleaning with a pressure wash. When water comes out with huge pressure, it creates an opposite force and destabilizes you. You may lose your balance while the cleaning process.
- It is not recommended to use high-pressure cleaning while the roof is made of Shanghai or tiles which are weak.
- Do not start pouring water at the start. First, remove all the dirt which is loose and can be cleaned easily.
- You must check the gutters first. If gutters are choked already, water will not flow smoothly through them.
Roof cleaning after the storm:
Storms are very common nowadays. If you are living in a tropical area or near a water body like the sea, you must be facing storm issues frequently.
When a storm is over and you inspect your home, you must be noticing your damaged roof with a lot of mess. The dirt, dust, mold, and a lot of carbon must be there on the roof.
This roof condition warrants urgent roof cleaning. After the storm, soft-wash roof cleaning is recommended. In the soft wash method, use detergent while cleaning the roof.
Also, if the storm already damaged the roof, soft cleaning will not expand damage to the roof.
However, the pressure wash method will damage the shingles and roof tiles.
Conclusion:
As said earlier, roof cleaning is the most important aspect of home cleaning. A clean roof helps you to maintain the proper temperature of the house. Everyone likes a good-looking home, which is not possible without a clean and shiny roof.
Hence, besides cleaning your home on daily basis, roof cleaning at regular intervals is also important.
After reading the roof cleaning steps discussed here, I hope you must have an idea about roof
cleaning. Now, you can take appropriate decisions when it comes to roof cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why clean a new roof?
New roof cleaning is also important as it helps to unhide your roof’s vibrant colors, Also, cleaning the roof helps you to identify any damages to even your new roof. So you can take
due care at the earliest which ultimately saves your future cost.
Can you power wash clay roofing tiles?
No, you cannot pressure wash your clay roofing tiles. Power washing the clay tiled roof may lose them. Clay tiles may not handle power wash pressure. Which can lead to leakage. Hence, the soft wash method is recommended.
Does a detergent or surfactant dry out roofing shingles and tiles?
No, detergents or surfactants do not dry out roofing shingles and tiles. These are dissolving solvent which helps to remove dirt and germs from roofing shingles and tiles. In fact, it helps to recover shingles and tiles damage.
What is the best way to clean a roof?
Soft wash is the best way to clean a roof. While soft washing the roof, some surfactant or detergent
can be used. Also, using a solution of bleach and water having a ratio of 1:1 can clean the roof.
Is roof cleaning a good idea?
Yes, defiantly. Cleaning a roof is a good idea. Cleaning the roof at regular intervals or as per the need helps to increase the life of the roof. Also, while cleaning, you can identify damages in the early stages which will save your huge future cost
How often should roofs be cleaned?
Roof cleaning is a need-based cleaning. But it is advisable to clean the roof at least yearly. If required, you can clean the roof twice a year.
Can I clean my roof myself?
If you don’t have the knowledge and minimum skills of cleaning roofs then don’t ever try to clean roofs. Dirty roofs are generally slippery in nature. While cleaning the roof, you must have the skill to balance yourself. If you are not confident about balancing yourself on a slippery roof, it can be dangerous. Basically, roof cleaning is not a DIY task.
What time of year is best to remove moss from the roof?
The summer and before the onset of the rainy season is the best time to remove the moss and other dirt from the roof. When there is ample sunlight, moister is less and hence you can clean the roof easily by loosening the moos and other dirt.