Why Should I Clean the Roof of My House?
Over time, dirt and moss can accumulate on your roof. This will cover your tiles with a thick green layer. Keep your roof in good shape and clean to prevent dampness and maintain a roof that is efficient and has good water runoff. We recommend cleaning your roof every three to five years, depending on the rate at which moss and algae build. You may need to clean your roof more frequently if you live near large trees or if it is in the shade for most of the day. You can clean your roof tiles in a variety of ways. But which one is the best?
Clean Master is always available to help you and offer advice. We’ve put together a guide to show you how to properly clean your roof and why it should never be pressure washed.
Roof Cleaning Methods
Many methods exist for cleaning a roof. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are 5 of the most common ways to remove moss on roofs.
- Manual scraping
Hand scraping is a simple but effective way to clean roof tiles. - Roof pressure washing.
Many roof pressure washing companies will clean your roof. It is the cheapest way to clean your roof, but it can also cause the most damage. - Bleach / Softwashing (aka Hypo)
After a manual scrape, bleach is often used to clean the roof instantly. Although there is little risk of roof damage after manual roof moss removal, we do not recommend softwashing. As the solution is sprayed on your roof, the sodium hypochlorite particles (bleach) are carried away by the wind. This can cause harm to roof-cleaning contractors as well as pedestrians and animals. The chemical can cause irreversible damage if it comes in contact with surfaces other than the roof. Items most at risk are garden plants, furniture, wooden frames for windows and conservatories, and convertible car roofs. Correctly soft washing your roof will result in a uniform clean that is visible the day after roof moss removal. Although softwashing is used in the exterior cleaning industry, we do not think it should be done on the roofs of homes. - Roof Steam Clean
Certain roof tiles can be cleaned safely with steam. Our roof assessment will determine the best way to clean your roof. Roof cleaning of this type should be done under low pressure and at a flow rate of 6-10 liters per minute, heated to 140 degrees. Your roof will be left beautifully clean after steam cleaning. - Biocidal Roof Wash
Roof cleaning using this method is the most popular. The most effective and gentle way to clean your roof is to remove the roof moss manually, followed by a biocidal wash. This is best done from mobile access towers and cherry pickers rather than roof ladders. The roof wash will kill any living organisms, such as moss spores or lichen. The biocide and weathering will lift the dirt from your tiles over a period between 3 and 6 months. The biocide will then prevent future moss for up to 10 years, or longer in some cases.
Roof Cleaning Is the Best Option
All the methods above have their advantages and disadvantages. We have created a method that combines two or more methods to maximize the effect, minimize the risk, and provide long-lasting results. Start by manually scraping the moss and algae off. After the large debris is removed, we recommend steam cleaning the roof gently to remove the dirt and vegetation. Steam cleaners use a low-pressure system to do this safely without damaging your roof. Your roof will be like new once you’ve finished. We recommend applying biocide safely to your roof in order to prevent future growth of lichens, algae, and moss. This will also kill any mold, moss, or algae that may be hiding in crevices and cracks.
Why You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash Your Roof
Pressure washing roof tiles is a popular method for cleaning them. There are four reasons we do not recommend cleaning a roof this way.
- A high-powered pressure wash can damage your roof. The water jet’s strength can cause older tiles to crack, leading to expensive repairs.
- Water jets can also remove the factory finish from other tiles. This will result in a shorter tile life and require premature replacement.
- When using a power washer, there is a risk that water will enter the roof/loft area, since the water jet can find small cracks, holes, or weak spots in the felt or roof tiles.
- You may be able to invalidate the manufacturer’s or builder’s warranties that protect your home and you.
This post was written by a professional at A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing. With A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing in Port Saint Lucie, FL, you can get your home looking as good as new. A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing provides the highest-rated and best quality pressure washing services in the area and can help your beautiful home beat the chaotic Florida elements. Services offered by A Buff and Beyond include house washing, paver sealing, and roof cleaning Port St Lucie. A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing wants to wash and beautify your home as much as you do, and when you call A Buff & Beyond, there is no robot or machine. Instead, customers get a fast and honest quote, years of expertise, a safety-conscious team, and are always on time. So when you need roof cleaning, paver seal, or pressure washing service to restore your home, contact A Buff and Beyond today to get started.