Cleaning your roof is an essential part of home maintenance that often gets overlooked. A clean roof not only improves the appearance of your home but also extends the lifespan of the roof itself. A build up of moss holds moisture close to the surface of the tile, which causes deterioration of the roof tiles and the supporting mortar around the roof. This leads to cracks and damage occurring, which means other issues can develop, such as damage of other parts of the building structure due to water ingress. This can often remain hidden by the build up of moss and un-noticed by the home owner.
There are several roof cleaning methods available, each with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. In this blog article, we will discuss some of the best roof cleaning methods to help you make an informed decision.
1. Manual Cleaning:
Manual cleaning is one of the most common roof cleaning methods. It may involve climbing onto the roof and physically scrubbing away dirt, debris, moss, and algae. While manual cleaning can be effective, it is also labor-intensive and potentially dangerous. It is important to take proper safety precautions when performing manual roof cleaning, such as using a safety harness and working with a partner.
Manual Moss Scraping
2. Pressure Washing:
Pressure washing is another popular roof cleaning method that uses a stream of water to blast away dirt and grime. While pressure washing can be effective way to achieve dramatic, instant results, there is a risk of causing erosion to certain types of roofing materials if not done correctly. It is important to use the right specialist equipment and techniques to avoid causing damage to your roof. If carried out in a sensitive way, with the correct attachments, it can be a very good way of removing moss and biological growth on the surface.
Specialist Low Pressure Cleaning
3. Chemical Cleaning / Soft Washing:
Chemical cleaning involves using specialised cleaning solutions to break down the dirt, moss, algae, and other debris from the roof. This method is a gentle alternative to pressure washing that uses a lower pressure stream of water combined with specialised cleaning solutions to clean the roof. Depending on the type of chemical used, this application may also help prevent regrowth of algae and moss. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines when using chemicals and to ensure that they are suitable for your specific type of roofing material.
Biocide Application
It can take longer to see good results with this method, and the transformation can be more gradual. But this may be carried out in combination with one of the other methods mentioned. Depending on the treatment used, there can also be some preventative qualities, so a regular treatment every few years has a great way to maintain the roof in the long term.
4. Professional Roof Cleaning Services:
For homeowners who are not comfortable or experienced with roof cleaning, hiring a professional roof cleaning service may be the best option. Roof cleaning is actually quite a specialist task and professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely and effectively clean your roof without causing damage. They can also provide maintenance services to prevent future buildup of dirt and algae.
Industrial Roof Skylights Being Cleaned
In conclusion, the best roof cleaning method will depend on various factors such as the type of roofing material, the extent of dirt and stains, and any access issues that might make it difficult. It is important to research each cleaning method thoroughly and consider consulting with a professional if you are unsure. Regular roof cleaning can help maintain the integrity and appearance of your property, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.
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