It’s important to clean your roof before it gets too dirty. This is especially true if your home is in an urban area with heavy pollution or near trees and plants that release toxins into the air.
Fortunately, cleaning chemicals safe for the environment and your children are available. These formulas will kill algae, moss growth, and mildew while being gentle on your shingles. Visit our Website to learn more.
Debris-like leaves, pine needles, twigs, and branches typically accumulate on roofs. In addition to looking unsightly, they can cause damage to shingles or other roofing materials. They can also block rain gutters, which will prevent water from draining away from the home, creating standing pools of mold and mildew and increasing the risk of roof leaks. Debris removal is usually the first step in roof cleaning.
While a professional can clear debris, most homeowners choose to do it themselves. Whether it’s using a blower or a broom, the goal is to remove all visible debris from the surface of the roof. It’s important to only use light equipment, as the weight can cause injury or even damage the shingles. It’s also a good idea to wear safety gear, including a harness and fall arrest equipment, when on the roof.
For most roofs, a blower will be the best tool for clearing debris. It can be used to quickly clear away twigs, leaves, and other light debris. However, it’s important not to point the blower directly at shingles, as this can lead to damage or even break them off. A broom is another option, and it’s ideal for removing large pieces of debris that are too big to fit in a blower.
If you decide to use a broom, make sure the weather is sunny and dry. It’s not a good idea to try to clean the roof in windy or rainy conditions, as this can increase the risk of injury. Also, if you’re using a ladder to reach the roof, make sure the ladder is secure and that it’s in good condition.
Some homeowners choose to spray their roofs with a chemical wash. This method is typically less expensive and faster than other cleaning methods, but it’s not ideal for shingle or clay tile roofs. The high-pressure water can be damaging to these types of roofing materials and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s also important to use only the amount of pressure that is recommended on the label. The hose setting should be between 600 and 1,500 pounds per square inch (psi). Slowly apply the chemical wash to your roof, starting at the top and working your way down.
The black discoloration and streaks often mistaken for mildew or mold are actually algae. The most common type, gloeocapsa magma, protects itself from the sun’s damaging UV rays by producing dark pigmented sheaths that stain roof surfaces. It’s more common in coastal or humid climates where moisture dwells longer on a roof. Algae does more than stain a roof; it holds moisture in shingles, exposing them to the myriad problems excessive dampness causes, such as premature shingle aging and rot.
Products sold to remove roof algae stains usually contain chlorine bleach or sodium hydroxide. These chemicals are toxic to nearby vegetation and erode gutters, flashings and other components of the roof system. Using heavy-duty ammonia products on your own, without the proper protective equipment and rinsing procedures, is also dangerous to you, your family or pets. Instead, rely on a professional roofer who has eco-friendly options to safely and effectively remove fungus from your roof.
Basic scrubbing can remove some of the more superficial spores, but to completely remove algae stains from your roof, you’ll need an effective detergent solution. A 50:50 mix of laundry-strength liquid chlorine bleach and water should be sprayed on the affected area of your roof with a hose-end sprayer. This mixture should be allowed to dwell for 30 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly with low-pressure water. Before you start the cleaning process, be sure to cover any landscaping or other areas that may come into contact with the solution and rinse away any overspray.
Moss requires a bit more attention than algae to remove. If you go up on your roof during the summer on a warm day, when the moss is still holding on to water, use a small, semi-stiff broom and literally nudge/pop it off the surface of the roof. You can repeat this process until all of the moss is removed from your roof.
Moss and algae do more than degrade the look of your home’s roof; they damage the underlying sheathing of the roof system, causing leaks or rotting. A contractor can identify these problems, recommend a shingle repair or replacement plan, and even install a new roof, depending on the severity of the damage.
There are a variety of different kinds of roof stains that can occur on shingle-type roofing systems. These include organic stains caused by mildew and mold, as well as biological stains like algae or moss. In addition to looking unsightly and giving a home a dirty appearance, these types of stains can also damage shingles, making them more prone to further damage. Shingle stain removal during a roof cleaning is essential for preserving and protecting the life of the shingles.
A roof that is covered with moss or riddled with zebra-striped blue-green algae will not only make the property look unappealing, but it will also diminish its curb appeal and reduce its value. Having a clean-looking roof is important for any homeowner who wants to ensure that their property has the best resale potential.
One of the most common ways to remove moss and algae from a shingle roof is to use a chlorine bleach solution. This is a powerful cleaner that will kill the spores and leave the shingles clean and looking great. However, it is important to dilute this type of cleaner with water and follow all proper safety procedures. It is also important to rinse the area thoroughly after using it.
Another effective way to clean a shingle roof is to use copper strips. These will not only kill the fungi, but they will also keep it from returning. They are fairly easy to install and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
While there are a few different methods for removing stains on shingle-type roofs, the most effective and safest method is softwashing. This process uses a biodegradable cleaner, a low-pressure pump system, and is safe for both the environment and the shingles themselves.
A clean-looking roof will not only enhance the beauty of a home and improve its resale value, but it will also protect the investment and help it maintain its functionality and appearance. A well-cared-for and cleaned roof will last longer and prevent damage to other parts of the house. Therefore, homeowners should consider having a professional roof cleaning service perform an annual maintenance to ensure their roofing system is in good condition for years to come.
If you’re cleaning a roof yourself, it’s important to take all the necessary safety precautions. These include wearing protective eyewear, using a sturdy ladder, and spraying only on dry areas of the roof. Also, it’s best to clean one section at a time. This will help you avoid slippery chemicals or hoses that could cause a fall. It’s also a good idea to use a harness while working on a roof. This will help prevent sudden falls and serious injuries.
If your roof is slanted or steep, it’s essential to climb onto it safely. Falls from a roof can be deadly, and they account for the majority of homeowner deaths. If you don’t feel comfortable working at heights, it’s a good idea to hire a professional roof cleaner.
It’s also essential to prepare the cleaning solution carefully. Some cleaning solutions contain corrosive substances that can harm your skin if it comes into contact with them. Wearing rubber gloves and a face mask will protect your body from these harmful chemicals. It’s also a good idea not to mix different cleaning solutions together, as this can create toxic fumes.
You should also inform your neighbors on the days before your roof cleaning, especially if you live in an urban area. Overspray from the cleaning solution may damage their gardens or plants. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to cover or move any delicate plants that are in close proximity to the roof.
While the benefits of cleaning your roof are many, it is a dangerous task that requires specialized skills and equipment. It’s a good idea to hire reputable professionals who have the proper training and insurance to complete this task.
It’s also a good idea to check whether the company you’re hiring uses pressure washing or soft washing for their cleaning process. Pressure washing is a harsh method that can damage shingles, so it’s recommended to use a soft wash for the job. Additionally, some cleaning companies use bleach to kill moss and algae growth on a roof, so it’s important to ask them about their methods before making an appointment.