Roof Washing Service

Components of Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance consist of two primary tasks: cleaning and inspection. Cleaning prevents gradual deterioration, while inspection looks for more significant damage caused by falling branches, animals, hail, or wind. Cleaning methods vary depending on the type of roofing material; what may be appropriate for tile will likely damage asphalt shingles; therefore, it is important that the right methods be used, based on the roof materials and conditions.

Inspection Before and After Roof Cleaning

Inspection is conducted both before and after roof cleaning. Before cleaning begins, the gutter system must be examined; if it is filled with leaves and debris, then it needs to be emptied. Typically, the amount of roof granules found in the bottom of a gutter system can be a good general indicator for the condition of the roof. Extraordinary care should be used when cleaning in the vicinity of damaged shingles, and any atypical wear and tear should be reported to the homeowner so that an appropriate roofing contractor may be hired.

Walking on a Roof: Fact or Fiction?

While some roof cleaning companies will tell you that walking on a roof will cause significant damage, common sense should tell you that this is an exaggerated warning; typically, this statement is used to justify haphazardly shooting roof cleaning solution onto the roof from the ground, without ever getting close to inspect the condition of the roof and gutter system. It is true that foot traffic on a roof should be minimized (and one should never drag their feet or carelessly stomp around while walking over a roof); however, interacting with a roof demands competence and an emphasis on safety, more than it demands a one-size-fits-all technique.

Safe and Effective Roof Cleaning

While cleaning a roof, it is important to prevent strong cleaning solutions from leaking onto more delicate surfaces such as vinyl siding. Preparation is key, as an overflowing gutter system can cause uncontrolled runoff if not resolved beforehand. Roof cleaning solutions have thickeners which allow the cleaning solution to cling to the slopped surfaces, allowing the cleaning solution time to kill off organic growths such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and algae; these growths are responsible for the unsightly black steaks that are seen on many neglected roofs.

Removing Moss

If moss has been allowed to take root, then careful brushing is usually necessary to responsibly remove such growth, as the alternative would be to douse the roof in copious amounts of extremely strong industrial bleach, which is likely to have detrimental effects on the surrounding landscape and siding below. If you see signs of moss growth, then delaying a roof wash will only make cleaning far more difficult and costly, while permitting damage to occur.

Balancing Chemical Use and Mechanical Agitation

High-pressure washing can cause damage to a roof, so low-pressure techniques are used for application of cleaning solutions. Too high chemical concentrations can wreak havoc on structures below, while too much pressure can strip granules from shingle roofs, or force water beneath top structures, leading to mold growth underneath. Striking a balance between chemical use and mechanical agitation is important for safe and effective roof cleaning.