Is roof cleaning a good idea?

Roof cleaning can be a tedious and costly job, but it’s necessary nonetheless. By keeping your roof clean, you can avoid future expenses, improve curb appeal, and maintain a healthy and leak-free household.

Can You Pressure Wash A Roof By Yourself?

Q: What is the best way to clean a roof?

The best way to clean a roof is to use the soft washing technique. To do this, start by thoroughly soaking the plants in your house with water. Using a tarp, cover more sensitive plants and flowers to protect them. Next, use soft pressure to wet your roof before spraying it with a chlorine-based gel. Leave it as is for a short while, then use a pressure washer on low pressure to wash it down from top to bottom.

Can you pressure wash a roof? That question has been asked by many-a-homeowner and the answer isn’t exactly simple. While keeping your roof clean is of utmost importance, there are many variables when it comes to pressure washing roofs. Learn more about it below.

Can You Pressure Wash a Roof? Answered!

Your roof takes a beating. It protects you from everything mother nature throws at it. Debris carried from severe weather, birds using it as a bathroom, and flowing water negatively affects your roof. Take a look at your roof. Does it look like an ugly painting? If so, you are in dire need of a roof cleaning.

It is one of the most important aspects of a home, so why not give it some special treatment? Neglecting to pressure wash your roof will only cause issues in the future.

How Did This Happen?

Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements. Some homes are more vulnerable to algae, mold, and mildew than others. Algae thrive in humid areas; roofs that are shaded from the sun develop more moisture which creates an area perfect for mold and mildew to grow.

The main cause of a filthy roof is neglect. Too many people overlook this small but significant problem. You must pay attention to its condition before moss begins to overtake your beautiful roof.

Can You Power Wash a Roof By Yourself?

The question isn’t really whether you can DIY roof power washing. Sure, you can but should you? Should you pressure wash your roof without professional help? The answer is no.

Roof washing is a tricky task, especially when pressure washing machines are involved. Amateur pressure washers often make errors, such as use the wrong nozzles, cleaning solution, or pressure level. Here are just some of the problems that can arise if you opt to pressure wash your roof yourself:

Speed up the deterioration process by at least three times
Accidentally remove protective granules on shingles
Compromise the adhesive connecting the shingles
Damage the shingles or the fabric of the roofing material
Crack the tiles, cedar shake, and slate roofing
Unintentionally spread moss and algae
Weaken the roof structure and cause leaks and water damage inside your house

Soft Washing and Other Alternatives

Roof pressure cleaning poses a lot of risks when not done by professionals. Luckily, there are other washing techniques you can adopt to keep your roof spotless and free from mold.

The first option is called soft washing, otherwise known as chemical cleaning. To do this, start by thoroughly soaking the plants in your house with water.

Using a tarp, cover more sensitive plants and flowers to protect them. Next, use soft pressure to wet your roof before spraying it with a chlorine-based gel. Leave it as is for a short while, then use a pressure washer on low pressure to wash it down from top to bottom.

Other alternatives don’t require water. You can use a soft brush or broom to sweep dust and dirt off your roof. While this is a less thorough solution, it can still be quite effective. Another option is to use a garden blower to get rid of debris. Finally, to combat mold and fungus growth, apply a roof treatment all over.

Can You Pressure Wash a Roof Without Professional Help?

It’s clear that pressure cleaning roofs shouldn’t be done by amateurs. The water pressure level combined with the cleaning solution that must be used should be decisions made by a professional. If you insist on pressure washing roof shingles, hire a service company to do it every 2-3 years.

One of the reasons homeowners choose not to hire a pressure washing service company is because of the perceived high price. Contrary to popular belief, however, roof cleaning contractors aren’t very expensive. Contractors usually charge somewhere between $200 to $800, depending on the service.

While $800 seems like a lot to shell out, that’s nothing compared to the cost of replacing your roof entirely, which is a real possibility if you don’t keep your roof clean or decide to do it yourself. In the end, these roof cleaning costs are worth it.

The Benefits of Roof Cleaning

Roof cleaning can be a tedious and costly job, but it’s necessary nonetheless. Here are the benefits of keeping your roof clean:

1. Avoid Future Expenses

A great way to save money is by anticipating a problem. This is especially true when dealing with maintaining properties. Companies implement preventative maintenance to avoid equipment failure or facility damage which, in time, saves them from ordering replacements.

The same thing can be said about your home, specifically your roof. As time passes, mold and algae form on the roof’s material and can eventually damage individual shingles. The roof’s structure is then exposed which can lead to decreased insulation and even water leaks.

Soon, you will have to repair your home’s interior all because of some stains on your roof. A scheduled roof cleaning allows you to defend your home from damaged surfaces and avoid expensive replacements.

2. Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Next time you drive through your community take a look at some of the houses. Are their roofs stained as well? A home with a dirty exterior is unappealing. If you are trying to sell your home, unsightly marks and mildew may deter potential buyers. Not only is it an eyesore, but it also reflects that the structural integrity may be compromised.

A simple roof cleaning can dramatically change the image of your home. Your home’s curb appeal will improve and possibly increase property value. To maximize this opportunity, tell your neighbors about the benefits of cleaning your roof. Soon, your community will be filled with homes that look brand new.

3. A Healthy and Leak-Free Household

People often underestimate the importance of roof cleaning simply because it’s not the most noticeable aspect of a home. It’s so high up that homeowners usually don’t bother looking. But, a damaged roof can lead to more serious problems.

If you don’t keep your roof clean, the damage caused by mold and other fungi can pile up and, eventually, compromise its structural integrity. This can give rise to water leaking into your house, taking all the mold and mildew with it. And, as you may know, mold, algae, mildew, and other filth can be detrimental to your health. By cleaning your roof, you’re assured of a healthy and leak-free house.

Roof Pressure Cleaning Done Right

Can you pressure wash a roof? Now that the question has been answered, you should be able to make a better and well-informed decision. Keeping your roof clean should be an obvious priority. The problem now is how you go about it.

On the one hand, you can do it yourself but risk damaging your roof and weakening its structure. Alternatively, you can use soft washing or other techniques. The most convenient of all options, though, is to hire a professional to do the job for you. Keep Washh in mind!

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Can You Pressure Wash A Roof?