Roofs go through a lot of weathering and damage. Depending on the place of your residence and the weather conditions, you might notice algae and Lichen growth on your roof. Roofs have to be cleaned at least once a year, depending on the moisture and humidity content in your area. Negligence will lead to further damage to your roof. Algae live on your roof by feeding on the limestone present in the shingles of the roofs. If you fail to notice the growth and stop it, there could be a lot of damage.
In case you ignore cleaning your roof regularly, even after visible algae growth, it could ultimately deteriorate your shingles in a matter of months. Damaged shingles will affect the energy efficiency of your house, and it can also lead to complete damage to the roof. You might need to replace the roof way sooner than its expected lifespan. Thus, you need to figure out the growth as soon as possible and clean your roof before it gets too late. Here are some factors to consider before choosing the right type of roof cleaning process for you.
TYPES
Typically, there are two different types of roof cleaning
- Pressure Washing
- Chemical Cleaning
Both the methods are unique and have their pros and cons. Industrial pressure washing is quite useful for concrete and metal roof structures. The main con of this method is that pressurized water has the potential to damage the shingles. Thus, the utmost care has to be taken. In this method, they spray pressurized water on the roof. This will remove any algae growth and dirt. Chemical cleaning involves the risk of unwanted runoffs to other parts of the home. Make sure that you hire a contractor who is clear about the chemicals that are dealt with. The substances should be employed in such a way that they don’t cause more problems than good.
PRESSURE CLEANING PROCEDURES
The following procedure has to be followed if you are planning to do some DIY pressure washing. Before you start pressure washing, use a biodegradable detergent. Apply the cleanser and let it soak in. This process will help in loosening up the lichen and algae. Thus, the removing part will be easier. Make sure you don’t use a lot of pressure while spraying water on your shingles. Excessive force will rip your shingles off and damage the granules. Apply the detergent and let it foam up. You can then gently loosen the dirt from the roof. Thus, you won’t have to put a lot of pressure during the cleaning. Apply the detergent to a specific section of the roof and spray it clean. Proceed to the next section once you are done with the previous one. This will prevent unwanted contact with soapy or slippery parts of the roof. If the pressure washer power is more, it could damage the roof shingles. Make sure you select the right spray tip and set the right pressure.
Begin with medium or low pressure and adjust according to the requirements. Stand on dry areas to ensure safety. Point the pressure washer tip downwards and make sure that the tip is at least 30 cms away from the roof surface. Do not point the washing equipment up the roof; This will cause water seep under the roof shingles. Keep an eye on any possible damage during your cleaning process. Don’t over-clean your roof. Be careful so as not to create wear and tear while washing. Do not pressure wash more than once a year. The rough water jet from the nozzle can loosen up shingles. If you are not aware of safely pressure washing your roof, leave the job to an expert team. Inexperienced attempts can cause a lot of damage than good.
Taking good care of your roof is an essential aspect of proper home maintenance. You can choose DIY methods to clean up your roofs if you are confident enough or hand over the job to the experts who know better.
