Having your roof cleaned regularly will help to keep your home looking good and can be a cost-effective way to maintain your property. However, before you begin cleaning your roof, you should take into account a few important factors.
Low-pressure washing is cheaper than high-pressure washing
Using a low-pressure roof cleaning service is a cost-effective way to keep your roof looking new and clean. These professionals use safe cleaning chemicals to cover your roof with a gentle spray. They also rinse the roof with a low water pressure.
Some of the benefits of low-pressure cleaning include removing moss and algae from your roof. These contaminants build up over time, causing damage to your home. They can also cause your siding to come off the house.
Some of the most common surfaces that can be cleaned with low-pressure methods include asphalt roofing, concrete, and vinyl siding. The amount of debris on your roof can affect the price you pay for a cleaning session. Typically, a no-pressure session will be less than an hour. This allows for a thorough clean.
Depending on the type of roof you have, you may be able to use a chemical wash to remove stains. The diluted bleach solution will kill bacteria and moss. Biodegradable cleaning products are also available to protect your roof from algae and fungus.
Bleach doesn’t brighten a roof
Using a biodegradable cleaner in lieu of a hose and bucket is a more responsible, and hygienic way to go about the cleaning process. This is a more sensible approach and should yield results you can be proud of. As with any home improvement project, a little planning goes a long way. A list of recommended vendors should be culled from the start. It is also a good idea to double check the list to ensure you are getting the best deal. This can be done by obtaining a quote comparison or by reading reviews.
This is not to say you should skip the big guy altogether. A quick perusal of your local Better Business Bureau should help. It is important to remember that while you might not get a price cut on your roof washing service, you should always look for a company that offers discounts and rewards for a yearly contract. Likewise, the most important step is to select a contractor that has a proven track record of performing quality work.
Precautions to take
Using a pressure washer to clean your roof can improve the look of your house, but it’s important to take some precautions to ensure that you don’t damage the structure. Depending on your area, you may need to follow local or national regulations. You also need to protect plants and shrubs.
First, start at the bottom of the roof. Make sure you use a ladder that is sturdy and doesn’t recoil during the cleaning process. Then, turn the machine on and work up, keeping the nozzle a safe distance from the roofing material.
Next, spray the roof with detergent to loosen dirt and algae. You can also use a chlorine-based gel or solution to help prevent fungus and mold from forming.
Finally, you’ll want to rinse the roof with water. This will remove the residue and soap from your roof. You can also use rain to wash the dirt away.
Then, check the entire roof for signs of damage. If you notice soft spots, you might need to repair the structural damage.
Cost
Whether you are planning to buy a new home or are a homeowner who wants to maintain the exterior of your existing home, you will need to consider the cost of pressure washing roof cleaning. This cost can vary depending on the type of material the roof is made from, the pitch of the roof, and the amount of debris on the roof.
The most common method of roof cleaning is pressure washing. This involves using a pressure washer to blast a high-pressure stream of water at the surface of the roof. This process removes built-up dirt, moss, and other debris from the roof.
Another option is soft washing. This is more gentle than pressure washing, but can be more expensive. In this method, the cleaning crew uses a special solution to wash off the roof. This can prevent the buildup of moss and algae.
If you have a concrete roof, it will likely need to be soft washed. This technique can be used on tile, asphalt shingles, or wood shakes.
