Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. Roofs protect your home from rainfall and weather, they add character to your home and allow light to reach into the interior of a room. But, your roof’s main job is to protect your home.
Taking care of your roof can prevent significant roof problems in the future. Regular roof inspections and cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your roof. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
How well your roof protects your home can decrease if you don’t take care of it. Neglecting to clean your roof, or performing the cleaning incorrectly, can create a mess that you don’t need.
Do you want to learn how to clean your roof to protect it and your home? Check out this detailed guide to learn when, how, and why you should clean your roof.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Depending on the type of roof, required supplies include a ladder, cleaning products such as a degreaser and a scrub brush, protective gloves, a garden hose, and a safety harness. Before purchasing any cleaning supplies, it is important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions in relation to the type of roof and the cleaning products you need.
Make sure to check that the ladder is long enough to reach the roof safely, and follow all the safety precautions. With the right supplies and safety steps in place, you can now begin to clean your roof. Be sure to store all cleaning products safely and away from children and pets.
Clearing Away Debris And Moss
Clearing away debris, such as leaves and other objects that can cause clogs, and moss, which can act like a sponge, retaining moisture that can result in roofing damage. If there are spots of moss or algae on the roof, mix a solution of bleach or oxalic acid in a pressure washer and spray the solution onto the roof.
Before beginning a cleaning regimen, it is important to inspect your roof, clean up any clogged gutters and downspouts, and remove any overhanging branches that can cause damage. Cleaning your roof regularly is a great way to maintain your roof’s condition and appearance, so make sure it gets done annually. Follow up your cleaning by applying an algae or moss inhibitor to prevent regrowth.
Pressure-Washing Your Roof
Roofs can quickly become dirty, dusty, and covered in debris, and they should be cleaned regularly to avoid roof damage. To clean your roof and maintain its longevity, it is recommended that you steep your roof with soapy water before pressure washing. Start by rinsing with plain water to wet the surface and then move on to clean the dirt, grime, and dried-on mud by using a bleach-type cleaner. Rinse off with a pressure washer using a low to medium-pressure setting.
It is best to pressure-wash your roof in the early morning or late afternoon and avoid midday heat to prevent damage. Use the widest fan setting on the pressure washer and keep the tip at least 6 feet away from the roof. Schedule this type of maintenance at least once every two to three years and more often if needed when you live in an area with harsher climates.
Safety Tips
To clean your roof and stay safe, start by spreading sheets of plastic sheeting around the base of the house to cover and protect any plants, surfaces, and furniture around the area. Make sure to turn off any power if needed. Always use a harness when working on a roof, as you could slip and fall off.
Ensure a safe and clean job by repairing any pipe or vent boots, flashing and seals around the vents, and checking the gutters.
Apply Cleaning Solutions On Your Roof
If you want to maintain your roof properly and keep it looking good, you need to clean it regularly. You should clean your roof at least once a year. The best time to do it is late spring or early fall so that you can remove any accumulation of leaves, moss, and dirt.
Use a sodium hypochlorite solution mixed with bleach and detergent. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and thoroughly rinse off the roof at the end of the cleaning process. For stubborn stains, try using oxygen bleach, but be sure to use eye protection and rubber gloves as they are more caustic than sodium hypochlorite.
Rinse Your Roof
Cleaning your roof is a necessity to keep it in good shape. You should use a special roof-cleaning solution to scrub the surface. For areas that are tough to clean, you may need to use a pressure washer. Let the cleaning solution soak in before you rinse it off. It is important to rinse the roof properly — use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment and make sure to rinse in the same direction as the roof’s slope.
It is generally recommended that you are thoroughly clean and rinse your roof once every two years. Pay special attention to shaded areas that are prone to moss growth, as this can discolor your roof and cause it to deteriorate faster. Now that you know how to clean your roof and when to do a commercial roof inspection, make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your investment and keep your home safe.
How to Clean Your Roof The Right Way
Cleaning your roof and maintaining cleanliness is an important but often overlooked home maintenance task. By following the steps on how to clean your roof, you will be able to keep your roof in great condition and extend its life. Remember, it’s better to be proactive when it comes to roof maintenance, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So make sure you make cleaning your roof a priority and call a professional if you need help.
Interested in learning more about cleaning your roof? Then be sure to explore our blog for all of the answers to your question!