Explore Roof Cleaning Techniques for a Sparkling Home Makeover
A dirty roof isn’t a mere visual blot on your home. It’s a serious risk factor that can cause severe damage to your home and harm your loved ones. When you don’t clean your roof, you decrease your home’s value while voiding the warranty on your roof.
That’s why it’s important to do the roof cleaning and sparkling at all times. No wonder roof-cleaning companies are always in demand. Now, you can choose to clean the roof yourself or let the professionals handle it. However, you must be aware of the different roof cleaning methods to figure out what works best for you.
Here are some of the best roof cleaning tips and methods:
1. High-pressure Power Wash
You’re probably already aware of pressure washing. A significant fraction of homeowners use pressure washers to foam wash their cars. However, your roof needs a much more powerful version. It connects to your water supply with hoses and draws power from the wall or a battery to operate the motor for throwing water at intense pressure. It’s usually 1500PSI or less.
However, this roof cleaning idea is not appropriate for most types of roofs. Most roofs are made from shingles and water at high pressure can damage them with slow erosion. Moreover, if you have solar shingles on your roof that doubles as a roofing material while generating power for your home, it’s even riskier. High pressure can damage the sensitive semiconductors and electrical components underneath. If you have metal or tile roofing, a high-pressure wash can be an option.
2. Chemical Wash
As the name suggests, this method involves spraying the surface with roof cleaning chemicals like:
- Sodium hydroxide
- Trisodium phosphate
- Sodium percarbonate
- Bleach
This method is usually reserved for extremely tough stains and stubborn debris stuck to the shingles. The shingles are sprayed with a chemical formula twice and then scrubbed. You may need to repeat this method several times over a few months to completely get rid of stains, debris, and organic growth.
Unlike high-pressure washing, you don’t get instant results, and since it comes with the risk of using dangerous industrial chemicals, it’s best left to professionals. Involving professionals brings a lot of benefits in cleaning, and they have proper training along with the appropriate gear to handle such risky jobs. While chemical washing doesn’t bring instant results, it tends to be cheaper than pressure washing.
3. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning has emerged as a new alternative roof cleaning process. With this method, hot steam is blasted over the roof at very low pressure to soften and get rid of years of buildup. A couple of gallons are heated up to around 140 degrees and blasted over the roof for instantly sparkling results.
However, similar to pressure washing, it may not be appropriate for shingled roofs that have a protective coating of tar and oil. The intense heat strips that protection away and exposes your roof to more damage. Similar to pressure washing, steam isn’t very common for home roof cleaning unless your roof is made out of metal or tiles.
4. Manual Scraping and Scrubbing
This is a DIY method that’s not common among professionals. If you want to do DIY roof cleaning, make sure to have the right equipment including a full-body safety harness to protect you from fatal accidents in case you lose your footing. With his method, your arm yourself with a cleaning solution, tough gloves a tough metal spatula, and a long hose to access water while on the roof. Go at it with the stains and algae growth till you’re satisfied.
If this blog inspires you to begin a deep cleaning day for your whole home, check out these essential cleaning equipment you need!
Cleaning your roof regularly helps remove contaminants, prevents mold growth, and preserves its durability and structural integrity. Make sure to choose the cleaning method that suits your needs to maintain your roof in the best possible condition.
FAQs:
- What is the best roof cleaning method?
The best roof cleaning method depends on your roof type and condition. Here are some effective options:
- Soft washing: Ideal for delicate materials like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and slate tiles. It uses low-pressure water and biodegradable chemicals to remove dirt and debris without causing damage.
- Pressure washing: Suitable for durable materials like concrete tiles, metal roofs, and clay tiles. It uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and debris, but it can be harsh on certain materials.
- Chemical cleaning: Effective for removing algae, moss, and stubborn stains. It involves applying specialized cleaning solutions that break down contaminants, but requires careful application to avoid damage.
- How to make a homemade roof cleaner?
Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade roof cleaner:
- Mix 1 cup of oxygen bleach with 1 gallon of warm water.
- Add a small amount of dish soap–this step is optional.
- Apply the solution to your roof using a soft-bristled brush or a low-pressure sprayer.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and loosen the debris and dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure water.
This homemade cleaner is gentle and effective for removing dirt, algae, and moss from roofs. However, be cautious and test a small area first to ensure the solution doesn’t damage your roof’s material.
- How to clean the roof of a house?
To clean a roof:
- Clear debris (leaves, branches).
- Apply a roof cleaning solution.
- Let it sit.
- Rinse with low-pressure water.
- Consider hiring a professional for safety and the best results.
As a lifelong DIY enthusiast, Alex Barton is never afraid to go the extra mile to save a few bucks! From seamless interior decor hacks to effective DIY home renovation tips, he shares a myriad of his experiences for you to unleash your creativity.
