The Do’s and Don’ts of Roof Cleaning

January 21, 2022

Home maintenance is crucial to your home’s general appearance and value, and your roof is included in this. Most homeowners depend on natural rainfall to wash off their dirty roofs, which may not be effective. Natural rain moistens your roof, creating perfect conditions for mold, algae, and fungus growth. Ignoring your roof for a while can lead to many other problems that can eventually necessitate roof repair and replacement. To increase your home value and curb appeal, below are roof cleaning do’s and don’ts to consider.

Take Precautions

DO: You should take proper precautions when cleaning your roof, including the following:

Use shoes with good traction, as wet roofing materials covered with mold or moss are slippery. Wearing shoes with good grip and traction provides support and balance when cleaning
Try to stand in dry areas as much as possible
Use a sturdy and robust ladder to climb safely to the roof
Some cleaning agents are harmful to plants, so keep them safe by tying garbage bags on downspouts
Make sure that you have all the necessary tools to undertake the project
Wear heavy rubber gloves and protective goggles to protect your hands and eyes from harsh chemicals

Don’t: Don’t proceed with the roof cleaning or take chances if you think it is risky. A slight accident, such as falling from the roof, can lead to serious injuries. Prioritize your safety.

Check Your Roof

Do: You should inspect your roof extensively for signs of damage before you start cleaning. Damaged shingles pose a danger, as you can fall through the cracks.

Don’t: Don’t ignore any sign of roof damage. Most importantly, don’t start cleaning any damaged roof before repairing it. A small damage is cheaper than repairing a bigger damage caused during the cleaning process.

High Volume, Low Pressure

Do: While you yearn for a clean roof, watch out on how you clean. Soft and gentle cleaning is important, and you should resist the temptation of scrubbing your roof too hard. While it eliminates algae and molds quickly, it can also dislodge and tear your shingles.

Don’t: Avoid using a pressure washer to clean your roof. Pressure washing can cause extensive damage, necessitating repair.

Be Patient

Do: Densely growing algae and moss on your roof won’t clear immediately after roof cleaning. Instead, it can take more than two rainstorms for your algae to wash away. You should wait until the mixture loosens the growth, then use powerful tools, such as a leaf blower, to remove them.

Don’t: Cleaning solutions take some time to act. Don’t presume that it will immediately eliminate algae and moss from your roof. Avoid applying more cleaning solution if it doesn’t clear the growth immediately.

Endnote

Ensuring that your roof is clean all year round is important. Apart from the tips mentioned above, you should assess the surrounding area and determine the best times to clean your roof. If you don’t have time or find the cleaning process daunting, don’t hesitate to consult Seattle roof cleaning experts.