All You Need to Know About Roof Washing
Roof washing is a crucial part of keeping your home healthy. It removes unsightly black streaks, dirt buildup, mildew, moss and algae growth.
Regular roof power washing also preserves the lifespan of shingles and tiles by removing damaging grit, grime, dust, soot and lichen growth.
High pressure washing uses anywhere from 1000-3000 psi of water to physically blast away growth and debris on a roof. This is dangerous and can damage your shingles.
1. Make Sure Your Roof is Dry
A dirty roof can ruin your home’s curb appeal, and it’s also a sign of bigger problems. Those dark streaks and stains are caused by algae, moss, and mold, which can damage your roof’s shingles and cause leaks inside the house.
Regular roof washing helps prevent these issues. It can remove the organic buildup, moss, mildew, and algae that causes these stains. It can also wash away soot, grime, and other grit that has accumulated over time.
It can also help you spot potential problems, such as leaks and faulty flashing. A professional cleaning company will use a soft washing technique, which uses low-pressure water (no more than the force of a garden hose with a spray nozzle) and a detergent or cleaner to scrub away the stains. They may also use a higher concentration of bleach than you’d find in the grocery store (5.75%), which can be more effective against stubborn stains and discoloration.
2. Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
While cleaning a roof might seem like an easy enough job, it requires special equipment and a good amount of time to do it properly. You will also need a ladder to work from, as well as a garden hose. You will also need a special cleaner, such as tri-sodium phosphate, bleach and water or another chemical solution designed to break down dirt.
These chemicals will remove dirt, mildew, mold, lichen and other organic growths from the surface of your roof without the need for high pressure. Using too much pressure can damage the surface of your shingles, and it can also cause leaks.
A reputable power washing company will be able to tell you what type of cleaning method is best for your roof, and they will have the right tools and equipment to do the job properly. They will also know how to clean around chimneys, vents and other fixtures on your roof safely.
3. Make Sure You Have the Right Detergent or Cleaner
A dirty roof can cause water damage and can lead to mold growth, which can be very dangerous for your family’s health. Therefore, it is important to have your roof cleaned regularly to avoid these issues.
A pressure washing method uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, mildew, algae, and other contaminants. This technique is effective, but it can also be damaging to certain roofing materials, such as shingles, and it may even void your roof warranty.
4. Make Sure Your Roof Is Clean
Keeping your roof clean is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Black streaks and stains caused by algae, mold, or Gloeocapsa magma (an airborne organism that causes the roof to darken) can affect the shingles’ ability to reflect sunlight, increasing your energy costs. Additionally, moss and other organisms can hold excess moisture against your roof shingles, shortening their lifespans and leading to interior water leaks.
Fortunately, the right detergent or surfactant, coupled with a low-pressure rinse, can clean a home’s roof without causing damage. A professional power washing contractor knows how to use a soft wash cleaning system, which applies biodegradable cleaners that seep into the pits and pores of roofing tiles and shingles and surrounding flashing, dissolving thick dirt buildup. A soft wash cleaning can also help expose areas of your roof that need structural repair, which can save you money on a new roof.
RJ’s Gutter Cleaning
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8798993793078699348
1841 Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566
(516) 771-4950
https://longislandguttercleaning.com/