Regular cleaning of your house is very important for home maintenance. Routine cleaning can range from cleaning the exterior of the house, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing and security, the floor, walls, etc. Proper maintenance cleaning includes seasonal updates, repairs, cleaning and other routine tasks. Regardless of the cleaning method adopted, the aim is to keep your home looking it's best, protect it from avoidable damages and increase the general life expectancy of your house.
Is washing your roof a good idea?
Washing your roof has a lot of benefits that helps to prevent debris and moss growth, and damage, if it is done correctly. It is advisable to employ the services of a professional roof cleaning company to have your roof cleaned properly and to prevent more damage and technical hazards.
Benefits of Washing Your Roof
Regular roof cleaning helps to:
Prevent your home's roof from mold, algae growth, debris, and moss growth. Algae often grows on a home's roof in areas where water or moisture collect over time.
Algae isn't harmful to asphalt shingles but moss is. Moss can make the roof shingles curl upward, and so it's more likely to blow off the roof during windy weather, and black algae growth can hamper the reflective properties of your cool roof. The result of this is that your home may feel hotter than usual especially in sunny weather.
Having your roof cleaned also prevents leaves and other debris which can clog your gutters and down spouts, causing damage such as water leaks. Roof cleaning improves your home's curb appeal and can make a huge difference in the overall outlook and curb appeal. No better way to remove algae stains and keep your roof as shiny as new.
It is a good step to take if you want to sell your home.
Washing your roof can help you save money. It extends the remaining life of the roofing material, and you may not need to get a new roof for a long time. A clean roof is less likely to develop water damage and other problems.
Should You Replace or Clean Your Roof?
Sometimes when you think your roof needs a replacement, it might just need a good washing. The accumulation or algae can deceive you into thinking that your roof condition is worse than it actually is. Allow your contractor to check the condition of your roof to ascertain if your roof needs cleaning or replacement.
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Dos And Don'ts Of Roof Cleaning
Below are some best practices to keep in mind when washing your roof.
Do Not Wash Your Roof By Yourself
Except you're a professional at cleaning roofs, it is not advisable to clean your roof without professional help. You could damage your roof by doing some things that professionals won't do like using a pressure washer. You'll strip your roof of its protective coat if you pressure wash your roof.
Aside this, cleaning your roof by yourself could be dangerous. You can fall off and sustain injuries. Overall, hiring a professional does it best. They have the needed gear and equipment for properly cleaning your roof. They also have necessary knowledge of suitable cleaning methods for all kinds of roof materials.
You May Need Some Knowledge About Good Cleaning Methods For Your Roof
Homeowners should have some knowledge about roof cleaning methods so that you can be sure your roofing contractor is doing the right thing.
High Pressure Wash: Pressure washing (or roof power washing) is a cleaning method that uses pressurized water for roof cleaning. A pressure washer or power washer is a machine that uses water pressure for cleaning. In pressure washing, the user points the water at the roof, using a garden hose to remove dirt. Pressure washing may be more suitable for tile roofs than shingles. Although pressure wash dislodges particles easily, it may cause shingles to age quicker. High pressure washing can also dislodge ceramic granules of a tile roof.
Chemical or Non Pressure Cleaning: This involves the use of chemicals such as lye, sodium hydroxide or chlorine for cleaning roofs to remove mold, lichen, mildew, moss, and algae. This method is also harmful for shingles and can be harmful for tile roof especially if the chemicals are not mixed in good proportion. Bleach to water ratio for roof cleaning is 1:1. The adhesive on the shingles may be damaged. The chemicals may also damage surrounding plants except the roof contractor has them covered with a large polythene sheet.
Low Pressure or Soft Wash Cleaning: Soft washing combines both high pressure and chemical washes without damaging your roof or the surrounding area. A sprayer is used to spray cleansers approved by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) after which it is washed off with a low pressure hose. This process removes every dirt and leaves your roof clean without any potential damage. In most instances, soft washing lasts longer than high pressure and non-pressure washes and poses less danger to your roof.
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
How much it costs to clean a roof depends the amount of dirt on the roof, the steepness of the roof. If the roof is excessively dirty, more steps might be necessary e.g, using a leaf blower to get rid of leaves and other debris before proper washing.
If only parts of the roof is dirty, you can ask the contractors to focus on the more shaded areas and treat the whole roof with a preventative so you will not get charged for the entire area.
Another determining factor is the roof power washing service you choose to employ. Bear in mind that good things don't come cheap so you might want to save up to get proper roof maintenance if you must, to avoid expecting ridiculously low prices.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Roof?
Washing your roof too frequently can have negative effects especially if pressure washing is often used. It is advisable to wash your roof after the first five years of installation, and every two to three years after.
How frequently you wash your roof depends on what kind of material your roof is made of and the climate or weather in your environment.
Pressure washing older roofs can do more harm than good so make sure to change your old roof when need be.
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Clean Your Roof?
The best time of the year to wash your roof is during the summer months. There is enough sunlight to dry the surface of the roof and prevent slipperiness.
What Happens When You Don't Clean Your Roof?
Neglecting roof cleaning and washing leads to accumulation of dirt, algae growths, etc., which can cause roof damage (water leaks, blockage of gutters, etc.) and reduce the life span of your roof. Eventually, the damages caused will cost you more than it would have if preventive and maintenance measures were taken.
Conclusion
It's always nice to come home to a clean and attractive house at the close of the day. Investing in the building maintenance of your home will save you unnecessary cost in the long run, improve the exterior of your home, and you'll definitely be glad you did.
Reach out to Roof Cleaning San Antonio today to give your home an aesthetically pleasing curb appeal.
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