Roof cleaning is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of household projects. It’s often a case of “Out of sight, out of mind.” Stroll through your neighborhood, and it’s clear to see which roofs are looked after and which are suffering from neglect. There’s an element of roof cleaning that lends itself to prideful homeowners, but there’s so much more to it than that.

Keeping your roof clean is essential if you want to maximize the lifespan and structural integrity of the roof. Think about everything that your roof protects. It shields your home, your possessions, and your family. It’s certainly worthy of some care and attention. A schedule of regular cleaning will keep the aesthetic quality of your roof shining. Plus, it is a proactive approach toward home maintenance.

Why Is Roof Cleaning Important?

There is a great deal that goes into the appearance of your home. A well-kept garden. Freshly painted walls. A pristine driveway. People, and likely you, will also consider the state of the roof.

This is especially important when you are in the process of marketing and selling your home. The photos of the exterior of your property are the first impression of your home. No matter how good that lawn looks, if the roof looks like it is in a state of disrepair, you’ll miss out on potential buyers.

Looks are one significant cleaning benefit (especially if you’ve picked an aesthetic roof color), but maintenance is arguably more important. Moss, lichen, and algae look unsightly but also degrade the materials used in your roof. Left unchecked, the degradation could lead to leaks and other structural issues. These will quickly escalate into more severe problems.

If your home has large trees nearby, you may accumulate considerable amounts of debris on your roof, especially during the fall season. As this builds up, the debris traps water and moisture, fostering the perfect environment for damp to enter your home. Simply removing it goes a long way toward guarding the structure. This is even more important if your home has solar roofing attached.

Spotting When Your Roof Needs Cleaning

As with any preventative action, you need to take a proactive approach to roof cleaning. Certain signs let you know that it is time to schedule a clean. The great thing is that the majority involve a simple ground-level inspection.

  • Trouble signs: Glance over your roof and see if there are patches of lichen, moss, or algae. These growths require a damp environment to develop. Therefore, their appearance is a predictor for larger issues.
  • Debris: Larger, more visible items, such as leaves, twigs, and branches, clearly indicate that roof cleaning is required. You might think they’re harmless, but they must be removed as soon as possible to avoid damage or infestation.
  • The last clean: As you inspect your roof, ask yourself when the last clean was (if there ever has been one). If you can’t remember, it was more than six months ago, or you’ve never previously thought about cleaning your roof, it is likely time to arrange a clean.

It is worth noting that every roof is different. Flat roofs often require more regular cleaning as debris can quickly build up. Complicated roofs with many corners and gulleys will also need a more rigorous approach to cleaning.

How to Clean Your Roof

There are three main methods of roof cleaning. Each has its own merits, and which you use is a personal choice based on the requirements of your roof.

Soft Washing

This is the equivalent of sponge washing your car. Low-pressure water mixed with some cleaning products lets you delicately remove build-up and debris. Those who choose this option tend to do so because their roof is older and made from more delicate materials. These would get damaged by high-pressure cleaning or chemicals.

Pressure Washing

A pressure washer is a fast and effective way to clean your roof. It’s essential to consider the materials that you’re pressure washing, as without care, they can easily be damaged or destroyed. Chemicals can be added to the pressure washer chamber to enhance the cleaning. It is best used on roofs with sturdy materials such as metal and harder tiles.

Chemical Cleaning

This is a full shampoo for your roof. The chemical cocktail is potent enough to strip all biological growth and rejuvenate the roof materials. The main concern with chemical cleaning is the environmental impact that it can have. Be sure to investigate the ecological merits of any products used carefully. Runoff can have a seriously damaging effect on your local environment.

DIY or Professional Roof Cleaning?

There is an argument for both sides of this question. Many homeowners choose to clean their roofs themselves. They get to control precisely when it happens, garner a real sense of accomplishment, and for a fraction of the price of using a professional. That said, anything that requires you to access your roof comes with serious safety considerations. Hundreds of people are seriously injured falling from roofs after not using the proper safety equipment.

Professionals will always follow safety procedures. They know precisely how to complete a comprehensive roof clean.

Key Takeaways

Roof cleaning might not be a glamorous or attractive task to undertake, but it certainly is a necessary one. The process will keep your home looking great and ensure that your roof stands firm for years to come.

  • You could clean your roof yourself, but a professional clean will likely have a more significant impact.
  • Bear in mind the materials and durability of your roof before going for a pressure washing clean.
  • Simply keeping a regular eye on your roof is a great way to know if a clean is required.

Are you looking for some professional, impartial advice on roof cleaning? Get in touch with All County Exteriors.