Keeping a roof clean is part of home ownership and needs to be addressed. Roof cleaning is essential to extend the lifespan of roofing materials and prevent damage from elements like moss and lichen.
Further, roof maintenance also helps to keep your home’s value intact. A clean roof includes these benefits:
- A beautiful home
- Saves money
- Gives you pride
- Improves home efficiency
We prepared this guide so you can make roof maintenance a manageable chore.
Roofing is our business; we’ll guide you through the safety and DIY steps of roof cleaning, so you can maintain your roof for years to come. We’ll get up and down the ladder safely.
The Dos and Don’ts of Roof Cleaning
Choosing the right professional cleaning products that tackle the job efficiently is crucial. We know there are dozens of roof-cleaning products at your local hardware store, and we recommend following the shingle manufacturer’s cleaning directions.
Some roofing material companies insist you use a specific product, or their warranty may be void.
The Dos:
- Use the right product on the suitable roofing material
- Stay safe and use precautions
- Rely on a reputable roofing company
The Don’ts:
- Ignore your roof maintenance
- Make a poor choice of cleaning products
- Misread the roof manufacturer’s maintenance rules
- Ignore safety
Use Cleaning Products Designed for Roofs
Every roofing material has specific cleaning and maintenance needs. It only makes sense that cleaning asphalt is different from metal or wood.
Depending on where you live, your roof also has environmental needs. Some areas are prone to heavy dust buildup, while others grow algae, moss, or lichen.
Use a specialized cleaning product. These cleaning compounds tackle tough stains, algae build-up, and moss clusters. Not only are moss and algae unsightly, but they can also damage a roof and affect its lifespan.
What’s key to remember is that a metal roof, asphalt, or wood roof shingle roof has different cleaning requirements. Use extreme caution, as these cleaning compounds can be abrasive and damage your roof.
Follow the Shingle Manufacturer’s Cleaning Directions
This bears repeating and saving you from making a big mistake. Using the wrong product and failing to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions can cause these problems:
- Damage your roof and home
- Cost you money in unnecessary repairs
- Make you unhappy
Our guide suggests that you read the manufacturer’s guidelines and:
- Follow their directions
- Use their recommended cleaning compound
- Or call a trusted roofing expert to clean your roof
Don’t Use a Pressure Washer
We don’t recommend using a pressure washer. Pressure washers are excellent for blasting dirt and grime off certain surfaces but require an experienced hand.
A pressure washer, like severe rain or hail storms, can damage metal roofing and deteriorate the seams, causing leaks and paint chips.
A soft wash with the proper cleaning solution is a better method to remove stains, moss, dirt, and algae. It will help maintain and protect your roof.
Don’t Use Soapy or Sudsy Cleaning Products
Highly soapy and sudsy clean products leave a residue that might damage the shingles and lead to leaks and a breakdown in the roofing material.
For DIYers, it can also make your roof dangerously slippery.
Don’t Skip Safety Precautions
Your safety is important to us. Always use extreme caution to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to your home, lawn, or nearby vehicles.
- Use a safe ladder in a secure location
- Protect yourself with a harness
- Wear safety glasses, non-slip shoes, and gloves
- Have a plan on how to clean your roof
If you have a steep-pitched roof, call a professional roofing company. Inexperience and improper safety procedures can have serious consequences. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs.
Reasons To Hire a Professional Roof Cleaner
Homeowners hire professional roofers to clean and maintain their roofs and protect their investments for several reasons.
Knowledge and Experience
Professional roof cleaners work safely and efficiently to clean your roof. This expertise translates into using the proper techniques and cleaning products for different roofing materials.
Of course, professional roofers make it look easy, but it takes skill.
A professional roofing company uses these standards:
- The proper safety equipment to protect them and your property
- Manufacturer recommended products
- Best cleaning and maintenance methods
- Save money and time
- Protect your home
- Clean shingles, gutters, chimney stacks
- Look for potential problems
- Use roofing products that suit your home
A roofing company isn’t just a crew that shows up and then leaves. Building a client relationship is part of a reputable roofing company’s business model.
Professional Equipment and Supplies
Professional roof cleaning teams can access specialized equipment and supplies essential for efficient cleaning. They use high-quality pressurized cleaning equipment and know how to adjust to the demands and materials without causing damage.
Industry professional-grade cleaning products also do a better job since they’re designed for roofs and provide long-lasting results.
The Importance of Roof Cleaning
Replacing a roof is an expensive endeavor, and protecting your roof through regular scheduled maintenance and cleansing enhances its durability.
A well-kept roof adds to the curb appeal and raises property values.
Extending the Lifespan of the Roof
Regular roof cleaning is essential for extending the lifespan of your roof. By removing accumulated debris like moss and algae, you prevent the deterioration of your shingles.
Regular cleaning can add 20 to 50 years to a shingle roof. Metal roofs can last longer with proper maintenance, potentially reaching 50 years or more.
A concrete or tile roof, with regular cleaning and maintenance, can last up to 100 years. Performing roof maintenance protects against immediate damage and prevents costly repairs, as a professional can troubleshoot problems from weather exposure.
Improving Curb Appeal
Cleaning and maintaining your roof isn’t just about its longevity. It also enhances the overall aesthetics of your home. Improving curb appeal is money in the bank.
Clean roofs are visually appealing and attract buyers. Routine roof cleaning, when left to professionals, is super easy. A reliable roofing team can set up a regular maintenance schedule. A trusted roofing team will clean and look for trouble spots to prevent leaks or structural damage.
Make Roof Cleaning Part of Your Routine Final Words
Roof maintenance is more about the do’s than the don’ts. To keep your roof in good shape—don’t neglect it. Allow a professional Clean Cut roofing team to handle all your roofing needs. Our reputable roofing team will provide the best solution and tools. We also have the know-how to keep you and your family safe.
