Cleaning your roof can often get overlooked in the jumble of other household chores and demands of life. Roofs are susceptible to dust, dirt, moisture, mold, moss, leaves, insects, and other particles that can leave them dirty and damaged.
Proper roof cleaning can help extend the life of roofing material and prevent water from getting into your home. To begin, residents will need to know about their roofing material, how to best clean it, and what cleaning solution is best. A professional roofing company can help ensure that a roof is properly cleaned but, there are some options for doing it yourself. Here are some tips for cleaning your roof and caring for it properly.
What Material Is Your Roof Made Of?
Different roofing materials need to be cleaned differently. All roofs need to be cleaned and are susceptible to mold and dirt build-up. Cleaning shingles may require a bit more effort to get in the cracks and crevices, and metal roofs can require a specific cleaning solution.
Mold growth on roofs can impact the roofing material differently. Mold on asphalt shingles absorbs heat and heats up your attic and home warmer. Mold on tile can get into the micro-roots and cause cracking and compromise the strength of the tile.
What Cleaning Solution Is Best?
Proper roof cleaning comes with finding the best cleaning solution. Power washing has been the go-to cleaning method for a long time for tile, slate, and brick. Tile, metal, and slate roofs can be cleaned by pressure washing and will stay clean for around 6-12 months, but asphalt shingle roofs should not be pressure-washed. This can void the warranty and remove the shingles or create cracks.
Chemicals have become more popular for cleaning roofs but it is still important to properly care for the material. Cleaning companies will use a mixture of water, bleach, and fragrance. Using a chemical solution will often need to sit and let soak in to kill mold and bacteria. Chemicals often help your roof to stay cleaner longer than pressure washing.
Other chemicals that are often used for roof cleaning include:
- Bleach
- Oxygen bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- TSP or Sodium Hydroxide
Tips For Navigating Your Roof
Cleaning your roof yourself can be hazardous and should be done with care. Hiring a professional cleaning company can prevent slips and accidents on your roof. You should make sure that if you are using a ladder, you have someone who is there to assist you or fix the ladder if it falls.
Be careful walking on shingle roofs because they have material that comes off as you walk. This can cause you to slide and feel like walking on marbles. You should also never underestimate heights and make sure you take steep roofs with caution. If you do not feel comfortable climbing on your roof, don’t do it!
Cleaning During The Seasons
Climbing up on your roof when there is constant snow and ice, is not a safe idea. To prep for winter, the best time for roof cleaning is in the fall. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall in the fall or spring, it can be beneficial to clean your roof in the summertime as well, to help limit mold growth.
Your roof does not need to be cleaned during every season of the year, and if cleaned properly, may only need to be cleaned once a year. If your mold growth keeps recurring or you have other damage to your roof, call a professional company to help you assess what the next steps should be.
Professional Roofers At Kanga Roof
Cleaning your roof helps extend the life of your roofing material. Kanga Roof is here for your roof installation, roof cleaning, and repair needs. Proper cleaning after our roofing installation is important in protecting your home.
Our team has been roofing for years and continues to gain experience through many residential and commercial projects. We install many different roof materials and gutters. We have a commitment to respect your home and time while providing you with high-quality service. We want you to be 100% satisfied with our work. Contact RW Design and Kanga Roof today!
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