4 Roof Washing Mistakes to Avoid
The roofs is just as important to any home or business as its foundation, so is washing your roof. Properly installed and more importantly, a well-maintained roof can last over 20 years and protect everything that lies underneath.
Importance of roof washing
Staying on top of roof maintenance ensures that our roof retains its aesthetics, and continues to protect our home and us from the environment.
When we allow dirt to accumulate for too long, our roof becomes a breathing ground for harmful gems, disease-causing microorganisms, mildew, bacteria, and insects. These can further damage the shingles, giving them a growing-weeds-like look.
The result?
- Damaged roof that reduces home value and the overall aesthetic;
- Leaks and other issues that may require extensive repairs or replacement;
- potential health risks.
That’s why, roof-washing is a vital part of keeping our home clean, healthy, and strong.
Roof washing mistakes
Even if you wash your roof, if you don’t do it correctly, you can still end up with a damaged roof. Simple mistakes in maintaining a roof can easily evolve into premature, expensive issues that will require repairs or even replacement.
To prevent this, let’s take a closer look at the roof washing mistakes you should avoid:
1. Using harsh chemicals, wrong cleaning solutions, and techniques
Using a brush but applying it incorrectly can result in accidental brushing up of the debris and dirt under the layer of roofing rather than off the roof. This can be especially damaging if your roof is older and already in a not-so-good condition.
Acid-based and other harsh chemicals could easily harm the coloring of the roof; even worse, they can further disintegrate away and cause serious damage to not only the shingles but also the surrounding environment and animals/birds.
If you chose this method, it is important that you use a proprietary solution with minimal bleach and apply it with appropriate roof cleaning methods.
2. Using non-customized Equipment for roof cleaning
What type of equipment we use determines how successful the cleaning will be. Using proper equipment which was specifically designed for roof cleaning and your specific type of roof, will ensure that the cleaning is thorough.
Pressure cleaning so far is one of the best methods available currently on the market. However, when using them, we need to make sure that we’ll be using the proper amount of pressure so that no shingles get broken or damaged in the process.
Pressure washers come with different specifications and it is important that you get one best suited for your needs. In case you don’t want to get or rent one, you should consider simply hiring a washing company that will get the job done right.
3. Going on too harshly
More pressure does not equal better cleaning! On the contrary, it can cause more damage than good. Using too much pressure is one of the most common and biggest mistakes people make that results in severe roof damage.
Using the right amount of pressure will clean your roof from all the accumulated dirt and debris and maintain the surface in good condition.
4. Not consulting with specialists and not following instructions
Consult with the supplier regarding what cleaning method or pressure is best suited for your roof, and always make sure to test the device (or solution) before using it.
Follow the instructions and if your pressure has a high PSI, keep the wand far from the surface. Don’t try to experiment on your own or increase pressure more than recommended with hopes of better cleaning.
And if you are not sure what to do, remember that you can always call a friend – North Coast Exteriors to help you get the job done the right way!
