Dos and Don’ts: The Best and Worst ways to Clean a Roof

Roofs
signs indicating "right way" and "wrong way"

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    If you are reading this, then there is the possibility that your roof is messy and needs some cleaning to look appealing again. You might have neglected your roof, leading to creeping damage that may be expensive to repair and cause personal property loss from water and mold intrusion. Doing regular cleaning on your roof can go a long way towards preventing long-term issues with your roof. For instance, rainwater has no outlet when you have a clogged gutter, thus soaking your shingles and leaking into your home. There are many approaches to getting rid of algae, mold, mildew, and moss from your roof, but not all these approaches are recommended or even safe. This article discusses the best and worst ways to clean a roof.

    Don’t: Pressure Wash Your Roof

    Washing your roof while exerting pressure is one mistake many people make while cleaning their roofs. It is advisable to avoid using a pressure washer specifically to clean your roof. If you have been cleaning your roof and noticed its color fade from black to white, you should know that you are not cleaning the right way. When you notice the color change, know that you are destroying the granules on your shingles. Destroying your roof`s granules decreases its lifespan significantly, and your roof will no longer be able to perform its function.

    Do: Avoid cleaning your roof using a pressure washer. It would help to avoid this specifically on asphalt shingles as the force can damage them.

    Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals

    It may seem like you have the right tools to clean your roof, but if you don’t know how to use your devices correctly, you may destroy your roof. One terrible thing that can happen to your roof is discoloration or rusting. You must not use harsh chemicals on your roof as they may cause discoloration or rust. Furthermore, the chemicals could dissolve your roof’s materials and create holes that may leak rainwater.

    Do: Clean your roof with chlorine bleach and water. Use an equal ratio of the two liquids to reduce the intense effect of bleach. You can allow the mixture to sit on the roof for about half an hour after cleaning, then rinse away the bleach with clean water.

    Don’t: Overclean

    There are several ways to clean and maintain your roof using simple DIY methods, but it’s important to not overdo this. For instance, you can blow away excessive debris or trim back tree branches to keep your roof checked. You can also treat algae and moss as soon as you spot their presence. There is no reason to go over your roof and clean it more than once a year, however. Too much scrubbing on your roof will lower its lifespan.

    Do: Avoid cleaning your roof more than it needs it. Clean your roof only when you spot unfriendly matter like mold and algae. Suppose you want to maintain your roof spotlessly; cleaning it once a year would be enough.

    Don’t: Lean on Ridge Caps

    Ridge caps are the seams on your rooflines, and you may think they are strong enough to support your weight. However, these ridge caps are the first lines of defense for your roof, and too much weight can cause them to crack, leading to more damage to your roof.

    Do: You are advised not to climb to the top of your roof to clean it. Instead, call upon a professional to clean it for you.

    Bottom Line

    While it’s essential to keep your roof clean, it’s equally important to do it the right way in the required number of times. There are few things more satisfying than seeing your house look as spotless as you first built or bought it, and following these guidelines will help you keep it that way!

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