Keeping Roofs Healthy: An Ultimate Guide to Roof Cleaning
What distinguishes your property from the street is that it has a roof that can protect you from various environmental elements like rain, sunlight, snow, and more. Without roofing, your belongings will deteriorate and become damaged by moisture and UV rays.
Like other facets of your home, your roof needs proper planning and execution. Unless you are a roofing expert yourself, these two important tasks must be done by professionals.
As a property owner, your task is to hire efficient, licensed, and skilled contractors. When you are past this stage, your next task is maintaining the health of your roof. While it may sound daunting, especially with the demands of your daily life, roof maintenance must be done still.
If you want to learn more, this article will provide useful insights into the signs your roof needs professional roof cleaning and some DIY tips if you wish to tackle simple cleaning tasks on your own.
Telltale Signs Your Roof Needs Professional Cleaning
A. Mold Growth:
Mold on your roof is not only unappealing but it may also harm your property. Mold grows in damp, shady places, often caused by water getting stuck on the surface of the roof. If you notice that your roof has green or black spots, it’s a clear sign that mold is growing there. Hiring a professional roof cleaning Mt. Pleasant service can get rid of it and stop it from spreading further.
B. Severe Dirt Buildup:
Roofs are exposed to dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris carried by wind and weather conditions. Even though a little bit of dirt is normal, too much dirt can cause problems. If your roof looks severely dirty and has a lot of visible waste on it, it could stop water from draining properly and keep moisture in. This can lead to leaks in the roof, rotted materials, and even pest infestation. Professional roof cleaning can remove all the dirt and waste from your roof.
C. Clogged Gutters:
Gutters are very important because they keep water away from your structure. But leaves, twigs, and other things can get stuck in them over time. If so, water can overflow and cause damage to your roof. The weight of clogged gutters can also put stress on the roof’s structure. Professional roof cleaning services often include cleaning the gutters, so if you notice that your gutters are not functioning as intended, then it could be time for pro roof cleaning.
D. Seasonal Change:
The way your roof looks can change a lot when the seasons change. In the fall, leaves and sticks may pile up on your roof. In the winter, ice dams and snow buildup may be a problem. Pollen and tree sap can stick to the roof when spring comes around. Further, the strong heat and sun of summer can cause roofs to change color and wear down. If you see the effects of the seasons on your roof, it’s a good sign that it may need to be cleaned and inspected by a professional.
DIY Roof Cleaning Tips
When your roof does appear to have the signs mentioned above, then a quick DIY cleaning may be enough.
A. Get your safety gear ready:
Safety should be your top priority before you start cleaning your roof. Wear the right safety gear, like shoes that won’t slip when the roof is wet, gloves, and safety shields, to keep yourself safe.
B. Use gentle cleaners:
Don’t use strong chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of your roof. Choose soft cleaners that are made just for cleaning roofs. These cleaners are enough to get rid of dirt, algae, and spots without hurting the materials on your roof.
C. Use the right amount of pressure if you use a pressure washer:
If you decide to use a pressure washer, be careful and set the pressure to a low level. High-pressure water streams can damage shingles or strip off protection coatings, which can cause leaks or other problems. Keep a safe distance from the roof surface and clean the area with sweeping motions.
D. Get all the tools ready ahead of time:
Before you climb up on your roof, get together all the tools and equipment you’ll need to clean it. This could be a ladder, a brush or broom with soft bristles, a hose with a spray nozzle, a cleaning solution, and a trash bag. Getting everything ready ahead of time will save you time and keep you from having to climb up and down a lot.
Don’t forget that cleaning your roof yourself requires knowledge and safety precautions. DIY cleaning can handle small amounts of dirt. If you see a lot of molds, a lot of stains, or any other signs of serious damage, it’s best to talk to professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to deal with these problems successfully.
