Cleaning your roof doesn’t just make your building or home look better and boost your curb appeal; it can also increase the lifespan of your roofing system and ensure that any issues are caught early on before they require expensive and extensive repairs.
How do you go about cleaning a roof, though? Is it worth cleaning your roof, or should you hire a professional?
If you choose to clean your roof yourself, you’ll want to do your research first. Using the wrong chemicals on your roofing material can cause significant, expensive damage, and not taking the proper safety precautions can result in serious injury.
So, without further ado, let’s look at what the process of roof cleaning entails and everything else you’ll want to know about keeping your roof free of algae, moss, dirt, and debris.
Cleaning a Roof: Do’s and Don’ts
DO Allow Plenty of Time for Chemical Solutions to Work
When dealing with moss, algae, or even general dirt, a chemical wash is often the most effective solution. However, patience is key. Some chemical treatments can take several months to show full results. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product label and give it adequate time to work. Rushing the process might make it seem like the treatment failed, but over time, natural elements like rain and wind will help remove the dead growth and debris.
DO Use a Low-Pressure Wash
High-pressure washing might seem like a quick fix, but it can actually damage most roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles. Instead, opt for a low-pressure chemical wash. Use a garden hose with a chemical sprayer attachment to apply a bleach solution to the roof. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing with clean water. This method is gentler on your roof and just as effective at cleaning.
DON’T Forget About Your Surrounding Landscape
Chemical solutions can harm your garden and lawn. Before starting the roof cleaning process, water your plants and cover them with plastic sheeting to protect them from chemical runoff. After cleaning the roof, remove the plastic and rinse the plants again with clean water to minimize damage.
DON’T Pick a Sunny Day for Cleaning
Cleaning your roof on a sunny day might seem like a good idea, but the heat can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly. Choose an overcast day to allow the chemicals to work effectively without drying out too fast.
DO Put Safety First
Cleaning a roof can be hazardous. If you’re comfortable working at heights and have the right safety gear, you might manage the task. However, if you have any doubts, it’s best to hire a professional. Safety harnesses, sturdy footwear, and having someone to assist you are all critical measures to prevent accidents.
DO Take Proactive Steps to Keep Your Roof Clean
Preventative measures can make a big difference in maintaining a clean roof. Trim overhanging branches to reduce debris accumulation and improve sunlight exposure, which can inhibit moss and algae growth. Regularly clear out gutters to prevent water backup and potential roof damage.
DO Consider Your Roofing Material
Different roofing materials require different cleaning methods. Asphalt shingles are the most common and respond well to low-pressure chemical washes. Metal roofs, being more durable, can handle higher pressure if necessary. However, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damaging your roof.
How to Clean a Flat Roof
If you have a commercial building with a flat roof that is easy to access, you might be wondering whether it’s worth it to take on the task of cleaning it yourself.
A Dirty Flat Roof
Let’s take a look at the general steps you will need to take to help you decide whether or not it’s a project you want to complete on your own.
General Maintenance
Before you begin cleaning your roof, you’ll want to take care of some general maintenance tasks. If there is any standing water on your roof, you’ll want to remove it first. You’ll also need to remove any larger debris from the roof before you start cleaning.
If landscaping or garden beds are near the building, take steps to protect both the soil and the plants, as the soil can be contaminated, and the plants can be damaged (or even killed) by bleach or chlorine solutions.
Cleaning a Flat Roof
Another important step in the roof cleaning process is cleaning your gutters to ensure they are free from leaves, debris, and other materials that could clog your drainage system.
Choosing Your Cleaning Method
You have a handful of options for cleaning your flat roof, each of which has pros and cons.
Cleaning With a Pressure Washer
The first option is using a pressure washer, which can easily remove algae and moss and effectively clean your flat roof. One of the benefits of this method is that it doesn’t use any chemicals, meaning that you don’t have to worry about the soil and plants around your building being contaminated or damaged.
Using Chlorine-Based Wash
The second option is using a chlorine-based wash. Compared to pressure washing, using a chlorine-based wash is much less time-consuming, meaning you’ll put less wear and tear on your roof during the process. At the same time, chlorine can be toxic to animals, plants, and even people, so you’ll want to weigh out the pros and cons before choosing this option.
Finally, you can also use sodium hydroxide instead of chlorine if you’d prefer. This method requires more extensive rinsing than the chlorine solution, and ensuring your solution isn’t too concentrated is important. You’ll want to use extreme caution when using sodium hydroxide because using a solution that is too concentrated can cause damage to your roofing material.
How to Clean an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Most houses in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofs, so many different roof-cleaning products are on the market aimed at consumers.
An Asphalt Shingle Roof
You’ll want to consider your goals before choosing a product and whether or not you feel comfortable working on a ladder to clean your roof.
General Maintenance
Just like when you’re cleaning a flat roof, the first thing you’ll want to take care of when cleaning an asphalt shingle roof is some general maintenance tasks. Clean out your gutters to ensure they can carry water away from your building effectively.
Cleaning Out Roof Gutters
You’ll also want to take steps to protect any plants that are near your home or building. Before you begin your project, thoroughly water any plants or shrubbery before you cover them up with plastic. If you use bleach or other potentially harmful solutions on your roof, you’ll also want to rinse your plants after the cleaning.
Choosing Your Cleaner
There are a number of different shingle-cleaning chemicals you can use to clean an asphalt shingle roof. Before we look at your choices, it’s worth noting that you should not use a pressure washer to clean asphalt shingles– instead, you’ll want to use a sprayer attached to a garden hose filled with your solution of choice. Pressure washers are too intense for asphalt shingles– they can loosen your shingles and damage your roof.
One common method is cleaning asphalt shingles with a bleach solution. Depending on the current state of your roof, you can use a more or less concentrated solution– ranging from 75% sodium hypochlorite and 25% water for hearty algae, lichen, and fire moss to 25% sodium hypochlorite and 75% water for lighter stains.
Various Cleaning Products for cleaning a roof
It’s worth noting that consumers only have access to a less potent form of bleach than professionals– hardware stores will only carry bleach solutions at 6.5% compared to the 12.5% sodium hypochlorite that a professional will use.
There are also a number of roof cleaning solutions available that you can purchase, as well as natural options such as vinegar.
Work From the Top to the Bottom
Once you’ve selected your cleaner, it’s time to get your garden sprayer and mix your solution.
Applying a Cleaning Solution to a Roof
As you begin cleaning the roof, you’ll want to start high on the roof and begin applying an even coat of your solution. Work your way from the top to the bottom in order to cover your entire roof with the solution.
Double Treat Problem Areas
If there are any areas of your roof that have a lot of algae growth, you might want to add a second coat of the cleaning chemical after about five minutes. There are different types of algae and moss that can grow on roofs, some of which are heartier than others. When using a bleach solution, algae and moss should either disappear or turn white when it has been effectively killed.
Roof With Algae Growth
Depending on the chemical you choose to clean your roof, it’s possible that you will have to spray it down one more time to rinse your roof. If using a bleach solution, you’ll want to allow it to sit on the shingles for 15 to 20 minutes before you thoroughly rinse it off.
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?
It’s generally advised to have your roof cleaned at least once a year. For brand-new roofs or roofs that you know are in very good shape, you might be able to get away with a roof cleaning once every two years.
Cleaning a Roof
One of the benefits of having an annual roof cleaning is that it allows you to become aware of any issues with your roof early on. Roofing problems that you aren’t aware of can grow larger and more expensive as time goes on, and the sooner you discover that your roof needs some attention, the less costly the repair will be.
Should You Clean Your Roof Yourself?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors– including how easy it is for you to safely access your roof, the type of roofing system you have, how tall your building is, and how comfortable you feel being on a ladder and performing this type of work on your own.
There are a lot of risks involved with cleaning your own roof, covering everything from property damage to personal injuries. If you are going to take on the project yourself, you’ll want to make sure you take all necessary safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions for cleaning a roofs
What is the best way to clean a flat roof without causing damage? First, sweep or use a leaf blower to remove loose debris. Then, gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristle brush and a mild detergent mixed with water. Rinse with a garden hose, using a low-pressure setting. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it may damage the roof membrane. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning instructions.
How do I properly clean shingle roofs and prevent algae or moss buildup? Use a 50:50 mix of water and bleach to clean the roof. Apply the solution with a garden sprayer and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with a low-pressure hose. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the shingles. To prevent algae or moss, install copper or zinc strips near the roof peak.
How often should I clean my roof to maintain its longevity? Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. Clean your roof at least once a year or more frequently in areas prone to heavy tree coverage or high humidity. Address issues like debris buildup, algae, or moss as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
What precautions should I take when cleaning my roof to ensure my safety and prevent damage? Wear non-slip shoes, use a safety harness, and work with a partner. Avoid walking on wet surfaces, and use a ladder stabilizer or standoff for added support. If you’re uncomfortable or inexperienced with roof work, consider hiring a professional roof cleaner.
How much does it cost to clean a roof? The cost of roof cleanings will vary depending on your location, the size of your roof, the number of stories on your home or building, the type of roofing system, the cleaning method you choose, and other variables. On average, it costs between $0.20 and $0.70 to clean a roof per square foot. This means that a 2,000-square-foot roof will cost between $400 and $1,400 to clean.
What are the benefits of cleaning a roof? There are a number of reasons it’s worth cleaning your roof once a year, including:
- Helping to prevent your roof from damage due to moss or algae growth
- Allowing you (or a roofing professional) to notice any other potential issues that could become more expensive problems down the road
- Extending the life of your roof
- Protecting your shingle warranty
- Boosting your home’s curb appeal
- Saving you money in the long run by helping to prevent costly repairs
Conclusion
Cleaning your roof is essential for maintaining your home’s appearance and structural integrity. Whether you choose a low-pressure chemical wash or hire a professional, it’s important to use the right methods for your roofing material and to prioritize safety. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a clean roof and a safer home environment.
