When it comes to power washing services you may begin to wonder if you should power wash your roof along with the other outdoor surfaces of your home. And the short answer is yes! There is, however, a little bit of controversy surrounding this question in the industry so when it comes to residential roof washing, there a few things that you need to know!
Why You Should Power Wash Your Roof
In order to be sure that you are doing everything possible to protect your home’s outward appearance and condition, there are a few pieces of information you need to know about the process of power washing itself.
Power Washing Your Roof is NOT a DIY Task
While you are able to go through the process of renting a power washing machine through some companies, you can not assume that you can manage power washing your roof on your own for many reasons. Some of these reasons include:
- Finding the solution: A professional power wash technician knows the exact amount of detergent or surfactant needed for your surfaces in order to dissolve the build-up of dirt and grime, without damaging the shingles in the process.
- Finding your balance: Balancing on a roof is dangerous in general, but when you add a powerful pressure washing machine to the mix things get a little more difficult. Standing on a slick and sloped surface and properly pressure washing the dirt and grime away can be extremely difficult for people not experienced in roofing. This can lead to serious injuries and sometimes even death.
- Balance take two: Not only is balancing on the roof difficult but balancing on a ladder can be extremely dangerous too. While standing on a ladder it is a bit more manageable, spraying at an up angle and from below can loosen the nails and staples in your roofing. This makes your shingles more likely to come loose during strong storms and high gusts of wind.
- Pressure Control: When you aren't using the proper pressure you can loosen the granules on shingles causing them to become extremely brittle. In some cases, you can blow shingles right off of the roof if you use too much pressure while power washing your roof.
- Expert Level Skill: In order for you to receive a thorough roof washing there is a level of skill and expertise involved. Reaching dirt and other debris that is hidden in between the cracks of shingles or disguised by a dark coloration can be extremely difficult which is why hiring a professional to power wash your roof is important.
Moss and Algae Can Cause Serious Damage
When it comes to your roof the presence of moss and algae can mean serious damages. These contaminants hold excess water which causes shingles to become soft and crumbly. This in turn can cause the paper to tear leading to a water leak. Different from other debris on your roof, mold, mildew, moss, and algae continue to grow as time goes on, allowing them to make their way under your home’s shingles and dislodge the tiles over time.
You Shouldn't Wait Until your Roof is Visibly Dirty
Because of the dangers associated with moss and algae you should never wait until your roof is visibly dirty to get power washing services. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t procrastinate power washing your roof and some of the best times to get pressure washing services:
- A great time to power wash your roof is right after an extremely storm filled season. Doing this will help remove storm residue and other debris that can lead to mold and other containment build ups.
- Once algae and other similar contaminants begin to form they will also grow and spread quickly. This can cause shingles to dislodge and can also soften the roofing tiles. These contaminants thrive in humid environments, so it is better power wash your roof before contaminants can even form.
- Consistently power washing your roof will remove wet leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause contaminants to form. Regular residential roof power washing services will help prevent this damage.
Your Roof's Age Plays a Part in How it Should be Cleaned
If you have an older home then special care has to be taken when it comes to power washing your roof. In order to get the best results with no damage, a soft wash cleaning is needed. A soft wash system uses low-pressure rinsing to remove dirt. This cleaning begins with an application of particular surfactants or detergents, which then seep into every inch of your roof. A soft wash cleanser is gentle yet strong and then works to dissolve thick dirt and grime with a lighter pressure in order to prevent damage to your roof. This low pressure will not cause damage to older and more brittle roofing tiles. Our team can help you determine whether or not this service is best for you depending on your home’s age and the amount of dirt and debris present.
Hiring a Professional to Power Wash your Roof is an Investment in Your Home
Professional roof pressure washing will help to restore the overall appearance of your home through the removal of soot, dust, and other debris. Your shingles will look vibrant and clean, in turn helping the overall appearance of your home. Our team also knows exactly what detergents and surfactants should be used to leave your roof looking pristine!
Power washing your roof helps to dissolve dirt and debris trapped in your shingles, and around your roof’s eaves without damaging the shingles themselves.
It is important for you to know that thorough cleaning of your roof can reveal damages along the surface. Your roof may have some soft spots or water stains that will need structural repair. So not only will power washing your roof keep the appearance of your home perfectly pristine, but it will also help save you money over time. Give us a call today to schedule your professional power washing services!
