As any reputable roofing contractor will advise you, pressure washing can damage your roof shingles. High-pressure jets can strip the surface granules from your shingles, shortening the life expectancy of your roof. There is also a higher risk of flooding in the attic and home.
Roofing contractors can achieve roof cleaning by manually clearing excess algae, lichen, and moss and then applying the correct cleaner to the shingles. This approach doesn’t involve high-pressure water and won’t damage your shingles.
Why Pressure Washing Is Bad
Until recently, the only means to keep roofs clean was pressure washing. Although this is effective in the short term, it pushes water up under the roofing materials. This results in damaged shingles and roof leaks. Additionally, general roof cleaning companies won’t have the necessary experience to walk on your roof without damaging it. This will also lead to more damage. This is why it is essential to have your roof cleaned by an experienced, professional roofing contractor.
Proper Roof Cleaning Process
Experienced roofers usually employ soft washing technologies to effectively clean and protect your roof without causing damage. Soft washing cleaning systems combine the use of highly effective cleaning products with professional application equipment. This ensures the roof is safely cleaned without any pressure washing.
Your roofer will thoroughly inspect your roofing system before scheduling a roof cleaning to determine any repairs should happen beforehand. If any issues are found, repairs will be scheduled before the cleaning to prevent unnecessary damage. Then your roof is ready to be cleaned!
Roofing manufacturers recommend cleaning your roof and gutters at least 1-2 times a year as an essential part of maintenance. But if you live in an area with lots of trees, you may have to clean it 3-5 times a year. Besides, every roof is different and requires different cleaning strategies.
Overall, safe roof cleaning involves using a soft bristle brush to remove as much moss as possible before spraying it down with 50/50 bleach and water to kill any remaining moss. For cedar shake roofs, debris should be blown off the roof with a blower. Gutters are also inspected and hand-cleaned. A composition roof should never be pressure washed as it will shorten the roof’s lifespan and void the warranty.
Schedule Your Roof Cleaning Today!
To keep your roof looking sleek and performing at its best, professional roof cleaning and annual maintenance are essential. The S&S Roofing roof cleaning and maintenance program includes removing tough grime, dirt, algae, and mold. Overall, roof cleaning helps maintain your roof to prolong the lifespan of your roofing system. Contact us today for a free estimate for your Arlington, WA home!
