Roof cleaning is a home exterior cleaning service that removes algae, moss, dirt, and other buildup from your roof. Black streaks are a sign that algae is growing on your shingles. Algae, lichen, and moss can cause permanent damage to roof shingles, underlayment, and decking. Roof cleaning improves a roof’s appearance and extends its life. There are different methods for cleaning a roof, depending on the type of roofing material, including pressure washing and soft washing.
If done improperly, pressure washing can damage your roof, so hire only an experienced professional equipped with the right tools. A roof must be pressure washed with the correct technique to avoid damaging shingles and other elements such as gutters and flashing. The soft washing method involves killing organic matter with a cleaning solution and gently removing any growth of algae, lichen, or moss with a soft brush or broom.
Scheduling regular roof cleanings once or twice a year keeps your roof in good health and helps prevent the need for harsher cleaning methods.
Roof Cleaning Equipment
Professional roof cleaning companies use special tools and cleaning solutions that wash your roof without damaging it. Equipment is important, and so is expertise. Hiring an experienced professional is crucial. Roof cleaners use leaf blowers to clear loose debris from your roof. Then, they wash your roof to kill algae and other growth. Sometimes soft scrubbing is needed to remove organic material.
Many cleaning solutions are designed to kill algae, lichen, and moss and prevent their future growth. Some cleaning solutions contain bleach; professionals will take precautions to protect any landscaping around your house from bleach-containing solution as it runs off the roof. Additional equipment required for roof cleaning includes ladders, safety harnesses, and roof anchors. Your roof cleaning technicians must be securely anchored during the roof cleaning process. Reputable contractors will take the proper safety precautions for the job.
Related Services
Many roof cleaning companies also offer other exterior cleaning services, like gutter cleaning and pressure washing services. Maintaining your home’s exterior improves curb appeal and helps prevent costly repair work in the future. If your roof needs cleaning, it is likely that your gutters or other exterior features need it too.
Roof Cleaning Companies
Roof cleaning requires the proper equipment and expertise, so this is not a do-it-yourself project. Improper methods and tools can lead to roof damage or personal injury. Select a roof cleaning company with extensive experience as well as all state-required licenses and active general liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies.