Cleaning your roof is a necessity for any homeowner. It keeps you from the elements, improves your home’s curb appeal and helps you keep your investment protected. Whether your roof is made of wood, metal or asphalt shingles, it needs to be maintained regularly.
You can power wash your roof yourself or hire a professional power washing company in Rockville, MD to complete the job for you. Whether you decide to do it yourself or go with an expert, there are some tips and tricks to help you get the job done right.
Know your equipment
When you decide to power wash your roof, make sure you have the necessary safety gear and supplies on hand. This includes a respirator, gloves and long sleeves. It’s also important to wear protective eyewear. Keeping your eyes safe is a key part of power washing, as you could easily get a chemical in your eye that’s not meant to be sprayed at such high speeds and pressures.
Choose the right roof cleaner
A quality cleaner makes all the difference when it comes to getting your roof clean. Its powerful formulas break down the dirt and grime that can build up on your roof, leaving it looking new again.
The best roof cleaners are also the easiest to use. They contain chemicals that work together to get rid of stains and algae without requiring you to scrub.
There are many different types of cleaning products that you can use on your roof, so you’ll want to find the one that works best for your specific situation. For example, if you have a copper roof, you’ll want to find a product that is safe for your metal surface.
Be mindful of the chemical that you use on your roof, as it can corrode the materials and cause serious damage to your property. Some common options include sodium hypochlorite, chlorine bleach and sulfur dioxide.
Bleach-based roof cleaners are typically recommended by the manufacturers of asphalt shingles. This is because they’re less harsh on the shingles, and the chemicals are able to kill a lot of stains at once.
Using too much of these chemicals, however, can actually harm the shingles and cause them to fade quicker. Plus, the overspray from these chemicals can wreak havoc on your plants, and it’s not good for the environment as it causes runoff.
Avoiding these harsh cleaners is a great way to prevent future problems and extend the lifespan of your roof. A good alternative is vinegar.
Aside from being safer, vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and fungi on your roof and keep it looking fresh and new. It’s also an excellent way to preserve your roof shingles and prolong their lifespan.
Consider the cost and time of power washing
The amount of work that goes into a power washing project depends on several factors. The size of the area being cleaned, how often you power wash it and whether you hire a power washing contractor will all impact your pricing.