Is your roof covered with algae and mold, and you’re wondering how to clean it? Are you planning on cleaning your roof as a DIY project over the holidays? There are a few factors to consider as you do this, which this article will highlight. Read on to find out more.
The Dos
You are reminded to please:
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Clean With Low-Pressure Water
It’s advisable to always use low pressure to avoid damaging your roof. As the name suggests, high-pressure water will exert excess pressure on your roofing material. The effects of the high force on the roof depend on its material. Some roofing materials are more delicate than others, such as shingles. You might end up stripping the top material that protects it, reducing its life span.
Look into service providers, such as power washing in Jacksonville FL, if you don’t have the necessary equipment, like a pressure washer. They have the appropriate tools needed for roof cleaning, thus lessening the worry on your end.
Alternatively, a garden hose pipe with a sprayer can do. Ensure you regulate the pressure at which water is sprayed from the garden hose.
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Wear Safety Gear
A fall from any roof can cause serious injuries, including death, hence the need to consider safety.
You can avoid accidents by wearing appropriate safety gear. Be sure to put on a harness and fasten it onto something strong to prevent you from hitting the ground if you fall. Put on slip-resistant shoes as well to prevent you from slipping off your roof because of its slope. Wear pads, too, as an additional safety measure on your elbows, knees, and, if possible, around your hips. With pads in place, the extent of the injury will be reduced significantly compared to when you have none.
When it comes to ladders, use one that’s strong enough to hold your weight and is well jointed. Likewise, use one with a height higher than your roof to enable easy movement out of and onto it. With this, you won’t have to take big steps or be bothered that you might miss a step and end up free-falling to the ground.
Consider working with somebody else on this DIY project rather than independently. You might find it difficult to multitask and balance your body, so it’s better to have someone else with you on the roof.
If your roof’s slope is quite steep, however, seek the services of a professional roof cleaner for peace of mind. This way, you’ll avoid major catastrophes as they have the equipment and the right experience to maneuver around your roof easily.
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Trim Overhang Vegetation
Trim the trees growing in your compound that tend to hover over your roof. This is because trees are the major source of debris on your roof, especially leaves.
Besides, your roof surface needs to be dry to prevent the growth of algae and moss. The overhang parts will provide a shadow effect over your roof and reduce sun exposure, resulting in a wet roof most days of the year.
The Don’ts
You’re expected not to:
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Wait For Too Long To Clean Your Roof
In most situations, you can control the amount of dirt you have to clean at a go. No one wants to spend several hours, or worse a whole day, cleaning their roof.
The secret to making your cleaning process easier and faster is by doing it regularly. Create a schedule where you get up there every three or four months to remove the debris from your gutter and get rid of accumulated leaves, algae, and moss. This should include trimming down tree overhangs as discussed above. Doing this prevents excessive accumulation of dirt on your roof, especially if you wait for too long to clean it.
In addition, organize routine inspections with a roofing contractor. They’ll come every few months to inspect your roof and look for any damage, especially those related to algae and water stagnation. By adopting this practice, you’ll always stay ahead of your roof problems.
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Use Strong Cleaning Solutions
As stated earlier, different roofing materials have varying characteristics. Some have absorbent materials, while others don’t; others are made of soft materials whereas others are hard. Therefore, you need to take note of the cleaning solutions you’ll use.
To be on the safe side, clean your roof using mild homemade solutions. You can also find roof cleaning solutions at your local store. Make sure to ask the vendor for the best one for your roof type.
Alternatively, if you can’t figure out what to use for your roof without damaging it, why don’t you leave it to the experts? Their level of expertise includes knowing what works best on any roof type. They have solutions that sure won’t damage your roof.
Conclusion
Cleaning your roof doesn’t require much and isn’t challenging if you have proper guidance. To be on the right track, implement the tips discussed herein, and you won’t go wrong. Meanwhile, if you opt to seek professional services, hire one with adequate experience and who would meet your cleaning needs.
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