Cleaning your roof is an essential part of homeownership. Not only does a clean roof provide a cared for and welcoming appearance to your home, but it keeps you safe as well. A buildup of debris or mildew on your roof causes long term damage which costs thousands of dollars to repair. Save yourself the trouble and conduct a thorough roof cleaning twice per year to ensure your home looks its best and is protected for years to come.
Schedule your inspections
Before you complete any roof cleaning, you’ll need to schedule an inspection. This is typically recommended twice per year— once in the springtime and once in the fall. Contact a roofing company directly to complete the inspection as this step of the process must be completed by a professional. If you’re unfamiliar with roofers in your area, conduct a basic internet search to help narrow down your options. Type in a phrase like “residential roofing denver” and browse the search results provided. Once you contact a trusted Denver roofing company or a roofing contractor in your area, set up an appointment for your inspection. The roofing crew comes out to your home to take a look at how safe your roof is and provides cleaning and maintenance recommendations from there.
Safety is imperative
Once your roof has been inspected, it’s time to roll up your sleeves in preparation for the cleaning process. The first step is to wear the proper clothing items to prevent any serious injuries from occurring. If you’re cleaning your roof yourself, you’ll need to wear slip resistant sneakers, eye and skin protection, and heavy rubber gloves. This protects your skin and eyes and ensures that you safely remain on the roof as you move from one section to the next.
While cleaning your roof yourself is acceptable, this is only recommended if you have a flat roof or if you live in a single story home. If you don’t have a flat roof, or you have multiple levels to your home, leave the cleaning to the professionals. Contact the same roofing company you used for your inspection and request an appointment to clean your roof. They’ll do a great job and you won’t have to put your own safety at risk if you don’t have the proper gear or if your roof is too expansive.
Remove dirt and debris
When you clean your roof yourself, it’s best to remove all dirt and debris first. This makes it easier to apply cleaning products to your roof and helps you pull off excess branches, leaves, and other debris that has accumulated in your gutters and along the roof itself. Wear your heavy rubber gloves for this task to prevent injury to your hands as you remove larger pieces of debris. Be sure to work slowly and methodically to complete a thorough cleaning while keeping your safety at the forefront of your mind. After the debris is cleared, remove the dirt lingering on your roof before proceeding to the next step.
Choose the right cleaning products
After the dirt and debris has been cleared away, it’s time to apply cleaning products to your roof to restore it to its original glory. The type of cleaning product you use depends on the type of roof you have. Different types of roofs require different products because some materials may be damaged by certain cleaning solutions. For a clay or concrete tile roof, it’s important to steer clear of any products containing harsh chemicals. These chemicals erode the tiles over time which may lead to a complete roof replacement in just a few years.
For cedar shingles, avoid harsh chemicals and pressure washing your roof. Choose products that are free from ammonia and bleach, as these chemicals weather and discolor your shingles. If you have a metal roof, simply pick out cleaning products designed specifically for the type of metal your roof is made of and you’ll be good to go.
Pick the right method
Power washing is one of the easiest ways to clean your roof, though this method isn’t recommended for all types of roofs. Before you set in on your roof with your power washer, do some preliminary research. Power washing is not recommended for asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, wood shingles, cedar shingles, and slate shingles. If your roof is made of a material that can be safely pressure washed, this is the best way to approach your twice annual cleaning. You’ll get the work done in a fraction of the time and your home will look better than ever.