Spring is the time of year when most homeowners and home sellers get an eyeful of their roofs for the first time since the winter months. For many, the urge to pull out their manly pressure washer and unleash the high-power settings on a roof covered in moss and other debris is almost overwhelming!
But while power washing your roof may feel like the perfect thing to do when the weather is clear, it can be a dangerous job. If done incorrectly, the water pressure and nozzles used can compromise the roofing materials, create leaks or damage sensitive features like skylights, vents, chimneys or other roof parts.
If you’re unsure how to properly clean your roof without damaging it, call a professional. Experienced roof washing and cleaning service are trained to use the proper cleaning methods, nozzles and biodegradable cleaners for the best results.
Whether you have an asphalt shingle or tile roof, using a traditional power washer to clean your roof can result in a lot of damage. The high-pressure water spray can strip away granules that protect your shingles, making them thinner and brittle.
It can also cause the tiles to shift or break, allowing the water to seep underneath and thereby reducing the lifespan of your roof. Often, the water pressure is so high that it can remove the glazing, dulling the shingles and leaving your roof with bare cement, affecting its curb appeal.
To ensure your shingles are not damaged by the pressure washer, apply detergent before attempting to clean them. This will help loosen any unwanted growth, making it easier to spray away with a lower pressure setting.
Working in sections, start at the top of your roof and work downwards. You can use a 35-degree nozzle to spray the area you’re covering, allowing you to cover more area while still applying less pressure.
Once you have completed your work on one section of the roof, move to the next and repeat until the entire roof is sprayed with the detergent. It can take a few days for the mold and moss to disappear, so make sure to let the soapy water sit for at least 24 hours before rinsing it off.
A roof that’s been cleaned regularly with a soft wash system will be safer for its lifespan and boost your property’s curb appeal. It can also prevent costly repairs or a total roof replacement when the time comes.
Soft wash techniques are a good choice for most types of roofs, but it is important to note that asphalt shingles are especially susceptible to damage from power washers. Using a low-pressure washing process that uses the correct temperature and nozzle type is essential to effective cleaning.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, consider hiring an experienced Annandale, VA DVA power washing services. They know how to clean the granules on your asphalt shingles without compromising the sealants or other roof parts that are vital to the integrity of your home’s roof.