A mistake in roof cleaning can be very costly. After all, this can lead to porosity in the tiles. Or worse, the water-tightness of the entire roofing system is called into question. In order to protect the inhabitants of a house as well as possible, with the possible exception of a green roof, the roof requires regular maintenance and a good cleaning.
Naturally, only professionals can provide this service. But of course, you can also clean your roof yourself, provided it is flat or just slightly sloping. To avoid accidents, it is important that your home has no more than one floor. If your roof is sloping or if you have several stories, you will benefit from the services of a roofer.
Moss removal: removing plants and dirt
The roof of your home should be cleaned at least once a year, and this includes the removal of moss. Sometimes the roof gets dirty very quickly and is covered with lichen or moss. There are two options for cleaning.
The first is to use water and a firm brush and then scrub the pests and stains off. Be careful to clean only the outside of the tiles so as not to damage the materials underneath the shingles. Then wash the roof with water from top to bottom, removing any large debris beforehand to avoid clogging the pipes.
You can also use a pressure washer to clean the roof, always from top to bottom. To avoid making mistakes when cleaning the roof, be aware that this method can corrode the tiles and make them more susceptible to dirt. Also, you should always spend a good time finding a reliable pressure washing Sacramento service to clean your roof. Professionals would be able to complete the cleaning work correctly.
Also, don’t forget to start cutting back any tree branches above the roof to avoid falling leaves.
Cleaning the roof thoroughly and protecting the roof
To complete the removal of moss, spray the cleaned roof with anti-moss or algaecide. Do this when the weather is good and there is no wind. The product will completely remove any plant imprint.
To protect your roof from weather damage such as frost, rain or pollution, apply a waterproofing treatment. Leave the product to work for 24 hours and then wash it off, in the same way as for moss removal. This will reduce the permeability of the tiles by smoothing their surfaces.
Cleaning the roof: accessing the roof
The following recommendations apply equally to flat, slightly sloping or low roofs. In other cases, you should seek professional help. In any case, never work alone, as climbing onto a roof is dangerous. It is, therefore, better for you to have someone else around. Also, wear non-slip shoes so that you do not slip on the roof or ladder. Get a ladder for climbing onto the roof. These can be found in supermarkets and cost between 100 and 160 euros, depending on the height of the ladder.
Finish by cleaning the gutters
Using a bucket and a small shovel, first remove any large pieces of waste that have accumulated in the gutters, such as dead leaves. Make sure you do not block the downspouts. To rinse, use a garden hose or a high-pressure cleaner. Finally, remember to check if the manhole needs to be washed.
