Black, green or gray stains strip the roof’s charm and it’s also a sign that you need to get it cleaned as soon as possible.
If you find that algae, fungus, mildew or moss are growing on your roof, you should get rid of it at the earliest.
This will ensure that you don’t end up spending a lot of roof repair costs!
Procrastinating roof cleaning, in spite of extreme weather conditions, can certainly favor the growth of algae and fungus.
This will damage the roof further.
Now, the Internet is flooded with roof cleaning methods and DIY roof cleaning solutions.
But that doesn’t mean that you can use any roof cleaning method of your choice. You’ll need to take some precautions.
Another thing that you need to remember is that cleaning the roof on your own means you’re putting yourself at risk.
So it’s always better to get in touch with a professional roof cleaning company near you.
Let’s look at the different roof cleaning methods that most companies offer.
Roof cleaning methods depending on the material of your roof. Here are 3 popular roof cleaning methods.
1. Eco-friendly Roof Cleaning
Bleach, chlorine, and phosphate can fade the color of your roof and harm the vegetation and waterways.
That said, there are eco-friendly roof cleaning products that don’t contain toxic chemicals.
Eco-friendly roof cleaning method is gentle and uses equipment that is safe for your roof.
The products used for eco-friendly roof cleaning are expensive, which makes it more expensive than other cleaning methods.
Most professionals use products such as roof cleaning shampoo.
This cleaning method includes a low-pressure rinsing system and is effective in getting rid of algae, moss and lichens completely.
Eco-friendly roof cleaning is recommended for asphalt roof shingles and clay tiles.
Asphalt shingles are delicate and using other methods for cleaning increases the risk of damaging them.
Alternatively, you can use asphalt roof cleaners.
2. Chlorine Bleach Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaners spray chemicals like trisodium phosphate with high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite. Once it dries up, it is reapplied as required.
The chemicals used in the process aren’t very expensive.
Also, the experts need not get on the roof for rinsing or inspection. So this method is quite affordable.
But the chemicals emit a strong odor and you may not get instant results.
What’s more is that the fumes emanating from the cleaning agents may harm the pets and people. They are also harmful to the trees and plants and can damage them permanently.
Bleach may damage aluminum gutters. It also neutralizes termite protection chemicals.
Keep in mind that roof cleaners often conceal the fact that they use bleaching products for cleaning.
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If they cover plants before cleaning the roof, then it is an indication that they are using bleach.
3. High-Pressure Power Washing
Some people prefer opting for high-pressure power washing.
This method uses hot or cold water for roof cleaning.
This cleaning method cleans the roof surface. But doesn’t get rid of the organisms completely.
You can also power wash or brush clean your roof. But it will strip the granules that protect the roof and damage the shingles.
So there is a higher chance that you will need to get your roof cleaned again in a few months.
High-pressure cleaning doesn’t require chemicals or detergent. Hence, it’s environment-friendly.
It is also affordable and is mostly used to clean ceramic tiles.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Roof cleaning costs depend on the slope, size, and design of your roof.
The more complex the design, the higher it will cost.
Also, the cost of roof cleaning depends on the height of your roof as it takes lots of efforts for professionals to take their equipment there.
On an average, roof cleaning costs about $412.
If you live in a place which is prone to sleet or snow, then you may be charged higher.
A house surrounded by trees will have a thick moss growth due to lack of sunlight.
Moss keeps the roofing material damp for longer durations and may cause the wood to rot. The more the moss, the more the cleaning cost.
Houses along the beach get damaged by salt and will require higher cleaning cost.
It is better to consult a professional to get your roof cleaned. This is because professionals use heavy duty machinery to get rid of the debris and moss.
Some use power washing machines to remove stubborn stains, while others use handheld brushes and cleaning solutions.
Roofers have experience in cleaning roofs made of different materials.
If an amateur isn’t familiar with your roof material, they may damage it and lead to more repairs.
So it’s always a good idea to hire a professional roofing company to get your roof cleaned. You’ll find some top roofers listed in Same Day Pros. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.
