Roof cleaning involves more than just removing debris or trimming overhanging branches. Using ineffective cleaning techniques and tools can lead to costly maintenance problems and may even compromise your roof’s performance. In this guide, we will discuss common roof cleaning mistakes that homeowners should avoid and provide practical strategies to make the cleaning process more efficient and less demanding.
Being Unfamiliar with Your Roof
One common yet crucial mistake of homeowners is being clueless about their roofs. Different roofing materials react differently to various pressures and cleaning solutions. Before starting the cleaning process, take the time to learn the different parts of a roof, identify your specific roof’s type, and age. Familiarizing yourself with your roof allows you to clean it effectively and safely, making the experience more manageable and even enjoyable.
Not Conducting an Inspection
Another mistake to avoid is not taking the time to perform a thorough roof inspection before cleaning. Not addressing pre-existing issues not only makes the cleaning process unnecessarily longer, but it can also compromise your safety. You can do the inspection on your own, with a trusted loved one, or hire a professional roof contractor.
If doing it independently, begin by checking the roof from the ground, walking around the house. Use a sturdy ladder to check the roof and wear protective clothing. Some key aspects you need to check include missing or cracked shingles, accumulated debris, any signs of damaged flashing, and blockages in downspouts and gutters.
Cleaning During Extreme Weather or Season
When cleaning your roof, the timing is essential. Avoid cleaning your roof in heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can be dangerous and ineffective. Choose the time and day when the weather is nice, preferably when it’s cool or gloomy. In addition, avoid cleaning your roof during winter as it can lead to injuries, roof damage, and possibly structural issues.
Ignoring Safety
Not following safety protocols is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners need to avoid when cleaning their roofs. Always prioritize safety by using proper gear and equipment, such as a sturdy ladder, protective eyewear, chemical-proof gloves, a safety harness, durable footwear, and appropriate clothing.
Make sure that your ladder is positioned properly, as it needs to be stable and evenly balanced. It should also be durable enough to accommodate your weight and movement. It is best to have a trusted friend or relative hold the ladder while you climb to reduce the chances of you falling or misstepping.
Power Washing
While power washing can effectively clean any surface, using it to clean your roof is not advisable. The high-pressure water can damage the roofing material, particularly the roof tiles and shingles, loosen flashing, remove protective coatings, and cause damage to roofing underlayment.
Instead of power washing your roof, it is best to utilize soft washing. This cleaning method involves using a low-pressure cleaning application of a gentle cleaning solution. Soft washing is gentler on surfaces, more environmentally friendly, and provides cleaner and long-lasting results. Another alternative to soft washing is using a leaf blower, roof rake, or cleaning sprays. These options are generally safer and more effective than power washing or other forceful cleaning methods.
Using Harmful Cleaning Solutions
Some cleaning products can harm your roof and the surrounding environment. Before cleaning your roof, research safe cleaning alternatives that are not only effective but also won’t pose any health hazards. Choose cleaning products without harsh chemicals and ideally, produced sustainably.
Read the fine print and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding application and dilution. Before applying the cleaning product on your entire roof, test it first on a small area to ensure it suits your roof and won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Neglecting Your Landscape
One overlooked task when roof cleaning is disregarding the landscape. It is important that you take measures to protect your plants and landscaping to avoid damage from debris or cleaning solutions. Some cleaning products can be hazardous to your shrubs, plants, and trees, so be mindful when reading the ingredients listed on the cleaning products.
Before starting the cleaning process, remember to cover your landscape with protective tarps, ensure that cleaning solutions are properly diluted, and, if possible, reroute the water runoff to a safer area. Prioritize the plants directly below the gutter downspouts or roofline, as they are the most vulnerable.
Not Asking for Help
Another grave mistake you need to avoid when cleaning your roof is doing it alone. While cleaning it independently may seem cost-effective, it is actually counterproductive and more dangerous. Cleaning your roof by yourself can also lead to roof damage, especially if you have little to no experience.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if the task is too challenging or dangerous. Hiring professional cleaners can also save you considerable time and energy, as roof cleaning is labor-intensive. These professionals also have specialized cleaning equipment that can make the entire cleaning process more efficient.
If you don’t have the budget to hire professional cleaners, another alternative is to seek help from trusted loved ones or even from your neighbors. Choose someone with enough roof cleaning experience and whom you trust to keep you safe.
Relying on the Internet
While the internet offers a myriad of benefits, especially in securing valuable information, remember to take everything with a grain of salt. Relying solely on the internet for roof cleaning advice can lead to irreversible and costly roof damage. It can also compromise your safety and everyone involved, void your roof’s warranty, and reduce its lifespan.
When searching the online world for helpful roof cleaning recommendations, be mindful of the people you follow or the content you consume. Always practice skepticism and adopt a cautious mindset. Instead of believing everything you read online, it is best to consult a reputable roofing contractor to ensure the information you’re getting is reliable and accurate.
Endnote
Cleaning your roof is crucial for its maintenance and longevity. By avoiding these common mistakes and applying effective strategies, you can ensure a safer and more efficient cleaning experience.
