A pressure washing roof can clean away a variety of grime and contaminants to improve the appearance of your home. It can also help your roof last longer and prevent the buildup of moss and mildew.
Power washing is a dangerous task and should only be performed by a professional Arlington, VA power washing company, as there are many risks involved. Some of these include:
The roof you are cleaning will be slippery when wet, so it is important to use a pair of non-slip shoes. These shoes can help reduce the chances of slips and falls during the job and can also make it easier to climb up onto your roof without slipping or damaging yourself in the process.
Before starting the cleaning, it is also important to check the weather forecast. It is not advisable to wash the roof during periods of rain or when the rain is predicted to occur in the near future, as water running off the surface can cause damage to the shingles.
If you do decide to pressure wash your roof, be sure to start from the highest point and work your way down in small sections. This will help prevent you from slipping and will allow you to concentrate on thoroughly cleaning the roof without accidentally causing damage to the shingles.
Choosing the right type of roof cleaner is crucial to making your job as easy and safe as possible. You can use either sodium hypochlorite, which is a bleach-like chemical that kills algae, or you can use detergents.
When using a bleach-based product, it is important to keep the concentration of the product at a low level so that it doesn’t damage the roof material or erode your shingles. Most contractors start with a 5.75% concentration of fresh bleach, which is available at most grocery stores.
A bleach-based solution will remove a variety of dirt and stains from your roof. It can also ward off fungus, algae and moss.
After the roof has been cleaned, you should wait for it to dry before you start walking on it again. Doing so can prevent abrasions and injuries from the wet surface.
You should wash the roof in small sections, moving from top to bottom slowly and steadily, side-to-side. This will prevent you from slipping and falling in wet conditions while also allowing you to focus on completely removing the grime from each section.
The nozzle settings on your pressure washer also affect how well it can clean your roof. For best results, you should experiment with different nozzle settings until you find one that gives you the desired result.
Regardless of the type of material your roof is made of, a regular pressure washing will improve its appearance, increase its lifespan and add value to your home. It will also help you save on heating and cooling bills by reducing the amount of heat your home loses.
