A clean roof is more important than you might think. Regular roof cleaning can improve your home’s appearance, longevity, energy efficiency, health, and value, making it necessary to maintain a healthy roof.
Cleaning your roof is tricky, so we’ve broken down how to deep clean your roof safely and efficiently with some roof maintenance tips. Read on to learn about roof cleaning in Auckland.
Safety Considerations
Safety is one of the most important things to consider when deep cleaning your roof. Wearing protective clothing and the right gear ensures your safety and prevents injury. A safety harness, helmet, and non-slip shoes will help prevent falls and keep you safe while working on the roof.
If you’re using cleaning products to clean your roof, it’s important to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs. Protect yourself from harmful chemicals by wearing gloves, eye protection, and a mask.
Some extra assistance is one of the most important ways to keep safe while cleaning your roof. They can help steady a ladder, provide support, and be there to act in an emergency. They can serve as a spotter, helping you keep an eye on your footing and ensuring that you are stable.
Materials Needed to Clean Your Roof
To clean a roof, you will need the following materials:
- A ladder that can reach the roof safely.
- Roof cleaning solution specifically designed for cleaning roofs, a commercial product or a mixture of water and bleach.
- Garden hose
- Stiff-bristled scrub brush to remove dirt and grime.
- Protective gear such as gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect against any fumes or irritants.
- A bucket to carry cleaning solution and other supplies up to the roof.
- A tarp or plastic sheeting to protect surrounding landscaping and surfaces from any cleaning solution runoff.
Preparing the Roof
Before you begin cleaning, you need to prepare the roof. The first thing you’ll need to do is check the weather forecast. Avoid cleaning the roof on days with high winds or rain, as it can be dangerous, and the cleaning solution may not be effective.
To prepare, you’ll need to place a tarp or plastic sheeting around the base of the roof to catch any cleaning solution runoff. Check for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles, cracks, or holes. Make any necessary repairs before cleaning.
Cleaning the Roof
There are a few different methods you can use when it comes to cleaning the roof. Here are a few of the most common:
Pressure washing: This method uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, and other build-ups. This method is fast and effective but can also damage some roofing materials. It’s important to be careful and use the appropriate pressure setting.
Chemical cleaning: This method involves using a cleaning solution, typically a mixture of water and bleach, to loosen and remove dirt, algae, and other build-ups. The cleaning solution is applied with a spray bottle or garden hose and then scrubbed into the roof with a brush.
Soft washing: This method is like chemical cleaning, but the cleaning solution is left to sit for a while rather than scrubbed off. The solution breaks down the dirt and build-up before being rinsed off with a low-pressure garden hose.
Manual scrubbing: This method involves physically scrubbing the roof with a stiff-bristled brush and a cleaning solution. This method is effective but can be time-consuming and physically demanding.
Keeping on Top of Things
Regular roof inspection reports and small cleanings will minimise future build-up and mean that deep cleaning isn’t necessary very often. Cleaning your roof is a huge job, so a smaller cleaning more often will make your life a lot easier.
Get your roof back to its best
Regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of your roof and prolong its lifespan. It also keeps your home looking its best. If your roof looks a little worse for wear, get in touch with Ascent Roofing to discuss your options! We specialise in residential roof replacements, commercial roofing replacement and installations, heritage villa roof restorations, and general roofing maintenance.
