Your roof is the structure that protects you and your family from the elements but it’s also an important part of your home’s curb appeal. A dirty or grimy looking roof can make your whole home look dirty. Regular cleaning of your roof can extend its lifespan and increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
Power washing is a fast and effective way to clean dirt, mildew, mold and moss from the surface of your roof. If used correctly, the results can be stunning. But you should be aware of a few things when it comes to using a power washer on your roof.
The first thing is that it can be very dangerous. The high water pressures of a power washer can cause damage to your roof and to the underlying materials of your house or business. The force of the water can rip up and dislodge shingles or other roofing materials. If the roof is made of a more delicate material such as clay or ceramic tiles it could become damaged as well.
It is recommended that you only have your roof power washed by roof cleaning professionals. Roofs are difficult to reach and often require scaffolding or ladders in order to access. In addition, there are many different kinds of roofs, each with its own challenges when it comes to cleaning and power washing. It is important to use a low water pressure and the proper chemicals for each type of roof.
Lichen is one of the most common types of growth on roofs and if not removed properly it can damage the asphalt shingles on your roof. If you use a power washer to remove lichen it is important that you do not overwash your roof. Too much pressure can damage the shingles and make them brittle and susceptible to wind uplift. If you use a low pressure and the right cleaning chemical you can remove the lichen without damaging your roof.
A few other important points when it comes to power washing your roof are to consider the accessibility of your roof and the complexity of the job. If you have a very tall building or very difficult to get to roofs then a professional power washing company in Fairfax should be consulted for the best ways to safely and efficiently power wash your roof.
Power washing is not a good choice for most roofs. The roofs on most homes are not designed to withstand high amounts of force from pressurized water. It can dislodge shingles and other roofing materials, it can break down the bonding between your roof and the underlying structure of your home, and it may even violate some of your homeowners’ insurance policies.