Roof Cleaning is the process of removing algae, mold, mildew, lichen, moss, and oxidation from your roof. Keeping your roof clean can extend its life and prevent damage caused by the elements. Read on to learn about the benefits and safety factors of roof cleaning. It is recommended for homeowners of all ages and is a great way to maintain the exterior appearance of your home.
The cost of roof cleaning varies based on the type of roof and the method used. Hiring a professional can cut down on costs. Another option is to use an online marketplace such as Airtasker, where you can post a task, indicate your requirements, budget, and timeframe, and receive quotes from roof cleaning companies in just a few minutes.
Depending on the size of the roof, the cleaning process can cost anywhere from $0.15 to $0.68 per square foot. In the table below, you’ll see typical costs for common roofing sizes. The price may also vary depending on the material of the roof, the size of the area, and the complexity of the job.
Roof cleaning costs vary depending on the materials used on your roof, the size of the roof, and the slope. The cost also increases if your roof is in poor condition. For example, moss on your roof can clog your gutters, increase your cooling costs, and wear down shingles prematurely. Roof cleaners will remove the moss from your roof, but they may also recommend zinc oxide strips for a further fee.
Depending on the material of your roof, you can choose to have your roof pressure-washed or have it soft-washed. Soft-washing is an option that uses low-pressure water beams and environmentally-friendly cleaning chemicals. If you don’t want to spend the money on pressure washing, you can also use a garden hose to perform the cleaning process yourself.
Roof cleaning companies may attempt to sell additional services, such as gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and even roof replacement. Before selecting a roof cleaner, ask for a second opinion and make sure you understand all of the fees involved. The final cost will depend on the type of roof you have and how much you’re willing to spend.
Whether you have a flat roof or a metal one, you should have it cleaned regularly to avoid damage. A properly cleaned metal roof will last longer than one that isn’t clean.
One of the most popular methods of roof cleaning is wire brushing. Wire brushes work by pushing moss under the edge of the roof. This method will remove the moss, but the wire bristles will also wear down the edge of the roof. Within a year, the moss will grow back and expose the roof to the elements.
When cleaning the roof, you should begin at the top and work your way down. Make sure you leave some debris on the roof floor. Also, it is best to do this process during the summer as the longer days help the wet chemicals dry more quickly. If the weather is nice, you should do this cleaning in the morning and evening since sunlight will speed up the drying process of the chemicals.
While you can hire a roof cleaner to clean your roof, you should be cautious because many methods may harm the shingles and the roof itself. It is better to take preventive measures rather than trying to clean a moss-ridden roof with a pressure washer. It is also better to let a professional roof cleaner inspect the roof for problems and provide suggestions for preventing future problems.
Besides pressure washing, other methods of roof cleaning include using bleach solution or sodium percarbonate solution. Both methods are not ideal as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage surrounding property and harm people or pets. For this reason, many people prefer hiring professional cleaners to clean the roof. The asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends a 50/50 solution of household-strength sodium hypochlorite with water to remove algae effectively. Zinc sulfate can also be applied annually to prevent the regrowth of algae.
While a roof cleaning method is not cheap, it will help you avoid big problems and pest problems in the future. Furthermore, a clean roof will also save you money on your energy bills. When organisms and other debris are on a roof, they absorb heat and make the home inefficient. A roof cleaner should also adhere to all safety regulations and procedures to avoid any unnecessary risks.