Over time, we can notice our roof becoming dirty due to harsh weathering, debris and moss build-up. So, in order to keep your roof looking at its best and working to its full potential, you want to clean it routinely.
Moss, in particular, can cause damage to roofs – it’s important you plan to clean this off as soon as it appears to keep the functionality of your roof and visual appeal high.
Safety is Key
It is crucial that the correct safety precautions are in place when carrying out work on your roof, DIY roofing work can be dangerous. You’ll need to wear appropriate PPE when using harsh chemicals such as bleach, found in cleaning solutions, and your shoes will need a sturdy grip.
It is advised to use secure scaffolding when working on your roof, and sturdy ladders or roof crawlers.
It is not advisable to use pressure washers to clean your roof as this can be very unsafe and can even cause damage.
How do I clean a roof?
Firstly, debris such as leaves, twigs, and other natural objects can be removed from the roof using a blower or brush. If you have the correct equipment you could do this by hand whilst on the roof.
Moss holds water, so it can exacerbate any potential leaks by transferring this water to the laths. These will then eventually rot and take water under the roof – so it is best removed, despite some people liking the visual quality.
How do I get moss off my roof?
To clean moss off a roof, you will need a small trowel and a wire brush. Starting from the top of the roof and working your way down, you’ll have to remove each tile and scrape away the moss. The brush can be used to remove any stubborn pieces – and do so directly into a bucket for easy disposal. It’s best to do this on a clear, gentle day so that moss isn’t swept off your roof, making a mess elsewhere.
Unless there is a leak coming from the top of the roof, you shouldn’t need to remove the top row of tiles which fit under the ridge. Just give the edge on show a thorough clean.
If you notice any cracked or broken tiles whilst you are cleaning your roof, contact your local roofer or you can contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
How do I get stains out of a shingle roof?
Black stains on shingle roofs are often due to algae, this feeds on the limestone, weakening the shingles and allowing them to soak up more heat.
Using a bleach and water solution is the most effective way of cleaning this off without voiding the warranty or damaging them. Be sure to test this out on a spare shingle before cleaning them all.
Once tested, you can clean the others by spraying a section of the roof and scrubbing with a long-handled brush.
Make sure to do this on a day with minimal sun, as this can dry the cleaning solution too quickly to work with.
Keeping your roof clean can help reduce the risk of leaks, maintain a great aesthetic appeal, and help your roof tiles last. If you have any problems or think your roof may be coming to the end of its lifespan, please give contact us, and we will be happy to come and take a look. We offer free, no-obligation quotes and helpful advice.
