Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Kravelv
As a homeowner, you probably spend hours cleaning every room of your home, as well as some parts of the exterior. Like many others, however, you might tend to overlook the roof simply because it’s out of sight and hard to reach.
As your home’s first line of defense against harsh outdoor elements and weather, your roof is the most vulnerable part of your home and tends to easily accumulate debris. Thus, regular cleaning is a must to ensure your roof’s longevity and appeal.
In this article, you’ll learn some of the dos and don’ts of cleaning that roof over your head. Read on!
1. Do Put Safety First
This is, perhaps, the most important thing you need to consider before you clean your roof, especially if you have a high one. You ought to have the right equipment and take the necessary precautions when working on your roof.
You can start by getting a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. Always wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent falls and slips. Also, make sure to wear eye protection and gloves to avoid any injuries when cleaning your roof.
2. Do Consult The Expert
While there’s no one stopping you from doing DIY roof cleaning, if you have a higher roof or are concerned for your safety, it’s best to consult and hire an expert like Epic Clean, a reputable roof cleaning Miami company.
Professional roofers have the proper training and right equipment to safely climb and clean your roof. It’s best to leave this job to the professionals as they know how to carry things out without causing any damage to your roof and any surrounding property.
3. Don’t Conduct DIY Pressure Washing
Using a pressure washer may seem like the easiest way to blast away grime and dirt buildup on your roof. However, it can actually do more harm than good. The high-powered streams may damage your roofing materials and cause moisture leaks.
So, instead, consider hiring a reputable pressure washing Miami FL service provider or one from your locality. They have the experience and right equipment to prevent damage to your shingles while getting rid of any grime, dirt, algae, and mold, leaving your roofing materials spotlessly clean.
4. Don’t Forget To Clean Your Gutters
Some homeowners may be too focused on cleaning the roof shingles that they forget to clean their gutters. However, gutters are an essential part of your roofing system as they drain collected water from the roof.
So, if you want to extend the life of your roof, you should also clean and maintain your gutters. They’re prone to blockages due to the accumulation of leaves, dust, dirt, and debris. Clogged roof gutters can cause water to go back up and seep under your roof. Also, when gutters are full of debris or standing water, they may also become heavier, putting unnecessary stress on your roof.
All in all, cleaning the gutters ensures the proper flow and drainage of water, as well as reinforces the integrity of your roofing system.
5. Don’t Ignore The Surrounding Areas
As you focus on cleaning your roof, don’t forget about the surrounding areas. Structural elements such as the patio or deck, as well as lawn, garden, and the plants, can be easily harmed by falling water, bleach, and other roof chemicals used during the cleaning process. You can cover such areas prior to the roof cleaning process, then clean them thoroughly after the task is done to remove any traces of harmful substances.
6. Don’t Forget The Timing
Some homeowners simply decide to clean their roofs when they’re feeling energetic. However, it’s important to plan and pick the right day to clean the roof.
In general, experts don’t recommend cleaning your roof on a hot, sunny day. The scorching heat of the sun can quickly evaporate your bleaching solution before it fully dissolves algae, moss, and mold on your roof. Obviously, you don’t want to clean your roof on a rainy day or even with a slight drizzle, which makes your roof unmanageable and slippery. Plus, it washes off the cleaning agent before working on its magic.
Ideally, you want to clean your roof on a cool, cloudy day.
Takeaway
No one wants a messy, dirty home–both inside and out. And, while your roof may be out of your sight and reach, it shouldn’t be out of your mind. A poorly maintained roof can ruin your property’s curb appeal, and it can significantly degrade its structural integrity. Thus, it’s important to keep the roof sparkly clean at all times.
That said, when you’re ready to clean your roof, always consider the dos and don’ts enumerated above to ensure a successful and efficient cleanup process.
