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What is the best way of cleaning a roof? 

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Are you looking for the best way of cleaning a roof and still can’t find it?

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Surely you have noticed changes in your roof and you know that it is time to carry out a thorough cleaning. A lot of time has passed since its construction and it is time to carry out the corresponding maintenance.

Well, here we will show you the most effective roofing cleaning methods. So, you can choose the most suitable one for your roof. Keep reading and learn with us.

Why should my roof be cleaned?

pressure cleaning

Dirt, moss, and algae can accumulate over time on your roof, and gutters, coating all roof surfaces in a thick layer of green. 

Maintaining your slate roof or any type of roof in good shape and clean will help keep your home dry. By doing this, you can also maintain an effective roof with good water run-off. 

Depending on how quickly moss and lichen accumulate, we would advise that you have your roof cleaned every 3-5 years.

You will likely need to have your home cleaned more frequently if it is near big trees. If your home also is in shade for much of the day, it must be cleaned regularly. 

There are several ways to have your roof tiles cleaned. The following information will help you recognize which is the most effective way and which should be avoided.

Ways for cleaning roofs:

A roof can be cleaned using a variety of techniques, each with pros and cons. The top 5 methods for removing moss from roofs are listed now:

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Scraping off the moss, algae, and grime by hand is a straightforward but incredibly efficient method of cleaning roof tiles.

Pressure washing 

Numerous roof pressure washing businesses can clean your roof. When cleaning your roof, this is typically the least expensive but the riskiest option.

Roof Steam Cleaning 

For some shingles, steam cleaning can be done safely. After inspecting your roof, the specialist must decide on the best cleaning method.

The water used for this type of roof cleaning should always be heated to around 140 degrees. The flow must be at a low rate of 6 to 10 litres per minute, and under extremely low pressure. Immediately after cleaning, steam washing will leave your roof spotlessly clean.

Softwash -Using Bleach 

When manually scraping a ceiling, bleach is often used to provide an immediate cleaning. There is very little chance of damage to your roof after the manual cleaning of moss from the roof. However, we don’t recommend gentle washing of roofs. Once the mild washing solution is sprayed on your roof, the sodium hypochlorite (bleach) particles are carried by the uncontrolled wind. This could harm the roof cleaning professionals themselves, passing pedestrians, and animals. That is the main risk of soft washing. The items most at risk are:
  • Garden plants
  • Garden furniture
  • Wooden window frames and greenhouses convertible roofs of cars.
If the chemical comes in contact with any surface other than your roof, it has the potential to cause irreversible damage. When done correctly, gently washing your roof will result in a uniform clean. It can even be seen the same day the moss is removed from the roof. Soft washing does have a role in the exterior cleaning profession. However, we believe it is not the best option for residential roofing.

Organic Roof Wash

The roof cleaning approach that people prefer is just this. The most gentle and long-lasting way to clean your roof is to manually remove the moss from the roof. After that, perform a biocide roof wash.

This method is most effective when performed solely from cranes and mobile access towers rather than ladders.

Before running a biocide roof wash, roof moss is scraped off the shingles by hand. Roof washing along with the biocide kills any living things left on your roof after application. This includes lichens and moss spores.

This type of cleaning can affect the colour of the roof tiles. However, after 3 to 6 months, the tiles eventually return to their original colour.

The biocide prevents the growth of moss for 5 to 10 years, or even longer. That is why it is one of the best options.

Now that you know the best methods for cleaning roofings…

Do you still have doubts?

Here we talk a little about the ideal method and which one avoids. 

The ideal method of having your roof cleaned

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the aforementioned cleaning techniques.

It is recommended that you follow a cleaning procedure that combines two or more of these techniques. This is to maximize impact, minimize hazards, and produce lasting benefits.

Moss, algae and dirt are first scraped off manually. We recommend gently steam cleaning the roof to remove all the smallest particles of dirt and vegetation. 

The low-pressure technique of a steam cleaner accomplishes this safely without endangering your roof.

Your roof will appear like new once it’s finished. Therefore, to safely prevent future lichen, algae and moss growth, we recommend spraying a biocide on your roof.

The biocide kills any mould, algae or moss that may be hiding in cracks and crevices. In addition, with its application, you can rest easy for several years.

cleaning a roof

Why we don't think you should ever pressure wash your roof?

Pressure washing or power washing shingles is a common cleaning technique. However, there are three crucial reasons why we think a ceiling should never be cleaned this way.

  • Your roof can be damaged if you use a very powerful pressure washer. Older tiles can crack from the power of the water jet, requiring expensive repairs.
  • Some tiles may experience a substantially shorter lifespan and need to be replaced sooner if water blasting removes the factory finish.
  • A pressure washer will find small cracks, holes, or vulnerabilities in the shingles or roofing felt. Thanks to this, there is a possibility of water getting on the roof or in the loft.

More facts about roof cleaning in Dublin

    • The roof look says a lot. You can carry out an inspection on your own and check for mosses and algae. If you have even the slightest suspicion, you must act quickly to roof moss removal and all the algae present.
    • After cleaning your roof, you can apply a roof sealer. Sealants shield your roof from extreme weather conditions like heat, snow, and rain. Not all roofs can carry this sealant. A professional cleaning company will be able to tell you if it works for your roof or not.
    • Don’t be afraid to call a roofing professional. In general, they are always willing to offer cleaning solutions with a free quote.

Roof cleaning is vitally important. This extends the life span of your roof and protects your home. So think like Anthea Turner:

“There’s no getting away from it: you have to clean.”

Roof Cleaning Dublin

Now you know the best way of cleaning a roof and the cleaning process. After this, you should be clearer about what you have to do. If you are not sure or have doubts, the best thing to do is to hire a roof cleaning service. A roof cleaning company will carry out an inspection and will know which is the best option for your roof.

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