Pressure washing or soft washing your roof is dangerous. There are some things you need to know if you plan on cleaning your roof yourself. Here’s a quick guide to pressure roof washing in auckland.
TIPS FOR PRESSURE WASHERING A ROOF
Although your shingles might look sturdy enough to mount your roof safely, wet algae can make them slippery. The first rule is to not climb on your roof soon after it has been rained. Wait for the surface time to dry. Don’t walk on wet areas while you clean them. If you slip, make sure you have someone to assist you.
All that said, let’s get to the meat of the job.
You’ll find the far end of the ladder.
It’s not a good idea to spray yourself into corners. Once you have stepped off the ladder, move to the opposite corner of the roof and turn your back toward the ladder. You won’t have to step on wet shingles.
Examine The Roof
You should inspect for problem areas, areas that require extra cleaning, loose shingles, and other spots that may need repair. This step should be completed before you begin cleaning. This will allow you to be aware of what’s happening and prevent any unexpected surprises that could slow down the process.
Start with Detergent
To remove any mold or algae that might have grown on your shingles, start with a biodegradable detergent. Use a soap sprayer or foamer to apply detergent. It is important to loosen the algae to make it easier to clean, not stick to the shingles and to remove any particles that may be left behind after spraying off. Let the detergent sit on the most affected areas for at least a few minutes. Use a lot of cleaner. You will need to rinse/wash less cleaner the more you use.
Use a Lower Setting
Shingles are delicate. Some pressure washers can puncture drywall at the highest settings. It is best to start at the lowest setting and then increase or decrease the flow until you get the desired flow.
Spray down, not up
You might be amazed at how far a pressure washer sprays. Spraying down is the best way to go. This prevents water from getting trapped underneath the shingles, which can cause mold damage.
Move the Sprayer, not The Power Setting
If you need to apply a little more pressure, use a concentrated cleaner instead of adjusting the pressure. Soft washing is the best method to clean your roof without causing more damage than it prevents.
Verify for Damages
Standing straight up can make it difficult to see the damage at eye level. After spraying some shingles make sure you squat down to take a look at the damage and ensure that you are not using too much pressure. Keep checking your progress and only spray a few shingles at once.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND
- Your roof should only be power washed once a year. If you do more than that, your roof may be subject to greater wear and tear than it is designed to withstand.
- However, it is also true that the opposite can be true. Your roof should be cleaned from time to time. Algae and mold can damage your roof, causing long-term problems. In order to maintain your insurance policy, your insurer may require you to keep your roof clean.
- If you don’t have the power washing skills, it’s a smart idea to seek professional help. This job is delicate and potentially dangerous. If you aren’t comfortable, it can be a difficult one.
- Soft washing and pressure washing are not the same thing. For cleaning concrete bricks and other industrial buildings, pressure washing is preferable because it allows water to flow at maximum force. Soft washing is sufficient for most residential roofs. It uses a special sprayer that limits the PSI.
It is a good idea to hire a professional to do the job. If you’re going to attempt to do the job yourself, we recommend hiring a professional. Remember: safety, safety, safety. Wear gloves, goggles, slip resistant shoes, and sunscreen.
